Neurosurgeons at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London have successfully removed a brain tumor using an artificial intelligence system, marking a world first in AI-assisted surgery. The procedure, which took place in May, saved the sight of 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert. Details of the operation were withheld until Thursday to allow for Mr. Hibbert's recovery.
The AI system, developed in-house at the UCL Hawkes Institute, analyzed live camera footage during the surgery. This real-time analysis helped the surgical team identify critical structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, near the 11mm tumor on Mr. Hibbert's pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, a small structure at the base of the brain, is located in close proximity to the optic nerves and major blood vessels. Damage in this area can lead to severe complications, including blindness, stroke, or death.
Dr. Sophia Bano, an associate professor in robotics and AI at UCL and the technical lead for the AI system, stated that the AI has been trained on hundreds of surgical videos. This extensive training exposes the system to a wide range of surgical scenarios that a human surgeon might encounter over many years. The AI is designed to recognize critical anatomy, surgical instruments, and tissue interactions in real time, thereby supporting surgeons during complex procedures.
Mr. Hibbert had been diagnosed with the tumor in 2024. His symptoms worsened over time, including vision problems and severe hormone imbalance. Without the surgery, he faced the risk of permanent blindness. Following the operation, Mr. Hibbert reported a significant improvement in his vision, stating, "When I opened my eyes after the operation it felt like I had got 360-degree vision – I hadn't seen that clearly for a year." He has since returned to work as a customer service manager.
The AI system operates on an NVIDIA Clara IGX platform, designed for real-time AI applications in medical devices. Unlike conventional surgical planning tools that rely on pre-operative scans, this AI technology assessed conditions as they unfolded during the surgery, providing guidance to the surgical team. The surgical team at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, remained in full control of the procedure.
Professor Mike Lewis, the NIHR's scientific director for innovation, described the surgery as "pioneering" and highlighted the potential of advanced AI to support surgeons and improve patient care. The research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, among other bodies, as part of a clinical trial. Researchers are exploring further applications for the technology, including tracking surgical instruments and monitoring instrument-to-tissue interactions.