Rhys Hibbert, a father-of-two from Bedfordshire, could have lost his sight without the operation, said surgeons at University College London Hospital.
The AI tool analysed a video feed of the operation as it happened and advised surgeons on how to avoid crucial but hidden vessels and nerves in the brain. It allowed them to safely remove as much of the tumour as possible.
"From a patient safety perspective, I can see absolutely the benefit. There are no road signs inside our head," said Hibbert.
Until 18 months ago, 48-year-old Hibbert, a customer services manager, was fit and healthy, going on a two-mile walk every lunchtime.
It was on one of these walks that he fell unconscious and started fitting in the road.
A brain scan revealed he had an 11mm (0.433in) non-cancerous tumour growing on the pituitary gland - a marble-sized organ at the base of the skull.
The gland secretes vital hormones that help with processes like growth, metabolism and regulating blood pressure and temperature.
Crucially it sits very close to the carotid arteries which are vital vessels that supply blood to the brain, and the optic nerves that control vision.
As Hibbert's tumour began to press on his optic nerves, it narrowed his peripheral vision.
"Though I had a lot of people kindly offering help, you don't want to be a burden on people," Hibbert said.
"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."
And in the eight weeks since surgery, he has noticed his sight improving every few days.
"I also have my energy back and all of the side effects I was suffering before surgery have gone.
"It's given me my life back."
James Frith, health innovation Minister, said he was pleased that Rhys that he had "life-changing surgery" as part of government funded research.
'AI needs proper safeguards and we will always ensure that safety is taken seriously.'
"But we will also ensure we benefit from the opportunities it brings," he added.
Post a Comment