Rhys Hibbert, a 48‑year‑old father of two from Bedfordshire, became the first patient to undergo brain surgery assisted by real‑time artificial intelligence. The operation, performed at University College London Hospital, removed an 11 mm non‑cancerous tumour from his pituitary gland. The tumour was located near the carotid arteries and the optic nerves, structures that supply blood to the brain and control vision. Loss of vision or damage to these vessels could have led to serious complications. Surgeons inserted an endoscope through the nose to reach the base of the skull. The AI system analysed the live video feed, tracked instruments and highlighted areas where vessels and nerves were likely to be, allowing the team to avoid critical structures. Pre‑operative imaging indicated a 25–50 % risk that the tumour would not be completely removed and a 0.5–2 % risk of injuring a major blood vessel. 'From a patient safety perspective, I can see the benefit,' Hibbert said. Prof Hani Marcus, who led the procedure, said the AI acted as an expert second pair of eyes and operated in real time. He added that the tool is intended to provide surgeons with an optional advisory resource, not to replace their judgment, and that a broader trial is planned. James Frith, health innovation minister, said the surgery demonstrated the potential of AI to improve patient outcomes while emphasizing the need for safety safeguards. The research team is preparing a larger trial to evaluate the technology's effectiveness.