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UK-First: Surgeons Access Brain Through Eye
19 May
Summary
- Brain surgery performed through eye socket, a UK first.
- Procedure avoided opening skull and touching the brain.
- Patient recovered quickly and returned to work within weeks.
A groundbreaking UK-first surgery has allowed specialists to treat a dangerous brain aneurysm by operating through the patient's eye socket. Andrew Wood, 61, underwent the procedure at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, avoiding the need for traditional major brain surgery which typically involves opening the skull and manipulating brain tissue.
Consultant neurosurgeon Asim Sheikh explained that accessing the aneurysm via the eye socket provided direct entry, enabling surgeons to place a clip on the vessel without touching the brain. This technique built upon previous work by the same team who had removed a brain tumour through the eye socket in 2024.
Engineers created a 3D-printed model of Mr. Wood's skull and aneurysm to allow surgeons to rehearse the operation beforehand. Custom retractors were also developed to safeguard the eye during the procedure. The surgical team, including consultant maxillofacial surgeon Jiten Parmar, emphasized the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Mr. Wood, from Wakefield, reported a swift recovery, spending just one night in the hospital and returning to his job as a builder within weeks. He experienced no pain or double vision, expressing gratitude for the second chance at life provided by the innovative surgical approach.
