AIIMS-Patna Pioneers Affordable Brain Surgery Device

The Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS-Patna has developed a groundbreaking, patented tubular brain retractor. This innovative device is designed to enhance the safety and affordability of deep-seated brain surgeries.

This multidisciplinary project, led by Dr. Vikas Chandra Jha, has received a patent from the Government of India. The retractor's design and clinical performance have also been recognized internationally with a publication in Neurosurgical Review. Its technical specifications allow it to function as both a floating and a fixed retractor, adaptable to various surgical complexities.

Unlike traditional open brain surgery requiring large incisions, this new retractor enables surgeons to access deep lesions through a narrow corridor. This minimal-contact approach results in smaller wounds, reduced blood loss, and a lower risk of postoperative neurological deficits, leading to faster patient recovery and shorter hospital stays.

Furthermore, the indigenous innovation is poised to significantly lower healthcare costs. Its estimated manufacturing cost is 80-90% less than imported devices, with the potential to decrease overall minimally invasive brain surgery expenses by 30-40%. This advancement aims to make advanced neurosurgical treatments more accessible, particularly for economically disadvantaged populations.