AIIMS-Patna Develops Tubular Brain Retractor With 1-2mm Surgical Precision

AIIMS-Patna’s neurosurgery department has patented a tubular brain retractor built to bring more precision and safety to deep-seated brain surgeries. The device, which can function as a floating or fixed tubular retractor depending on the operation’s complexity, integrates with state-of-the-art neuronavigation and robotic platforms to give surgeons precision of 1-2mm — a critical margin when working around delicate brain structures.

The Government of India granted the patent for the indigenous device to Dr Vikas Chandra Jha, professor and head of the department of neurosurgery at AIIMS-Patna, who conceived and led the multidisciplinary project. Its technical design and clinical results have been published in the internationally reputed journal Neurosurgical Review.

Traditional open brain surgery involves large cranial openings and considerable disturbance to healthy brain tissue while reaching deep lesions. AIIMS-Patna says the new retractor instead lets surgeons navigate to those lesions through a much narrower surgical corridor, cutting wound size, blood loss and the risk of postoperative neurological complications while shortening recovery times and hospital stays.

Cost is a major part of the pitch. The device’s manufacturing cost is estimated to run 80-90% lower than imported alternatives, and AIIMS-Patna expects it to bring down the overall cost of minimally invasive brain surgeries by 30-40%, extending access to advanced neurosurgical care for economically weaker patients.

The team behind the retractor included neurosurgeons Dr Nitish, Dr Vivek Saran Sinha, Dr Gaurav, Dr Rahul and Dr Sangam, along with the department of anaesthesiology. AIIMS-Patna’s director said the innovation reflects the institute’s push to develop affordable, world-class medical technology.