AIIMS-Patna’s New Brain Retractor Cuts Surgery Costs by Up to 40%

The department of neurosurgery at AIIMS-Patna has developed a patented tubular brain retractor designed to make deep-seated brain surgeries safer, minimally invasive and highly affordable. The device can function as either a floating or a fixed tubular retractor depending on the complexity of the operation, and integrates with state-of-the-art neuronavigation and robotic platforms.

That integration allows neurosurgeons to achieve a precision of 1-2mm, a critical factor when navigating delicate and complex brain structures. The Government of India has granted a patent for the indigenous innovation to Dr Vikas Chandra Jha, professor and head of the department of neurosurgery at AIIMS-Patna, who conceived and spearheaded the multidisciplinary project. The device’s technical design and clinical performance have also been published in the internationally reputed journal Neurosurgical Review.

Unlike conventional open brain surgery, which demands large cranial openings and extensive manipulation of normal brain matter, the retractor allows specialists to navigate to deep lesions through an exceptionally narrow surgical corridor. According to AIIMS-Patna, this minimal-contact approach translates into smaller surgical wounds, significantly reduced blood loss, diminished risk of postoperative neurological deficits, and faster patient recovery with shorter hospital stays.

The device is also expected to lower costs substantially. Its manufacturing cost is estimated to be 80-90% lower than imported counterparts, and it is expected to cut the overall expenditure of minimally invasive brain surgeries by 30-40%, making advanced neurosurgical treatment more accessible to economically weaker sections.

The project involved contributions from neurosurgeons Dr Nitish, Dr Vivek Saran Sinha, Dr Gaurav, Dr Rahul and Dr Sangam, along with the department of anaesthesiology. The director of AIIMS-Patna reiterated the institute’s commitment to pioneering world-class, affordable medical technologies aimed at reducing patient risk and healthcare costs across the country.