Patna: The Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS Patna has developed a patented indigenous tubular brain retractor for minimally invasive endoscopic brain surgery. The institute said the device can also be integrated with neuronavigation and robotic technology, allowing surgeons to perform highly precise procedures through small surgical openings.
According to AIIMS Patna, the device is intended for surgeries involving deep-seated brain tumours, brain haemorrhage and selected spinal disorders. It has been designed to minimise damage to healthy brain tissue while improving surgical precision.
Designed For Minimally Invasive Surgery
The institute said conventional open brain surgery often requires a larger opening in the skull and greater manipulation of normal brain tissue. The newly developed retractor enables surgeons to reach deep brain lesions through a narrow surgical corridor, reducing disruption to surrounding tissue.
AIIMS Patna said the approach could result in smaller surgical wounds, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and a lower risk of neurological complications. Patients may also be able to return to normal activities sooner.
Compatible With Navigation And Robotic Systems
The tubular retractor has been designed to function as both a floating and a fixed system, depending on the surgical requirement. It is compatible with neuronavigation and robotic platforms, allowing placement with an accuracy of 1–2 millimetres during procedures involving delicate brain structures.
The institute said the manufacturing cost of the indigenous device is estimated to be 80–90% lower than comparable imported alternatives. It added that the innovation has the potential to reduce the overall cost of minimally invasive brain surgery by 30–40%, improving access to advanced neurosurgical care.
Patent And Scientific Recognition
The Government of India has granted a patent for the innovation to Dr Vikas Chandra Jha, Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS Patna. The device’s technical design, safety and clinical performance have also been published in the international journal Neurosurgical Review, according to the institute.
The project was led by Dr Jha with contributions from Dr Nitish, Dr Vivek Saran Sinha, Dr Gaurav, Dr Rahul and Dr Sangam from the Department of Neurosurgery, along with the Departments of Anaesthesiology and the institute administration.
Institute Applauds Innovation
The Director of AIIMS Patna congratulated the research team and said the institute remains committed to supporting indigenous medical innovation. The director said the focus is on developing affordable, high-quality healthcare technologies that improve patient safety, accelerate recovery and reduce healthcare costs in India.
