AIIMS-Patna Unveils Affordable Brain Surgery Device
AIIMS-Patna has developed a patented brain retractor, promising safer and less costly neurosurgeries.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Patna has made significant strides in neurosurgery technology with the development of a patented tubular brain retractor. This innovative device, designed to enhance the safety and affordability of brain surgeries, marks a notable advancement in medical technology.
Innovative Design Enhances Surgical Precision
AIIMS-Patna’s neurosurgery department has engineered the device to function as both a floating and fixed tubular retractor, adaptable to the complexity of surgical procedures. The retractor can be integrated with advanced neuronavigation and robotic platforms, allowing neurosurgeons to achieve precision levels of 1-2 millimeters. This high degree of accuracy is crucial when operating on sensitive and intricate brain structures.
Significant Cost Reduction
One of the most striking features of this new device is its potential to drastically reduce the cost of brain surgeries. The manufacturing cost of the retractor is estimated to be 80-90% lower than imported alternatives. As a result, the overall cost of minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures could decrease by 30-40%, making them more accessible to economically disadvantaged patients.
Improved Patient Outcomes
Unlike traditional open brain surgeries that require large cranial openings, the new retractor enables surgeons to address deep-seated brain lesions through a narrow corridor. This approach minimizes contact with brain tissue, resulting in smaller surgical wounds, reduced blood loss, and a lower risk of postoperative complications. Consequently, patients can expect quicker recoveries and shorter hospital stays.
The development was led by Dr. Vikas Chandra Jha, the head of the neurosurgery department at AIIMS-Patna. The device's technical design and clinical performance have been documented in the internationally recognized journal, Neurosurgical Review, underscoring its scientific credibility.
The director of AIIMS-Patna praised the collaborative efforts of the team, including neurosurgeons Dr. Nitish, Dr. Vivek Saran Sinha, Dr. Gaurav, Dr. Rahul, and Dr. Sangam, along with the department of anesthesiology. This innovation aligns with the institute's commitment to developing world-class, cost-effective medical technologies that reduce patient risk and healthcare burdens across India.