Indigenous AIIMS-Patna Device Could Cut Brain Surgery Costs by 80-90%

A team of neurosurgeons at AIIMS-Patna has patented an indigenous tubular brain retractor that could dramatically cut the cost of deep-seated brain surgery, with its manufacturing cost estimated at 80-90% lower than imported equivalents.

The device can be configured as a floating or fixed tubular retractor depending on the surgery’s complexity, and pairs with neuronavigation and robotic platforms to give surgeons precision of 1-2mm — an important margin when operating on delicate brain structures. The Government of India granted the patent to Dr Vikas Chandra Jha, professor and head of neurosurgery at AIIMS-Patna, who led the project. Its design and clinical performance have been published in the journal Neurosurgical Review.

Where conventional open brain surgery requires large cranial openings and extensive handling of healthy brain tissue, the retractor lets surgeons reach deep lesions through a much narrower corridor. AIIMS-Patna says this results in smaller wounds, less blood loss, a lower risk of postoperative neurological deficits, and faster recovery.

Beyond the lower manufacturing cost, the hospital expects the device to cut the overall expense of minimally invasive brain surgeries by 30-40%, widening access to advanced neurosurgical treatment for economically weaker patients.

The project drew on contributions from 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 device reflects the institute’s ongoing effort to build affordable, globally competitive medical technology.