Brain Retraction

Surgical resection of deep brain lesions requires careful planning and execution to avoid iatrogenic neurological injury. Brain retractor systems have existed for decades to perform tumor removal procedures, despite being known to result in brain swelling due to extensive force applied onto nervous tissue. Regardless, surgery with metal fixed retractors remains the most commonly used standard for treatment. While progress has been made in minimizing fiber tract trauma through the development of commercial tubular retractors that apply radial force to tissue, challenges remain for surgeons using these instruments. Noted design complaints include long operative reach for surgeons, limited corridor for bimanual procedures with existing forceps, aspirators, and bipolar cauterization tools, as well as poor visualization of the tumor site through the channel. Compounded with poor training programs and clinical support, these limitations have resulted in slow and skeptical adoption by neurosurgeons. There is a need therefore to develop a retraction system that caters towards these surgeon preferences without compromising patient outcomes.