Gooseneck Flexible Brain Retractor-Utility of Flexible Gooseneck Tubing in Neurosurgery.

Abstract

Brain retractor is an indispensable instrument in Neurosurgery craniotomy set. Gooseneck tubing is an engineering marvel and has many applications (Reading lamp, Microphone, Tablet/phone holder, etc). We present a brain retractor made with an ultra-light duty Gooseneck tubing and report its use in five craniotomies for various pathologies. The traditional flexible brain retractor (Leyla) consists of three principal parts: a flxation base, a flexible arm or arms, and a blade holder. We replaced the flexible arm by an ultra-light duty Gooseneck tubing in our new retractor. The retractor proved very useful in the five cranial surgeries done and no complications were noted during its use. Gooseneck flexible Brain Retractor is a safe and cheaper alternative to the presently available brain retractor system. It has several advantages compared to traditional retractor. The efficacy and supremacy over traditional retractor systems need to be confirmed by further studies.