AIIMS Patna Doctor Couple’s Nerve Mapping Equipment Gets Govt Of India Patent

The machine developed by Dr Vikas Chandra Jha and his wife Dr Sangam Jha prevents nerve damage during brain and spine surgeries.

In a first, a doctor couple from All India Institute of Medical Science, Patna has secured a patent for a device that simplifies complex brain and spine surgeries.

The device, made by Dr Vikas Chandra Jha, Head of Neurosurgery Department, and his wife Dr Sangam Jha of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, will reduce damage to nerves during surgeries. Dr Vikas said the machine is called ‘Intra Surgical Nerve Mapping Pro Suction Tube’ and it is capable of identifying and repairing nerves as it can be negotiated in different directions within the body. Equipped with Artificial Intelligence, the machine is capable of repairing damaged nerves based on command.

The machine, in use at present, is an American device that identifies damaged nerves only in one particular direction. The new device is a prototype and has already been used in surgery on seven patients at the institute. Dr. Vikas said he started working on the machine in August 2022 and received the patent for it from the Government of India in December 2024. “The seven patients who were operated upon using the machine recovered fast,” he said. Dr Vikas said if surgery was conducted using the old machine, a patient would have to stay in the hospital post-surgery for a week. However, now with the use of his machine, the post-surgery stay has been reduced to within seven days. Dr Vikas said his machine ensures that nerves are not damaged during brain and spine surgeries. What’s even better is that it identifies damaged nerves in the body and helps repair them