Brain spatula with transparent tip: technical note.

Abstract

A newly developed brain spatula with transparent tip for brain retraction is introduced. The high-molecular polymer plastic material is used only for the tip of the new spatula whilst rest of the spatula is made up of the ordinary malleable metal. The transparent nature of the spatula tip helps us in observing the retracted brain vessels and cranial nerves in continuity with the main operating area. The extent of distortion as a result of the retraction can be directly observed assisting in prevention of an inadvertent injury. The new brain spatula with transparent tip is helpful for microneurosurgery under high magnification. Various shapes and sizes of the spatula can be used.