UBC engineers develop new way to use power drills as surgical tools in Uganda
A team of UBC biomedicial engineers is developing a new and cheaper way for surgeons to work

A team of biomedical engineers from the University of British Columbia is developing a new way for surgeons in developing countries to use power drills as surgical tools.
The instrument, which was first developed for surgeons in Uganda, has a medical-grade, sterilized fabric that fits over regular hardware store drills.
The idea is one of five ventures that are part of a mentorship and development program run by the Sauder School of Business at UBC.

Florin Gheorghe with Arbutus Medical — the startup created by UBC engineers who developed the drill — said the idea helps prevent infections while making surgeries in conflict zones cheaper and more efficient.
The kit costs around $2,000 compared to a surgical drill that can cost $30,000.
"We developed the drill cover, which is a completely sealed, sterile barrier that basically you can put that so-called dirty hardware store drill inside of, and it fully encloses it and it makes it safe to use in a sterile clean surgical environment
on a patient."
He says the product is being tested in hospitals around the world including locations in Uganda and Ukraine.
With files from Meera Bains
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.