The naked truth — We're not making this up
Tool Time for MDs
CMAJ 1998;159:1454
© 1998 Canadian Medical Association
Most physicians have heard a tale or 2 about a colleague who used a Black and Decker drill to relieve an epidural bleed in a patient's skull. This is not mere legend, a recent article in the Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine points out (3;1998:225-7). An article, "The occasional burr hole," looks at Canadian Tire-type surgery and provides step-by-step instructions á la Bob Villa on how to drill a hole in the cranium.
Dr. Keith MacLellan advocates a sense of historical perspective. "Drilling a hole in the head is just the boring (sorry) start to most neurosurgical days," he writes. "Trephination was practised safely in the Stone Age. So relax."
First, you need the equipment: a sharp-pointed drill (penetrator) to make a hole in the outer table of the cranium and a blunt-ended burr hole bit to complete the drilling through the skull and minimize the chance of penetrating the dura.
If the drill and 2 bits aren't available in your hospital, head for the local hardware store. MacLellan found what he was looking for at Canadian Tire: the 1/2-inch, high speel steel drill bit (catalogue # 54-3032-8) cost him $8.49. Amazingly, the bit instantly morphed into a medical instrument when he brought it to the hospital. If supplies are really limited, the entire process can be carefully done with a penetrator and carpenter's drill.
Not only is the equipment effective, it's also a money-saver — hospital administrators take note.
 |
Send a letter to the editor Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction |
