Ceramic scissors by Kyocera.jpg
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Health topic Maternal mortality
Child mortality
Health classification Preventative
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Location Florida, United States
Instance of Ceramic scissors
OKH Manifest Download

Problem being addressed[edit | edit source]

Right after childbirth, infection is a large problem during the cutting of the umbilical cord for both mother and child. 277,376 neonatal deaths alone attributed to tetanus in 1997 according to the World Health Organization, which are due to improper sterilization of the cutting tool. Additionally, there is a high cost associated with the use of disposable scalpels, which may encourage developing nations to reuse them and thus perpetuate the risk of infection.

Detailed description of the solution[edit | edit source]

The device is a pair of ceramic scissors which is easily sterilized. The device is expected to reduce the risk of infection related to tetanus and other diseases due to improper sterilization of disposable scalpels or using a rusty scalpel. The ceramic scissors stay sharp longer than metal scalpels and are not prone to rusting.

Designed by[edit | edit source]

  • Designed by: This device was designed by Margo Klar, a graduate student at the University of Florida and at Yale University.

Funding Source[edit | edit source]

This device was made possible through a $100,000 grant from the Gates Grand Challenges Exploration.

References[edit | edit source]

Externally generated reports[edit | edit source]

Fox, Allyson. "The kindest cut." College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2013. Link available here.

"Technologies innovations maternal neonatal newborn." Maternova offers neonatal health devices, obstetric supplies at low cost.. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2013. Link available here.

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Part of Global Health Medical Device Compendium
SDG SDG03 Good health and well-being, SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
Authors Eva Shiu
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 3 pages link here
Impact 242 page views
Created January 14, 2013 by Eva Shiu
Modified July 20, 2023 by Irene Delgado
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