Hubly Surgical’s journey began in the fall of 2017 when its CEO, Casey Qadir (née, Grage), was a neuroscience student at Northwestern University. Driven by a passion for neurotechnology, Qadir also had a connection to Parkinson’s disease due to her grandfather’s battle with the condition, which fueled her interest in exploring safer surgical interventions. She learned about the risks associated with traditional neurosurgical drilling methods, particularly the dangers of drilling too far and the use of hand crank drills in emergencies.
Hubly Surgical was founded with a clear mission: to make all medical drilling safer by preventing accidental damage to the brain or underlying tissues. The company aims to ensure that patients can safely undergo life-saving procedures and have access to reliable surgical interventions for neurosurgeries.
The path to innovation was not without its challenges and evolved with shifting circumstances and new insights. Fundraising was shaped by the onset of the 2020 pandemic, which began shortly after the team went full-time in December 2019. Then a strategic product pivot occurred about a year into the startup in response to high production costs for the surgical drill’s original auto-stop mechanism. The team developed a new, cost-effective method of auto-stop, which led to the finalization of a new minimum viable product (MVP) in 2021.
Casey Qadir, Co-founder and CEO, Hubly Surgical
In 2021, Qadir was also working toward her master’s degree at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. She took that opportunity to approach William S. Anderson, MD, PhD (Stan), a professor of neurological surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, with her innovative idea. Johns Hopkins played a crucial role in this journey, being among the first users of the product. Participating in the Pava Center’s Fuel accelerator and NSF I-Corps also provided valuable feedback and guidance.
This was followed by rigorous FDA testing and clearance of the Hubly drill in May 2023.
The FDA clearance was a pivotal milestone for Hubly Surgical, transitioning the company from pre-commercial to commercial status and legitimizing its innovative approach to neurosurgical drilling.
Anderson’s team purchased 8 drills to trial, ensuring they were comfortable with the equipment and that it worked “according to spec.”
Since receiving FDA clearance, Hubly has experienced significant growth. “We’ve sold over 5,000 drills in this initial launch,” said Qadir. “Seeing the Hubly Drill perform exactly as intended, saving thousands of patient lives, is deeply fulfilling and really is the most powerful reminder of why we do this work.”
The company uses 1099 sales distributors, who are neurosurgery-specific and regional, to expand its reach. Hubly Surgical recently has launched a 2.7-millimeter diameter drill bit for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor placement and expanded their sales representatives to all continental US states. Additionally, an FDA clearance application for the Hubly Spine Drill has been submitted with the goal of making spine procedures safer.
Anderson highlights the practical benefits of Hubly’s drills, particularly in the ICU for patients with hydrocephalus or brain injuries needing pressure reduction. The old manual drill method was “onerous” and “cumbersome,” whereas the new battery-powered drill accelerates procedures, enhances safety by providing greater control, requires less manual skill, and standardizes the process for surgeons. This reproducibility aids in studying and improving procedures over time.
“Residents are using the drill in an ICU environment, and they have to work quickly,” said Anderson. “There are nurses, technicians, and respiratory therapists who need to take care of the patient so, the faster you are at getting this done, the better it is for the medical team.”
For entrepreneurs like Qadir, she stresses the importance of actively listening to users and staying committed to the mission of improving patient care. She advises gathering extensive input, avoiding defensiveness, and ensuring that products truly meet user needs to benefit patients.
Hubly Surgical’s journey from inspiration to innovation is a testament to the power of personal connection, perseverance, and a relentless focus on improving patient outcomes. With its groundbreaking technology and clear mission, Hubly Surgical is poised to transform the landscape of neurosurgical procedures, making them safer and more accessible for patients everywhere.