--- title: "Urologist Powers Vasectomy With Electric Pickup Truck During Blackout" description: "Austin-based urologist Christopher Yang used his Rivian R1 T pickup truck to literally power a vasectomy procedure during a prolonged Texas power outage." date: "2022-09-15" modified: "2022-09-15" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/neoscope/urologist-vasectomy-rivian-truck" categories: - "Health & Medicine" - "Prosthetics and Devices" tags: - "electric pickup" - "rivian" - "vasectomy" --- # Urologist Powers Vasectomy With Electric Pickup Truck During Blackout ![Austin-based urologist Christopher Yang used his Rivian R1 T pickup truck to literally power a vasectomy procedure during a prolonged Texas power outage.]() *\Image: Christopher Yang via Twitter\* As if all-electric trucks weren't [hardcore ]()[enough](). Austin-based urologist Christopher Yang ran a long extension cord from his Rivian R1 T pickup truck to one of his patient's rooms to literally power a vasectomy procedure during a prolonged Texas power outage, Illinois State University's public radio station [*WGLT* reported earlier this month](). It's perhaps the pinnacle of what electric pickup trucks are capable of: [providing a decentralized source of power]() when the grid goes down — while also, in a medical twist, making sure some guy is no longer able to impregnate his partner. "I performed what is likely the world's first Rivian powered vasectomy today," Yang [tweeted](). One of Yang's staff members had the idea of hooking up his Rivian to the patient's room. During the 15 to 20 minute procedure, Yang was able to use an electrocautery device unimpeded. "When talking to the patient, we mentioned that we could just reschedule the procedure itself, or, if he was up for it, we could do the vasectomy using power from the truck," Yang told *WGLT*. "And he had a good laugh as well, and we agreed." The truck, with its numerous 110 volt outlets had no issues whatsoever providing Yang a steady source of electricity. "Electrocautery was normal, procedure went great!" Yang [tweeted](). "After we were done, I told his family," he told *WGLT*. "We all had a good laugh together too." California-based EV maker Rivian started producing its R1 T pickup last year. The vehicle, which starts at $67,500, has gotten [rave reviews](). The company doesn't, however, advertise the fact that its truck can power minor medical procedures. "I’m not sure that this (vasectomy) should be planned use of the truck," Yang joked, "but it’s definitely great to have that as a backup just in case." **READ MORE:** [Texas doctor uses his Rivian truck to power a vasectomy]() \[*WGLT*\] ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()