Surgical Tool Innovation
The Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility (CGHSR) at the University of Minnesota is partnering with Minneapolis-based design firm Kablooe, UMN’s Technology Commercialization Office, and training programs through the Institute for Engineering in Medicine to develop a cost-effective, safe, and reusable suture suspension surgical device specifically designed for management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in low-resource settings.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), which involves relaxation of the pelvic support leading to descent and sometimes protrusion (herniation) of pelvic organs, affects up to 40% of women worldwide — yet treatment options remain inadequate, especially in low-resource settings. This widespread condition can severely diminish a woman’s quality of life, leading to chronic pain, urinary and bowel dysfunction and social stigma.
Gynecologists in low-resource settings often use older surgical tools that are locally available to treat women with POP, increasing the risk of complications like suture misplacement, bleeding and injury to neighboring organs.
Unfortunately, newer tools that are safer and easier to use are often disposable and unaffordable. They also use specialized sutures that are not available in low-resource environments. We are building a surgical tool that incorporates the safety features of the newer tools (suture recapture, ease of use, etc.) but is reusable (autoclavable) and relies on locally available sutures.
This innovation is being designed by our team of surgeons and learners at the University of Minnesota with input from global surgery partners to ensure that we are addressing a real need and designing for the local context. This work will result in reduction of surgical complications, improve surgical outcomes and advance equitable access to care for millions of women globally.
This initiative is a manifestation of how U.S. academic and industry collaboration can drive impactful innovation in women’s health. Rooted in Minnesota’s leading health tech ecosystem, the project combines clinical, engineering and design expertise to develop a scalable surgical tool for Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Informed by global insights, the solution is designed for use in both low-resource settings abroad and underserved communities in the U.S., addressing a widespread need with practical, cross-sector innovation.
This work has also created an invaluable learning opportunity for undergraduate and graduate level trainees in business and engineering whose experience in innovation for environmental sustainability and global equity will inform their future careers.
"The ongoing project we are engaged in with the Global Women's Health Initiative for the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility is not only unique and timely, but an opportunity to provide a surgical solution for medical practitioners that live in less-advantaged communities around the globe."
Kablooe Director of Project Plans Fred Sklenar
