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 the Institute for Engineering in Medicine to develop a cost-effective, safe, and reusable suture suspension tool specifically for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) surgery in low-resource settings.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) 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Gynecologists in low-resource settings often use outdated tools to treat women with POP, increasing the risk of complications like suture misplacement and injury to neighboring organs. Unlike existing tools, which are often outdated, imprecise, or unaffordable, our innovation is being designed with input from global surgeons to reduce complications, improve surgical outcomes, and advance health equity for millions of women.
This initiative demonstrates 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.
"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
