Induvita is a Norwegian start-up founded by a midwife and a gynaecologist. They were frustrated that medical devices for women are often designed by and made for men.There are no realistic enough simulators in use in Norwegian hospitals today. This means that health professionals have to train on real women in vulnerable situations.
The result is a realistic and portable simulator of the female reproductive system. The simulator can be used by healthcare professionals to train on vaginal examination during childbirth and gynecological examinations.
Better training means reduced risk of misdiagnosis, malpractice and unnecessary examinations during childbirth. Both simulators provide healthcare professionals with increased expertise, better safety for both personnel and patient leading to better healthcare and better women's health.
Our role was to work closely with Induvita to take the idea through to the finished product. Overall goals of the project were realistic materials, without being bothersome, as well as simple assembly, but correct and precise anatomy.
Rapid prototyping was a key part of the project where we 3D-printed and molded parts in silicone to verify usability and realism together with Induvita. We also worked to identify suitable manufacturing processes and production partners. For this project, it is essential to be able to produce a large number of unique parts in low volume with small investment costs.
The pregnant simulator offers the possibility of training on all types of scenarios in childbirth, such as cervical opening and the level, position and presentation of the child.
The non-pregnant simulator provides an opportunity to practice on common gynecological examinations and, for example, cervical examination, spiral insertion and endometrial biopsy.
