Thermal Coagulation Device for Treating Cervical Dysplasia

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide despite being a highly preventable disease. Nine out of every 10 deaths due to cervical cancer occur in developing regions with limited access to medical care and unique resource constraints. To address cervical cancer prevention within the confines of these unique limitations, our team of students and faculty advisors at the University of Utah's Center for Medical Innovation developed a low-cost, portable technology that utilizes thermal coagulation, a form of heat ablation, to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team of students worked with clinical and industry advisors to develop a globally applicable treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia through a systematic process of problem validation, stakeholder analysis, user-centered design, business plan development, and regulatory clearance.

Results: Our efforts resulted in the development of a functional, self-contained, battery-operated prototype within 72 days, followed by Food and Drug Administration clearance of a finalized device within 18 months.

Conclusion: Interdisciplinary university programs that leverage the capabilities of academic-industry partnerships can accelerate the development and commercialization of affordable medical technologies to solve critical global health issues.

Keywords: biomedical engineering; ergonomics and/or human factors study; the business of surgery.