Development of a vaginal canal measurement tool and ultrasound compatible model to guide the design of patient-specific pessaries

Abstract

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) management relies on subjective diagnostic measurements and inefficient trial-and-error pessary fitting. This thesis establishes a patient-specific engineering workflow to address these limitations. First, a mechanical introitus measurement tool was prototyped using Selective laser sintering (SLS). Although measuring differently than digital calipers, it demonstrated feasibility for standardizing internal assessments. Second, a parametric manufacturing pipeline for personalized silicone pessaries was developed using 3D-printed molds. Finally, a high-fidelity, ultrasound compatible pelvic phantom was engineered to validate these technologies. Using a novel sacrificial tooling technique, the phantom integrated a realistic introitus and a rigid, 3D printed pubic symphysis within a ballistics gel matrix. Industrial validation confirmed the model’s anatomical and acoustic fidelity. Collectively, these innovations transform POP care by replacing subjective assessment with a rigorous, data-driven methodology. model’s anatomical and acoustic fidelity. Collectively, these innovations transform POP care by replacing subjective assessment with a rigorous, data-driven methodology.Mitacs2027-02-2