Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can occur if the support tissues or the pelvic floor muscles are weakened and damaged. There is increased probability for POP occurrence after childbirth, menopause, or in overweight women. Because the natural history and progression of POP is still unknown, the approache...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2020-07-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/15/5108 |
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| author | Myoungjae Jun Hieyong Jeong Masayuki Endo Michiko Kodama Yuko Ohno |
| author_facet | Myoungjae Jun Hieyong Jeong Masayuki Endo Michiko Kodama Yuko Ohno |
| author_sort | Myoungjae Jun |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can occur if the support tissues or the pelvic floor muscles are weakened and damaged. There is increased probability for POP occurrence after childbirth, menopause, or in overweight women. Because the natural history and progression of POP is still unknown, the approaches used to prevent it have not been clear. POP is an uncomfortable condition that affects one every three women. However, most people feel uncomfortable to discuss it. Herein, we conducted a feasibility evaluation study for self-assessment approaches with a vaginal endoscope based on three-dimensional (3D) printing. The proposed endoscope has two parts: (a) rubber material used to cover it for its intended insertion, to avoid direct contact with the walls of the vagina, and (b) two types of sensors at the tip for measurements. The condition inside the vagina was observed with a camera and depth sensors based on the regulation of the amount of air. Arbitrary temporary prolapses from the testbed’s generator enabled us to perceive the location of the problem and symptoms that were regarded as the early stage. As discussed, the low-cost design of the 3D-printed-based vaginal endoscope provides a self-check capability and allows continuous observations that help prevent POP. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T18:14:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e8236dacad9f496e8555d707fdaa6a09 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T18:14:30Z |
| publishDate | 2020-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-e8236dacad9f496e8555d707fdaa6a092023-11-20T07:53:59ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172020-07-011015510810.3390/app10155108Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ ProlapseMyoungjae Jun0Hieyong Jeong1Masayuki Endo2Michiko Kodama3Yuko Ohno4Department of Robotics & Design for Innovative Healthcare, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, JapanSchool of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbongro, Bukgu, Gwangju 61186, Gwangju, KoreaDivision of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, JapanDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, JapanDivision of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, JapanPelvic organ prolapse (POP) can occur if the support tissues or the pelvic floor muscles are weakened and damaged. There is increased probability for POP occurrence after childbirth, menopause, or in overweight women. Because the natural history and progression of POP is still unknown, the approaches used to prevent it have not been clear. POP is an uncomfortable condition that affects one every three women. However, most people feel uncomfortable to discuss it. Herein, we conducted a feasibility evaluation study for self-assessment approaches with a vaginal endoscope based on three-dimensional (3D) printing. The proposed endoscope has two parts: (a) rubber material used to cover it for its intended insertion, to avoid direct contact with the walls of the vagina, and (b) two types of sensors at the tip for measurements. The condition inside the vagina was observed with a camera and depth sensors based on the regulation of the amount of air. Arbitrary temporary prolapses from the testbed’s generator enabled us to perceive the location of the problem and symptoms that were regarded as the early stage. As discussed, the low-cost design of the 3D-printed-based vaginal endoscope provides a self-check capability and allows continuous observations that help prevent POP.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/15/5108balloon-type vaginal endoscopethree-dimensional printing technologypelvic organ prolapse |
| spellingShingle | Myoungjae Jun Hieyong Jeong Masayuki Endo Michiko Kodama Yuko Ohno Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Applied Sciences balloon-type vaginal endoscope three-dimensional printing technology pelvic organ prolapse |
| title | Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse |
| title_full | Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse |
| title_fullStr | Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse |
| title_full_unstemmed | Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse |
| title_short | Evaluation of a Balloon-Type Vaginal Endoscope Based on Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Self-Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse |
| title_sort | evaluation of a balloon type vaginal endoscope based on three dimensional printing technology for self assessment of pelvic organ prolapse |
| topic | balloon-type vaginal endoscope three-dimensional printing technology pelvic organ prolapse |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/15/5108 |
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