SBIR Phase I: Novel Gynecological Speculum Instrument for Decreased Patient Pain and Enhanced Provider Functionality

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $305,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a novel design approach for the gynecological speculum, a common instrument used for diagnostic exams and treatment procedures. Each year in the US, over 69.4 million speculum exams and procedures are performed with 40% of first-time patients reporting pain and 60% reporting anxiety. Common issues include pain, discomfort, and other factors that can result in potential trauma and stress. These factors deter patients from seeking out and adhering to care. This project utilizes human factors and ergonomic science for a differentiated form factor that aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, improve care processes and outcomes, and reduce barriers leading to long term care adherence for an instrument with a $462 million annual market. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a 3-leafed gynecological speculum offering a broader, unencumbered field of view for the provider while reducing pressure on sensitive tissues for the patient. The novel instrument design redistributes and reduces pressure against the walls to enable better provider visualization of internal cavity organs and improving the patient’s exam experience. This project includes advancing the design engineering and iterative prototyping which will then be validated using a combination of a benchtop anatomical model, instrumented prototypes, and user feedback with objecti

Key facts

NSF award ID
2507662
Awardee
YONA CARE LLC (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
CYQ7N25KNXE3
PI
Frances Wang
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Quantitative sys bio and biotech, BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Estimated total
$305,000
Funds obligated
$305,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 03/31/2027