TU Delft Biomedical Engineering for Global Health Lab
Hello!
We are the TU Delft Biomedical Engineering for Global Health Lab
We focus on Medical Innovations for Global Health to enhance Universal Health Coverage. Our lab, part of the Department of BioMechanical Engineering at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, designs innovations to improve global access to medical equipment and training. Collaborating with international partners, we research barriers to medical equipment in hospitals worldwide and work on solutions while providing education both locally and internationally.​Since our founding in 2015, we've undertaken various context-specific design projects with medical experts in LMICs, creating devices like a reusable vacuum extraction device, electrosurgical unit, video laryngoscope, and sterilization units. The reusable vacuum extraction device is now being developed further by our spin-off, Layco Medical.
We also have ongoing projects with partner institutions (hospitals, NGOs and Universities) in Nepal, Suriname, and Kenya focused on maintenance, sterilization, and 3D printing.
Our Team.
​
Our Projects
Working towards our goal to improve second stage labor training in LMICs
VE Training phantom
This project aimed to develop a cost-effective Vacuum Extraction (VE) training phantom that addresses anatomical inaccuracies and limited biomechanical realism in existing models. The design utilized Polylactic Acid (PLA) and FDM 3D printing for solid components, and Ecoflex™ 00-30 silicone with nylon reinforcement to simulate pelvic floor muscle behavior. The fetal head was created using PlatSil® Gel-25 and Ecoflex™ for realistic deformation.
Validation included feedback from five gynecologists, resolving initial issues with vacuum cup application but identifying a new challenge related to palpating the ischial spine. Quantitative testing confirmed the phantom's accurate replication of clinical behaviors, with high performance ratings.
In conclusion, the VAD training phantom enhances anatomical accuracy and biomechanical realism, providing a modular design for various obstetric training settings. Further research is needed to evaluate training costs and address the palpation issue, as well as to gather more comprehensive anatomical data.
CS Training phantom
The rising global rate of Caesarean Sections (CS), especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is linked to high rates of iatrogenic injuries due to insufficient surgical training. Engineers and clinicians collaborated to create an affordable training phantom using readily available materials, including 3D-printed components, fabric, and silicone, focusing on two key skills: identifying the correct entry point to avoid bladder injury and suturing the uterus without damaging the ureter.
The phantom accurately replicates pelvic structures and tissue layers, informed by CT scans. It was assembled in a transparent box for visual clarity, and testing by obstetrician-gynecologists (n=7) from LMICs and high-income countries provided valuable feedback for improvements.
This training phantom effectively enhances surgical skills, aiming to improve CS quality and reduce iatrogenic injuries, thereby contributing to better maternal outcomes globally.
Episiotomy Training ?
Do you belive that the availbele trainin g phantoms for the Episiotomy are suffecient or do you belive that and addition to the field would be more usefull and no addition is needed.
Hit us with your opinion below.