Title : Reimagining pelvic support: The HPPOSS & HPVSD solutions for pelvic organ prolapse
Abstract:
Pelvic floor Dysfunction (PFD) is a highly prevalent condition affecting nearly half of parous women by the age of 80. Despite the widespread use of vaginal pessaries as a conservative treatment, limitations in current designs — including poor anatomical fit, discomfort, hygiene challenges, and material safety — lead to high discontinuation rates and suboptimal patient adherence. Addressing these concerns, the Harris Phillip Pelvic Organ Support System (HPPOSS) represents a novel intravaginal support device engineered to offer a more anatomical, user-friendly, and biocompatible alternative.
The HPPOSS is a tulip-shaped, expandable pessary designed to support the anterior, posterior, and uterovaginal prolapse by cradling the cervix and reinforcing the vaginal walls. Key innovations include an internal inflatable bladder that allows user-controlled deployment; four flared, petal-like lobes embedded with microbubble surface texture to enhance upward lift; and drainage apertures to prevent fluid retention. The device also includes a retrieval loop to enable self-removal, promoting autonomy and reducing reliance on clinical intervention.
Constructed from medical grade fluorosilicone or Class VI silicone, the HPPOSS addresses concerns related to microplastic exposure and long-term biocompatibility. Initial prototyping and anatomical simulations have demonstrated strong promise for clinical tolerability, ease of use, and effective pelvic support. Development is currently at the advanced prototype stage, with ongoing IP protection and plans for simulated biomechanical testing, safety validation, and early-phase clinical trials.
This presentation will explore the clinical rationale, technical design, and development roadmap of the HPPOSS, inviting collaboration from clinicians and researchers in the field of pelvic floor health
Audience Take Away Notes:
- A new approach to the conservative management of pelvic floor dysfunction?
- By offering more autonomy to patients, clinical visits for management of symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction will be reduced and more focal.
- Yes, particularly with compliance and patient centered care; as well as reduced exposure to the health challenges posed by plastic contamination (microplastics and nanoplastics)
- Yes, it does
- This design allows for adaptation to the individual’s specific anatomy and gives the individual absolute autonomy in determining their comfort level with the device.
A) users will be able to choose one of three sizes, (small, medium or large)
B) the choice will be determined by a list of guidelines
C) the upwardly directed surface microbubbles enhance fit, increase surface area for contact with vaginal wall, reduce risk of erosion into vaginal by ensuring a more equitable distribution in pressure
D) reduces the risk of the common complication of urinary obstruct which is common to many vaginal pessaries in common use
E) fitted with specific sensors it can inform patients about the appropriate placement, communicate with health professionals and advise patients on the need for review by health care professionals, using an app.
F) With variable pressure around the bladder neck, it can also address urinary incontinence without the challenges posed with tapes.
