Designed to Relieve Pain
Every year, an estimated 25 million women worldwide undergo gynecological procedures without anesthesia. This problem is most prevalent in low-income countries, where appropriate medical devices are often too expensive or unavailable. In large parts of Africa, women are regularly required to purchase their own medical supplies, including syringes, needles and medication. As a result, miscarriage care, abortion procedures and biopsies are often performed without adequate pain relief.
Designer and researcher Karlheinz Tondo Samenjo developed a simple extension that attaches to a standard syringe. The device replaces the expensive, fragile long needle normally required for internal anesthesia. It enables a short, rigid needle to safely reach the cervix, making local anesthesia possible without costly equipment. Made from recyclable plastic, the device is resistant to steam, heat and chemical sterilization, and can be reused up to 25 times. With a simple design, it makes safe pain relief possible for millions of women.
