Dutch Designers Advance Patient-Friendly Alternative to the Traditional Speculum
Delft, Friday, 16 October 2026.
Powered by over 8,400 donors, TU Delft researchers are accelerating Lilium, an innovative medical device designed to replace the uncomfortable, 180-year-old traditional speculum in global healthcare.
A Major Healthtech Innovation in Gynaecology
In the healthtech sector, gynaecological care is undergoing a significant transformation through the development of Lilium, a novel medical device designed to replace the traditional vaginal speculum [1][4]. The vaginal speculum has historically served as a standard tool enabling healthcare professionals to obtain a clear view during examinations and screenings [4]. However, historical iterations of the device have long been associated with discomfort, with surveys highlighting that 91% of women express fear regarding pelvic examinations [2]. The Lilium project addresses these longstanding patient concerns by modernizing gynaecological instrumentation to prioritize both clinical effectiveness and patient comfort [1][2].
Origins, Leadership, and Location
The development of Lilium is led by researchers Tamara and Ariadna, based at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands [1]. Operating out of the Netherlands, the team has collaborated closely with patients, healthcare professionals, and multiple Dutch hospitals to refine the technology [1]. Funding raised through a successful crowdfunding campaign supported by 8,421 donors has allowed the researchers to accelerate product testing, clinical feedback collection, and overall research initiatives [1].
Design Improvements and International Expansion
The ongoing development phase has focused on key design refinements to enhance clinical outcomes [1]. Recent iterations emphasize improving how clearly healthcare professionals can visualize the cervix while ensuring the device remains easy to hold and operate during procedures [1]. Additionally, the TU Delft team has mapped out the necessary regulatory path for medical devices, paving the way for eventual real-world clinical implementation [1]. To ensure the device addresses global healthcare requirements, the researchers are extending their study beyond Europe to collaborate with doctors in Kenya and South Africa, evaluating whether patient and provider needs align across different healthcare systems [1].