Innovative Prostate Screening Device Developed by Student to Enhance Diagnostic Accuracy

A talented student from Loughborough University has created a groundbreaking medical device aimed at transforming prostate health assessment. Named "PRO check," this device offers a non-invasive, objective alternative to the traditional digital rectal examination (DRE), which has long been a standard but somewhat invasive method for evaluating prostate conditions.

Devon Tyso, a Product Design and Technology student, designed PRO check to address the limitations of current prostate examinations. The conventional DRE relies heavily on a clinician’s subjective judgment, which can lead to inconsistencies and discomfort for patients. Recognizing these challenges, Devon drew inspiration from NASA's surface mapping techniques, which use laser grids and satellite imagery to analyze asteroid surfaces. He adapted this principle into a handheld probe capable of detailed prostate surface analysis.

The device is inserted into the rectum after covering it with a condom to maintain hygiene. Once in place, it inflates the condom to apply controlled pressure against the prostate surface. A laser grid projected onto the condom captures images as the prostate compresses, with stereoscopic cameras tracking the intersection points of the laser lines. This data is processed to create 3D surface models, revealing the prostate’s shape and density.

Additionally, PRO check can measure prostate volume and generate a compressibility-pressure graph—which is a novel metric—that may help identify abnormalities such as stiffness or irregularities linked to potential health issues, including cancer. The device integrates AI for real-time analysis, enabling clinicians to view instant 3D visualizations during examinations, with all data stored in patient records for ongoing monitoring.

Devon’s innovation was driven by personal experience—his grandfather’s prostate cancer diagnosis—and his curiosity about applying advanced surface mapping techniques in medicine. His prototypes, built for testing with silicone prostate models, demonstrated the device’s capability to produce detailed surface images under various simulated conditions.

Set to showcase at the upcoming New Designers event in London, Devon aims to collaborate with healthcare professionals to bring PRO check to clinical use. His ultimate goal is to see this technology adopted in UK GP surgeries, making prostate screening more comfortable, accessible, and precise for men across the country.

For further information, visit the Degree Show website.