AKRON, Ohio — Biomedical engineering students at the University of Akron partnered up with an Akron Children's Hospital doctor to create a device for pediatric patients suffering from a condition called pelvic floor dysfunction. 

What You Need To Know

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when a patient is unable to completely empty their bladders because they can't relax their pelvic floor muscles

  • About one in seven school-aged children are affected by the condition

  • While there are in-office therapies that exist for it, Dr. Hannah Agard Bachtel, a pediatric urologist at Akron Children’s, said there was a need for an at-home solution

Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when a patient is unable to completely empty their bladders because they can't relax their pelvic floor muscles, according to UA. About one in seven school-aged children are affected by the condition. 

While there are in-office therapies that exist for it, Dr. Hannah Agard Bachtel, a pediatric urologist at Akron Children’s, said there was a need for an at-home solution, which didn't exists before this prototype.

Bachtel explained the treatment method used in clinics is called biofeedback, which has been proven effective for children with these issues. It uses a device that shows visual feedback on muscle engagement and relaxation. This helps patients practice certain techniques while being connected to sensors, so they can see their progress in real time and make sure the techniques are being performed right.

Bachtel said the issue comes when a patient goes home and they have to do exercises there, but they have no feedback to let them know if they are doing it correctly. 

"Proper practice is critical to recovery and we want them to be able to practice at home in a way that provides the same visual feedback," said Bachtel in a press release. "We see patients from all over the state, and traveling for office visits can also be challenging. If they could benefit from home treatment, it could also potentially cut down on the number of visits needed as well as help us to reach even more patients."

To create an at-home device for this condition, Bachtel partnered up with four biomedical engineering students: Yianni Kantzos of North Canton; Neil Mazzone of Strongsville; Keridan Morgan of Norton; and Taylor Shark of Stow.

They did the project under the guidance of Justin Baker, associate professor of practice. They ended up developing a prototype that is portable, lightweight, safe, engaging for children and meets engineering standards. The prototype mirrors the experience of the device used in clinics, providing visual feedback through a simulated game.

"This collaboration exemplifies the innovative spirit of our biomedical engineering students," said Baker in a press release. "They have worked diligently to create a device that not only meets medical needs but also enhances the patient experience."

"The multi-step project required that students follow the Food and Drug Administration waterfall design process which involves a user need stage to see what the customer needs and requires; a design input stage where customer requirements are converted to engineering requirements; a design process stage to brainstorm and think of solutions; the design output stage where the device design is documented, and the final medical device stage where the device or prototype is completely developed. In the final stages, verification and validation testing ensures that the device was built right and that the design matches what the customer wants," UA explained in a press release. 

Bachtel said she plans to continue working with students to address unmet needs when it comes to pediatric devices. 

"This group of students has been incredibly professional and organized throughout this project. Their dedication and timely communication have been instrumental in moving this project forward," Bachtel said.