Clinical Assessement Tool of Surgical Procedure Effectiveness in Treating Urinary Incontinence

This research project aims to develop a clinical assessment tool that can aid physicians to predict or improve surgical procedure effectiveness for women who suffer from Urinary Incontinence (UI). UI is an epidemic disease that involves loss of bladder and urethral sphincter control to hold urine. It is mainly due to factors including aging, obesity, nervous failure, muscle relaxation due to childbirth or medications intake, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, failing urethral sphincter and smoking. Currently, only vaginal and urological tests are used to examine UI type and severity and to determine treatment options. Surgical treatments that can reverse UI symptoms are recommended for severe cases, but they often fail due to the lack of consideration of specific individual’s health, urological and pelvic conditions. Each patient is unique, and UI treatment needs to be tailored to her specific condition. The current project provides the opportunity to integrate scientific research with the delivery of healthcare in the clinic as the applicant will interact with gynaecologists and urologists of Romich Medical Inc., a provider of medical technology and services to health care professional.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drs. Royan Petrell and Sue Baldwin

Student:

Clare Yip

Partner:

Romich Medical Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of British Columbia