Therapeutic Ultrasound

A device for the prevention of perineal tears during labor and delivery.

About the Technology

Of the millions of mothers giving birth this year in the United States, approximately 75% will experience tearing of their vagina or perineum. These severe injuries require comprehensive repair and put patients at increased risk of post-partum complications such as infections, wound dehiscence, and pain. Additionally, they change the course of future pregnancies and are a significant psychological stressor in the pre and post-natal period. 

This project investigates the use of therapeutic ultrasound to prophylactically soften the pelvic floor and perineal areas to reduce the incidence of perineal injuries. The work builds on pre-existing evidence for the use of heat as a preventative measure, which is limited in practice due to challenges with safety and usability. As part of the HIT fund, we are studying the safety profile for our intervention, first using computer modeling and bench top testing and later in non-pregnant human patients. This work will lay the foundation for the development of a device which can be used prophylactically during the labor and delivery period.

Team Members