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Womens Health

Women's Health - Poster Session B

Poster L23 - Developing a Wearable Electrical Stimulation Device for Enhanced Wound Healing of Obstetric Lacerations Postpartum

Thursday, October 24, 2024
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Introduction:  Perineal tearing during childbirth is a common problem for women, with only 9.6% of nulliparous mothers and 31.2% of multiparous mothers reporting an intact perineum at delivery [1]. Perineal tears and other obstetric lacerations vary in severity based on the depth of the affected tissue and can have a profound negative impact on their quality of life post-partum. For example, the prolonged post-partum healing time due to obstetric laceration can make it more difficult to complete routine hygiene activities and may even limit a patient's range of motion due to pain or fear of further injury. Galvanotaxis is the process of directing cell migration using electric fields and is a promising mechanism for wound healing applications [2]. Although still an emerging technology, current electrical stimulation devices to promote wound healing via galvanotaxis involve bandages and electrode configurations that are unsuitable for pelvic and perineal tears. Given this limitation, our overarching objective is to develop a wearable electrical stimulation device that can promote postpartum wound healing of perineal tears and other obstetric lacerations. However, due to the sensitive and private nature of this wound, the design of this therapeutic technology must also consider the unique needs of postpartum women, such as comfort, affordability, and compatibility with other medical treatments, which will increase the likelihood of acceptance by potential patients. Thus, our project's objective is to develop an affordable, wearable electrical stimulation device to promote galvanotaxis and accelerate wound healing in patients with obstetric lacerations informed by their needs and experiences.

Materials and

Methods:  We are using a human-centered design framework to inform a prototype device [3]. Thus, we prioritized seeking a more holistic understanding of stakeholder needs and the intended context of use early in the design process. We surveyed 13 women about their obstetric laceration experience and interviewed 3 clinicians familiar with postpartum rehabilitation about the feasibility of our electrical stimulation device concept. Our current prototype uses a TENS unit circuit to deliver electrical pulses within an undergarment. We are using an iterative design process to get feedback from patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the design is patient- centered and informed by the experiences of the target population. Our design process will involve prototyping, testing, and refinement to promote optimal functionality and safety.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Our preliminary findings confirm a strong need for improved management of postpartum obstetric lacerations. Out of the 13 women surveyed about their obstetric laceration experiences, 10 reported not being sufficiently informed about the potential for their laceration, or the nature of the healing process, and 11 reported pain during the healing process, often while sitting or moving. Additionally, 7 respondents reported residual problems after the laceration had healed, including sexual dysfunction and residual pain in the affected area. The survey data also suggest that the target population may be receptive to an electrical stimulation device for tears, with 9 respondents expressing interest in a medical device that could help heal lacerations faster, and 10 respondents indicating that they would be comfortable using a device that delivered painless electrical pulses to the affected area.

Our project addresses a significant challenge in women's health by offering a potential mechanism for accelerated wound healing in obstetric lacerations. By including patients in the design process, we anticipate our device will have an increased likelihood of clinical acceptance, as well as bridge existing translational gaps and improve health equity. We will soon implement a proof-of-concept wearable device that delivers painless electrical stimulation to the affected area, which will be used for eliciting patient feedback at our collaborating clinics. In particular, we will seek feedback on the shape and function of the garment and its compatibility with postpartum activities. Future efforts will also include in vitro testing, such as cytotoxicity and scratch test assays at various stimulation intensities (voltages) to determine the safety and therapeutic capability of the design. By integrating electrical stimulation and wearable technology and continually refining our design based on patient input, we aim to positively impact postpartum recovery and potentially reduce the risk of long-term complications. This technology has the potential to enhance postpartum care, improve patient quality of life, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to existing wound-healing solutions.

Acknowledgements (Optional):