PELVIc Floor Evaluation live TRACKing – Real-time prediction of perineal trauma

Introduction

Pelvic tissues, supporting the pelvic floor, can change in physical properties during a lifetime, leading to dysfunctions commonly known as Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFDs). These disorders, encompassing pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapses, urinary or anal incontinence, or dyspareunia, affect 32% of females and 16% of males worldwide, making it a major health concern.

Contributing Factors

Various factors such as older age, menopause, obesity, or intense physical activity are significant contributors to PFDs. However, the occurrence of PFDs is mainly due to traumatic events. Indeed, perineal tears, taking place in 90% of vaginal deliveries (VDs), have been identified as a high-risk factor for PFDs.

Project Overview

As an answer, PELVITRACK’s ambition is to enable the systematic prevention of PFDs, ensuring earlier diagnosis, more reliable prognosis, and more efficient care. More specifically, the project will design a real-time turnkey lab-scale solution to monitor perineal tearing during VD and minimize pelvic traumas.

Methodology

This revolution in the monitoring of the pelvic floor will be achieved through a hybrid experimental and numerical approach, leveraging ex vivo data and computational modelling on pig perineum to select IDEVs (Investigated DEVices) that will be adapted and validated in vivo on animals (preclinical study) and women (clinical studies).

Consortium

To achieve its ambitious goal, PELVITRACK gathers a unique interdisciplinary consortium of 11 partners, including renowned research institutions, universities, hospitals, and SMEs, to cover all the required scientific expertise and knowledge in:

1. Mechanics
2. Computer science
3. Electrical and thermal engineering
4. Acoustics
5. Optics
6. Obstetric physics

Conclusion

Exploring new technologies to predict perineal trauma in real time, PELVITRACK delineates a high-risk/high-gain proposal that will significantly contribute to the health and well-being of females in Europe and beyond.