Abstract
The planned project is a continuation to the thesis project of Kaat Robberechts (academic year 2022-2023), in which a tool (Femiset) was developed to alleviate defecation difficulties in women suffering from Descending Perineum Syndrome (DPS). Perineal descent is the medical term for excessive descent of the perineum when subjected to pressure from above, such as when making bowel movements. This can lead to symptoms of obstructive defecation, including a sensation of incomplete evacuation, tenesmus, fragmentation of stool, faecal urgency and faecal incontinence. This issue was brought to our attention by specialists at the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), with whom close collaboration took place throughout the thesis. The designed solution includes a tool that allows the patient to apply mechanical counterpressure to the site of prolapse during defecation, offering a discrete, hygienic and non-invasive way to control the complications associated with the syndrome. Femiset is available in two different models: a static model, where a constant pressure is applied, and a dynamic model where the pressure can be varied manually during defecation. In a first phase of the project, the models will be fine-tuned for use in a clinical trial. In a second phase, both models will be tested in a clinical trial on 20 patients. The results of this study will be used in a third phase to optimise the product and further strengthen the patent application. This optimisation phase will result in three high-end prototypes of each model, closely resembling series products. During the course of the project, different valorisation routes (licensing/sale/spin-off) will be evaluated so that steps can be taken towards commercialisation by the end of the project.
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