Project Description:

24-45% of women over 30 in the US experience stress urinary incontinence. While surgical slings are widely used to support the urethra to prevent leakage, they are fixed after implantation and cannot be easily adjusted on a daily basis, and they may require surgery if there is urinary retention or persistent leakage due to tension loss.

To fill this gap, a sling with an integrated adjustable region was designed so that it can be tightened or loosened externally without the need for surgery nor a battery-powered implant. Specifically, an implanted magnetically actuated mechanism is used to enable non-invasive adjustment through an external magnetic controller. This allows the level of urethral support to be tailored over time and provides an option for increased support during daily activities that can trigger leakage and reduced tension during urination.

This approach aims to offer a more adaptable and patient-personalized alternative to existing sling treatments.

Project Photo:

MagFit Dynamic: a mid-urethral sling with magnetically actuated linear adjustment region (MALAR). An external magnetic controller generates a magnetic field that induces rotation of an internal magnet, enabling controlled tightening or loosening of the sling. The design integrates wide mesh anchoring and interlocking features for stable fixation and stress distribution.