BME students’ innovation aims to reduce maternal mortality

March 31, 2022 — Biomedical engineering students have invented a new device for diagnosing a leading cause of maternal deaths. 

Called the DuoPouch, the calibrated, two-pouch drape is designed to diagnose postpartum hemorrhages. The device is elegant in its simplicity, explains recent BME graduate Rachel Gasser:

“This could be used anywhere — not just in hospitals, not just in places with electricity — because people give birth everywhere. And people are suffering unnecessarily.”

The device was designed by recent graduates of BME's undergraduate program ('21): Lexi Kedzierski, Josh Stadler, Emma Sethi, Rachel Gasser, and Emily Chandler. U of M School of Nursing Assistant Professor Carrie Neerland served as clinical adviser, a collaboration that came about as a result of a professional connection with BME Associate Professor Shai Ashkenazi.

Last year, five CSE biomedical engineering seniors—from left, Lexi Kedzierski, Josh Stadler, Emma Sethi, Rachel Gasser, and Emily Chandler—invented the DuoPouch to assist in diagnosing hemorrhages, a leading cause of maternal deaths.
Last year, five biomedical engineering seniors—from left, Lexi Kedzierski, Josh Stadler, Emma Sethi, Rachel Gasser, and Emily Chandler—invented the DuoPouch to assist in diagnosing hemorrhages, a leading cause of maternal deaths.

The DuoPouch was recognized by the National Institutes of Health and VentureWell with an honorable mention for innovation in the 2021 Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge. The device was also featured in the department’s Senior Design Showcase in May, where it won a People’s Choice Award.

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