Repairing injuries to the pubovisceral muscle after childbirth

Pubovisceral muscle enthesis injury: A bioinspired approach to repair

NIH-funded research Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-11193226

This study is looking at how injuries to a specific muscle during vaginal childbirth can lead to pelvic organ prolapse later on, and it aims to create a new healing method to help women recover better than with standard surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMagee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11193226 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates injuries to the pubovisceral muscle that can occur during vaginal childbirth, which may lead to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) later in life. The study aims to understand the structure and function of the muscle and the biological processes that occur after an injury. By developing a bioinspired composite scaffold designed to promote healing, the researchers hope to improve surgical outcomes for women suffering from POP. This innovative approach seeks to provide a more effective treatment option compared to traditional suture repair methods.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced vaginal childbirth and are at risk of or suffering from pelvic organ prolapse.

Not a fit: Patients who have not given birth vaginally or those who do not have pelvic organ prolapse may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical techniques for repairing pelvic organ prolapse, enhancing recovery and quality of life for affected women.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using bioinspired scaffolds is innovative, similar strategies in tissue engineering have shown promise in other areas of medicine, suggesting potential for success in this context.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.