A caesarean (c-) section is now a routinely performed obstetric-gynecological surgery. Yet it remains an exceptionally complex surgical intervention which results in scar tissue. Up to 80 percent of women who undergo cesarean sections experience health issues related to their scars, which can persist throughout their lives.
This contribution to Tech Truster: Femtech News was written by Hanna Harkawy, creator of Ouli.
Femtech is necessary for women’s health
Ouli is a system for home-based post-c-section scar therapy featuring software for both patients and physicians and a therapeutic device to treat the scar tissue.
What is a c-section?
The c-section is one of the oldest medical procedures, having significantly evolved over the centuries – from a method used only after the mother’s death to a widely accepted alternative to natural childbirth.
In many cases, a c-section saves lives. But it should not be treated as a voluntary substitute for vaginal birth due to the numerous serious health complications it can cause for both mother and child.
During a c-section, a surgeon must cut through five layers of tissue to reach the uterus: first the skin, then the subcutaneous tissue, and then the abdominal muscle fascia.
By separating and pulling the abdominal muscles to the sides, they cut or tear through the parietal peritoneum before making the final incision in the uterus. This means women may have multiple internal scars within their abdomen.
In Poland, almost 50% of children are born via c-section every year, making it one of the highest rates in Europe. Common factors behind the increasing trend of c-sections include an increase in the number of mothers who choose to have children later in life alongside the fear and potential trauma of natural birth.
Why is c-section scar therapy so important?
A scar is pathological tissue formed after deep wounds that penetrate the dermis (beneath the outer layers like the epidermis) and is the final result of the healing process. This tissue is distinct due to its structure, consisting of densely packed collagen fibers. When discussing deep surgeries, it is crucial to mention fascia – a type of connective tissue that wraps around various structures in the body, keeping them separate while allowing proper movement.
When fascia is cut during a procedure, such as a c-section, it can disrupt normal tissue movement and lead to adhesions, where tissues improperly stick together. This can cause discomfort in the abdominal area and distant body parts, such as the arms.
Many women who have a cesarean section can experience problems, including pain from tissue pulling, muscle contractures, loss of sensation near the scar, restricted movement, keloids, and even a loss of self-confidence due to the scar’s appearance.
Two main categories
Current scar treatment options fall into two main categories: those that improve health and, as a side effect, enhance the scar’s appearance and those that focus solely on aesthetics. The first approach aims to break down the collagen fibers, making the scar almost invisible and adhesive-free. Physiotherapists typically use manual massage techniques for this.
Unfortunately, a lack of awareness about the complexities of scar tissue has led to the greater popularity of treatments like laser scar removal, which focus only on appearance.
On the other hand, even women who are aware of the importance of proper scar therapy often abandon it due to the time commitment and costs associated with regular physiotherapy sessions. It can be a huge challenge for a new mother to attend physiotherapy appointments regularly while she is entirely focused on her newborn.
Revolutionary home-based therapy for new mothers
Ouli responds to these needs with a system that includes software for patients and physiotherapists, as well as a therapeutic device.
This system enables women to receive the same quality of care in a physiotherapy clinic but in the comfort of their homes, allowing them to focus on their newborns.
The software tracks progress for both the patient and the therapist. By collecting data through the device and user input via the app, the physiotherapist can personalize the treatment plan, adjusting parameters such as session duration, frequency, and intensity according to the patient’s current condition.
The patient places the scar between the rollers of the device tip, which rolls inward and then back to the starting position. This movement prevents the skin from being pinched. Additionally, the entire tip rotates in both directions, simulating key massage techniques used by physiotherapists.
The device is equipped with sensors that measure the pressure applied by the patient. If the pressure is too low or too high, the device signals the user with an indicator light. To further enhance the therapy, vibration generators are integrated into the rollers.
Personalized treatment based on data
Vibrotherapy is a common method used by physiotherapists to support manual massage. It stimulates mechanoreceptors in the skin, aiding in the remodeling of collagen fibers.
The software consists of a mobile application for the patient and a web application for the physiotherapist. Its primary function is to create a personalized treatment plan based on input data, manage the therapy process, and monitor progress.
At the start of the therapy, the patient submits relevant information, such as a photo of the scar, through the app. This data is sent to the physiotherapist, who then prepares a tailored treatment plan. The patient can only adjust device settings as recommended by the therapist.
The software collects data during each therapy session, such as pressure levels and session consistency, and the patient fills out forms to help the therapist assess their well-being. Both the patient and the therapist can track progress, and adjustments to the therapy can be made as needed.
Once the therapist determines the treatment is complete, typically after several months, the patient receives a notification through the app.
The future of postpartum care
The introduction of Ouli marks a significant shift in how postpartum women can care for their scars. Making scar therapy accessible, measurable, and effective improves physical well-being and enhances self-confidence and overall quality of life for many women.
With growing awareness of the importance of postpartum care, innovations like Ouli have the potential to reshape the standard of care for mothers worldwide.
Hanna Harkawy is an industrial designer specializing in HealthTech and FemTech, currently pursuing a PhD in biomedical engineering. She founded Ouli with the mission of helping postpartum women take care of their health through effective scar therapy.