Project Description:

Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is a minimally invasive intervention where a catheter is inserted into the kidney to facilitate urine drainage in an external collection system. Patients require this procedure when an obstruction occurs between their kidney and bladder. While complications with this procedure are relatively low, many patients experience challenges afterward with their drainage bags and tubing, including social and physical discomfort, poor concealment, weak securement methods, and lack of standard resources. Under Dr. Zachary Bercu’s guidance, our team created the PeePal, a comfortable, discrete drainage bag built with purpose and empathy. We transformed the traditional design into a supportive back cushion that evenly distributes pressures to minimize sores. Our design features secure attachments, donut-shaped gel protecting the insertion site, breathable fabric, and ventilation channels to enhance comfort. At the same time, the bag’s discreet dimensions ensure concealability, which reduces patients’ social discomfort. Through user testing, 96% of participants agreed that the PeePal was less visible than the predicate device, highlighting our device’s ability to blend with the patient’s anatomy and daily life seamlessly. Patients requiring PCN endure daily pain and reduced quality of life due to their urinary obstruction and its underlying cause, emphasizing the need for the PeePal: a revolution in the drainage system that allows patients to return to their everyday lives.