Katrina Knight, Ph.D.
MWRI BIRCWH Scholar
Assistant Professor
Department of Bioengineering
University of Pittsburgh
Seminar Information
Pelvic organ prolapse (prolapse) significantly impacts the quality-of-life of millions of women world-wide. Surgical repairs of prolapse often involve the use of synthetic mesh. It is important to note that synthetic meshes were not originally designed for prolapse repairs. Though successful, mesh usage has been hampered by unacceptably high complication rates which resulted in numerous lawsuits and the eventual halt of the distribution of some mesh products from the market within the USA and globally. Thus, doctors and patients have limited treatment options, and there is a need for alternative devices for prolapse repairs.
This talk will demonstrate how we use an interdisciplinary approach to define the problems associated with current synthetic meshes, which ultimately has led to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of mesh complications. I will also discuss how we are using this enhanced knowledge to develop a novel device for prolapse repairs. Specifically, the latter part of this talk will demonstrate how changing material stiffness (i.e., tailoring device design) improves tissue outcomes. Ultimately, it is our goal that this research will lead to a product(s) and clinical recommendations that will be to the benefit of the millions of women impacted with prolapse.
Katrina M. Knight, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh and a BIRCWH Scholar (Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health Training Program). Dr. Knight received her PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a BS in Biochemistry from Claflin University. Prior to
joining the Bioengineering Faculty, Dr. Knight was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Magee-Women’s Research Institute and Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The overarching goal of the Knight Laboratory is to improve the lives of women with pelvic floor disorders and other gynecologic conditions/anomalies through the development of novel and innovative treatments. Specifically, the lab focuses on pelvic organ prolapse (prolapse) and uses an interdisciplinary approach to elucidate the biologic and mechanical mechanisms of complications associated with the use of synthetic mesh in prolapse repairs. In addition to her passion for women’s health, Dr. Knight also has a strong passion for giving back to the community. She is the Director of CampBioE 2.0, the signature outreach program for the Bioengineering
Department, which aims to inspire and educate the next generation of scientific and medical professionals through intentional mentorship and exposure to cutting edge, hands-on activities related to bioengineering.