Ep. 166 Innovating Urology: Surgeons Trailblazing Solutions with Dr. Alexandra Haessler, Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad, and Dr. Tova Weiss

In this crossover episode of BackTable Urology and OBGYN, Dr. Suzette Sutherland interviews three urological/gynecologic innovators, Dr. Ali Haessler, Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad, and Dr. Tova Weiss, who are all at different career stages and product development phases. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Tova Weiss, a urology resident at the University of Washington, discusses her development of a safer urinary catheter so that if a patient were to pull out their catheter, the distal part would disconnect from the catheter inside the urethra, preventing urethral trauma. Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad, a practicing urologist specializing in robotics and neuromodulation, shares his creation of the Foramen Finder to enhance sacral neuromodulation procedures. Dr. Allie Haessler, a practicing urogynecologist, talks about her invention of a novel vaginal ring aimed at providing neuromodulation therapy for pelvic floor issues. They each discuss the inspiration behind their inventions, challenges faced, and the importance of failure in the path to innovation. The episode emphasizes the role of physicians in identifying healthcare gaps, collaborating across disciplines, and pushing the boundaries of medical technology to improve patient care. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:54 - Dr. Tova Weiss and the Urinary Catheter Accessory 08:49 - Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad and the Foramen Finder 22:04 - Dr. Allie Haessler and the Neuromodulation Vaginal Ring 27:29 - Navigating the Patent Process and Protecting Innovation 29:52 - The Path to FDA Approval 37:11 - Advice for Aspiring Innovators in Medicine 40:52 - Embracing Failure and the Inventor’s Mindset