The students majoring in biomedical engineering include Matthew Karp, Natalie Yeretzian and Benjamin Wenner, all graduating seniors from UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), who designed a groundbreaking scoliosis implant, Vertetrain.

Their pioneering technology was recognized in the medical device innovation and entrepreneurship category during the UC Biomedical Engineering Expo “Do It or mDIEp” competition. The event is designed to celebrate the capstone projects of UC biomedical engineering students, attracting faculty, alumni and industry leaders eager to witness advancements emerging from UC's program.

Among 20 submissions, Vertetrain was one of 10 capstone projects chosen to display work, which ranged from advanced computer programs to environmentally sustainable processes. Vertetrain stood out as the first-place winner — not only for its technical ingenuity but also for its potential to improve the lives of millions of children.

Karp explained the design and purpose behind Vertetrain, a device developed to treat severe pediatric scoliosis, where the spine curves abnormally to the side.

"Our device builds on the MAGEC rod, created by Globus Medical (formerly NuVasive), which was the first magnetically extendable rod for treating pediatric scoliosis," Karp said. "We aimed to enhance that concept by incorporating multiple magnetic 'motors' within each implant segment. These segments are connected by PEEK joints, allowing for more precise spinal adjustments, increased patient mobility and improved treatment outcomes with fewer device failures."

If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to serious health complications, including respiratory issues and chronic pain. The condition affects 6 to 9 million people in the U.S. alone, many of whom are children who require ongoing treatment as they grow.

The innovative device features segmented rods that distribute force evenly across the spine, allowing individualized treatment. Vertetrain's magnetically coupled motor sets it apart.

"Vertetrain’s magnetic actuator rotates to straighten the curvature during each treatment session," Karp said. "This allows the child to grow while undergoing treatment, mitigating the need for additional surgeries."

The team credits the UC Ground Floor Makerspace in the 1819 Innovation Hub for helping them create a prototype and bring their vision to life.

"The Makerspace’s machine shop was crucial in transforming our design into a fully functioning prototype," Yeretzian said. "Andy Schiffer, a machinist there who worked with us, provided invaluable feedback that made the machining process smoother and more efficient."

Vertetrain’s mission is clear: to empower young patients and their families affected by scoliosis by offering a state-of-the-art solution that promotes spinal alignment, mobility and hope for a brighter future.

“The benefits of this technology extend beyond the patients, offering advantages to physicians and health care providers as well,” Wenner said.  “By reducing the number of hospital stays, minimizing reoperation rates and lowering long-term costs, Vertetrain presents a compelling case for commercialization.”

CEAS values bringing the real world into its classrooms through experiential learning and consistently exposing students to problem-solving. According to Paul Gordon, co-director of the medical device innovation and entrepreneurship program at UC, this approach allows students to create impactful medical device innovations when they reach the senior capstone experience.

“Over the course of the project, we observed the team dynamics maturing into complementary roles that allowed them to perform well in the capstone course,” Gordon said. “So much relies on having students who believe in the value of what they are doing and who learn how to communicate well with each other — and this team exemplified both of those.”

Judges’ comments at the expo indicated, “Vertetrain is more than just an engineering achievement; it represents a tangible step forward in pediatric health care. The project's victory at the competition highlighted the talents of UC's engineering students and underscored the university's commitment to fostering innovation that can make a real difference in the world.”