Ohio State Researchers Test Prototype to Decrease Infection Risks

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A team at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has developed a device to help reduce infections in patients using urinary catheters. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) affect approximately 500,000 patients in the United States each year, leading to longer hospital stays, increased health care costs, and discomfort. The B3 Buddy—short for Bag Below Bladder Buddy—offers a simple and effective way to keep urinary drainage bags properly positioned. By improving mobility and preventing complications, the device not only lowers infection risk but also helps patients maintain their quality of life.

“Ohio State is dedicated to pioneering innovations that enhance health care and quality of life,” said Paco Herson, associate vice president for health sciences innovation. “The B3 Buddy is a great example of how innovative, patient-centered design can reduce infection risks and enhance mobility, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.”

Karen Meade, clinical nurse specialist at The James Cancer Hospital, led the project alongside a team of health care professionals and engineers. Collaborators include Bridgette Kreuz, occupational therapist; Lindsay Ring and Barbara Potts, clinical nurse specialists; Michelle Kuhn, clinical quality and patient safety coordinator; Garrett Carder, engineering student; Ryan Brune, engineer in the prototyping laboratory; and Hamid Bhatti, senior licensing officer. Through a root cause analysis, the team identified improper catheter bag placement as a common contributor to infections. Recognizing that there was no universal, adjustable, or safe solution available, they set out to develop one.

“Urinary catheter infections have multiple causes, but one key factor is positioning,” Meade said. “If the bag isn’t kept below the bladder, urine can flow back into the body, increasing infection risk.”

The B3 Buddy is designed to be adaptable, attaching to hospital gowns, wheelchairs, IV poles, and other surfaces. It features a secure clip mechanism to keep the bag in place and a flexible retention system that accommodates different types of drainage bags. A secondary securement feature helps manage lengthy tubing, reducing tripping hazards and ensuring proper alignment.

“Something as simple as improper bag placement can lead to discomfort, health risks, and extended hospital stays,” Meade said. “This device helps keep the bag positioned correctly, which is essential for infection prevention.”

Beyond reducing infections, the B3 Buddy improves the daily lives of patients who rely on urinary catheters long-term.

“Some patients have these drainage bags indefinitely,” Meade said. “They shouldn’t have to struggle with where to place them or feel uncomfortable in public. Patients have voiced the practical challenges of living with a drainage bag attached to them.”

The team worked with Ohio State’s Innovation Studio and the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence to refine their prototype. They also participated in the I-Corps program, offered through the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, to assess market needs and explore commercialization.

“The I-Corps program helped us understand how this device could be useful beyond the hospital setting,” Meade said. “It encouraged us to focus on real-world applications and patient impact.”

The project recently earned an Accelerator Award recommendation, bringing the team closer to large-scale production and discussions with potential licensing agreements with medical device manufacturers. These efforts highlight Ohio State’s role in advancing health care innovation by supporting researchers and clinicians in developing solutions that improve patient care.

“This isn’t just about preventing infections—it’s about providing a practical tool that benefits both patients and caregivers,” Meade said. “Clinicians who tested the device expressed that they wished such a solution had been available years ago.”