Loyola Univ. Health System Loyola Dept. of Urology Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital
PatientsPhysiciansContact UsHome
Clinical Services
Research
Faculty
Projects
Clinical Trials
Education
News
Health Topics
Internet Resources
Loyola Medical Community
Site Map

Research Faculty: Margot S. Damaser, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Urology

Education/Training

Undergraduate: Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges (Cambridge, MA); graduated cum laude with B.A. in engineering sciences, 1987

Ph.D: University of California at Berkeley and San Francisco; Ph.D. in bioengineering, 1994

Back to top

Professional Organizations:

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  • American Urological Association

  • Association for Women In Science

  • Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers, Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

  • International Continence Society

  • Society for Basic Urological Research

  • Society for Urology and Engineering

  • Society for Women Engineers

  • Society of Women in Urology

  • Society of Urodynamics and Female Urology

Back to top

Awards/Distinctions:

  • Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, awarded for: outstanding research on the human urinary bladder using mathematical modeling along with physiological and neurological studies. This is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers; 2000-2005

  • Advanced Rehabilitation Research Career Development Award, Veterans Administration; 1998-2001

  • Outstanding Rating/Superior Performance Award, Hines VA Hospital (Hines, IL); 1997

  • Marquis Who's Who; 1997

  • American Foundation for Urologic Disease Research Scholar; 1994-1996

  • Trainee, NIH Training Grant; Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania; 1994-1996

Back to top

Publications/Presentations

Perform a customized PubMed literature search on Dr. Damaser.

Selected Articles:

  • Ferguson, C.L., J.S. Walter, Y. Lucero, J.S. Wheeler, and M.S. Damaser (2003) Use of a Digital Pressure Gauge for Monitoring Bladder Pressure in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury. Neurourology and Urodynamics. 22(3): 250-254.

  • Constantinou, C.E., M.S. Damaser, I. Perkash (2002) Displacement Sequence and Elastic Properties of Anterior Prostate/Urethral Interface During Micturition of Spinal Cord Injured Men. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. 28(9): 1157-1163.

  • Cannon, T.W., C., Ferguson, E.M. Wojcik, S. Saraga, C. Thomas, and M.S. Damaser (2002) Effects of Vaginal Distension on Urethral Anatomy and Function. BJU International. 90(4): 403-407. This paper won first prize, Hines VA/ Loyola University Medical School poster competition, 2000.

  • Sakamoto, K., T. Khan, B. Uvelius, and M.S. Damaser (2002) Recovery of Bladder Function Following Neurotrophin Treatment for Experimental Spinal Cord Injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Research. 39(3):347-358.

  • Mulhall, J.P. and M.S. Damaser (2001) Development of a Mathematical Model for the Prediction of Area of Venous Leak. International Journal of Impotence Research. 13:236-239.

  • Cannon, T.W. and M.S. Damaser (2001) Effects of Anesthesia on Cystometry and Leak Point Pressure of the Female Rat. Life Sciences. 69(10):1193-1202.

  • Walter, J.S., J.Sacks, G.Welsh, P. Terouw, J.S. Wheeler, M.S. Damaser, R. Othman, and L. Anfinsen, (2000) Tracking Urinary Incontinence. Federal Practitioner, 17(9):28-38.

  • Damaser, M.S., C. Whitbeck, M. Barreto, P. Horan, H. Benno, L.J. O' Connor, and R. Levin (2000). Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry of Rat and Rabbit Urinary Bladder. BJU International. 85(4):519-525.

  • Sakamoto, K., G.M. Smith, P.D. Storer, K.J. Jones, and M.S. Damaser (2000). Nerve Regeneration and Voiding Behavior Patterns after Pudendal Nerve Crush in Female Rats. Neurourology & Urodynamics. 19:311-321. (This paper won first prize, basic research, Chicago Urologic Association, 1999.)

  • Kerns, J.M., M.S. Damaser, J.M. Kane, K. Sakamoto, J.T. Benson, S. Shott, and L. Brubaker (2000). Effects of Pudendal Nerve Injury in the Female Rat. Neurourology and Urodynamics. 19:53-69.

  • Damaser, M.S., K. Brzezinski, and P.A. Longhurst. (1999). Filling Mechanics of Obstructed and De-Obstructed Rat Urinary Bladders. Neurourology & Urodynamics. 18: 659-671.

  • Damaser, M.S., K. Brzezinski, J.S. Walter, J.S. Wheeler, L.S. Schroeder, and D.A. Hatch (1999). Estimating Detrusor Pressure at Home in Pediatric Patients with Myelomeningocele. Journal of Urology. 162: 1410-1414.

  • Damaser, M.S. (1999). Whole Bladder Biomechanics During Filling. Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. S201: 51-58; Discussion pp. 90-91.

  • Walter, J.S., G. Andros, S. Stokes, J.S. Wheeler, M.S. Damaser, J. Sacks, I. Kadri, and R. Walter (1998). Urodynamic Verification of Noninvasive Back-Pressure Recordings from the Urinary
    Bladder. Techniques in Urology. 4(4): 185-191.

  • Andros, G.J., D.A. Hatch, J.S. Walter, J.S. Wheeler, L. Schlehahn, and M.S. Damaser (1998). Home Bladder Pressure Monitoring in Children with Myelomeningocele. Journal of Urology. 160: 518-521. (This paper won first prize, clinical research, Chicago Urologic Association, 1997.)

  • Walter, J.S., J.S. Wheeler, J. Markley, R. Chintam, L.M. Blacker, and M.S. Damaser (1998). Home Monitoring of Bladder Pressure and Volume in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. 21: 7-14.

Back to top

Selected Book Chapters/Monographs:

  • Jones, KJ, T. Brown, and M.S. Damaser (2001) Neuroprotective Effects of Gonadal Steroids on Regenerating Peripheral Motoneurons. Brain Research Reviews. 37: 372-382.

  • Damaser, M.S. (1999) Whole Bladder Biomechanics During Filling. Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. S201: 51-58; Discussion pp. 90-91.

  • Damaser, M.S., H.J. Yu, P.A. Longhurst, and R.M. Levin (1997) The Concept of Bladder Work: Work and Power in Bladder Emptying. Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. S184: 35-41.

  • Levin, R.M., H.J. Yu, K.B. Kim, P.A. Longhurst, M.S. Damaser (1997) Etiology of Bladder Dysfunction Secondary to Partial Outlet Obstruction: Calcium Disregulation in Bladder Power Generation and the Ability to Perform Work. Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. S184: 43-50.

  • Damaser, M.S. and S.L. Lehman (1995). Two Mathematical Models Predict the Variation in Capacity and Compliance of Hypertrophied Bladders. Muscle, Matrix, and Bladder Function. Edited by S.A. Zderic. Advances in Experimental Medicine & Biology. 385. New York: Plenum, pp. 255-256.
Back to top

Selected Research Initiatives:

General description of research areas of interest

  • Neural Engineering and Biomechanics of Smooth Muscle

  • Mathematical Modeling of Function and Control of Lower Urinary Tract

  • Rehabilitation of Incontinence and Neurogenic Bladder

Projects:

Investigation of Pathology of and New Treatments for Stress Urinary Incontinence via Novel Animal Models

Synopsis: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the leakage of urine with added physical stress, such as when coughing or laughing, is a common condition of the elderly, especially elderly women. Current treatments include biofeedback, pelvic floor training exercises, electrical stimulation, as well as surgery. To date, little basic science research has been conducted on SUI and therefore, the exact mechanisms of development of this common condition are unknown and controversial. We have developed and tested 2 novel animal models of SUI which we are currently using both to further investigate the conditions that lead to SUI and also to develop new treatments.

Investigation of a New Device for Home Monitoring of Bladder Pressure in Patients using Clean Intermittent Catheterization to Empty the Bladder

Synopsis: Patients with spinal cord injury or congenital conditions of the spine, such as spina bifida, can develop serious kidney complications due to high bladder pressures resulting from their inability to properly empty their bladder. Many of these patients use clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to empty the bladder. We have developed a hand-held digital device for measure bladder pressure while conducting CIC which can be used to monitor bladder pressure frequently and ensure that pressures stay low. Two groups of patients are currently being enrolled in clinical studies to test the device: adult spinal cord injured patients and pediatric patients with spina bifida.

Grants/Funding Sources

Dr. Damaser has received funding for her research from the National Institutes of Health and the Rehabilitation Research & Development Service of the Veterans Administration, as well as from several private foundations and corporations.

Back to top
Back to main Research Faculty page

 
 
 

© 2001 Loyola University Health System. All rights reserved.

Site design by Electronic Publisher.