Uplift - adjustable abdominal compression

A concealable, comfortable, and user-controlled abdominal compression device to dynamically treat symptoms of POTS and better support the day-to-day needs of patients.

* This is a device in development and not yet approved by the FDA.

Want to get updates about Uplift and our clinical trials?

Vision

Discover how we’re reimagining compression therapy based on real patient needs.

Origins of Uplift

Our journey began in 2021 when a cardiologist reached out to Duke Biomedical Engineering with an urgent challenge: a patient with severe dysautonomia had exhausted all available treatment options and faced palliative care. This single case illuminated a broader healthcare crisis. Despite affecting millions worldwide, conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) remain vastly underdiagnosed and have only recently begun receiving the attention they deserve. With treatments often falling short and many aspects of these conditions still poorly understood, we saw an opportunity—and an obligation—to help. Today, our multidisciplinary team is pioneering innovative compression solutions to transform the lives of dysautonomia patients.

“Despite following all the lifestyle modifications - high salt, increased fluids, exercises - I still struggle during flare-ups. As a teacher, I need a solution that works with my active lifestyle.”
Emma C., POTS Patient and High School Teacher
“I resort to recommending post-surgical abdominal binders to my POTS patients because that's what's available. But these products were designed for an entirely different purpose.”
Dr. Marat Fudim, Cardiologist at Duke Health
“Watching my daughter go from a competitive athlete to struggling to stand was heartbreaking. Knowing millions of families face the same struggle, we refuse to accept 'nothing more can be done.'”
Jennifer G., Mother of POTS Patient

Technology

How it Works

Uplift combines simplicity with precision control. The low-profile garment fastens easily around the waist with Velcro straps. A rotational knob engages our proprietary cinching mechanism, allowing you to adjust compression exactly as needed. The built-in pressure monitoring system ensures therapeutic effectiveness while preventing over-compression. For patients requiring additional support, an optional pressure pad can be inserted to provide targeted relief.

Design Evolution

The first prototype featured an inflatable air bladder integrated into a belt design. While initial patient testing showed promise for symptom relief, comprehensive user feedback highlighted opportunities to improve comfort and discreteness.

We explored targeted compression using an adjustable piston mechanism. Clinical testing with healthy volunteers revealed that while localized pressure showed effects, distributed compression proved more effective for managing symptoms.

Combining insights from previous versions, we developed a streamlined design using an innovative cinching mechanism for broad compression. This iteration maintains the option for targeted pressure while prioritizing concealability and user comfort. Clinical trials with dysautonomia patients are underway to further optimize the design.  

Key Differentiators

Therapeutic Precision

Delivers consistent 30-40 mmHg compression required for symptom relief.

User-Controlled Adjustment

Customizable pressure settings to accommodate different body types and symptom severity, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefit for each patient.

Smart Engagement


Ability to engage/disengage compression on demand, preventing discomfort during prolonged wear - especially beneficial for patients with GI sensitivities.

Community Impact

Partnering to Drive Positive Change

2024 Dysautonomia International 12th Annual Conference

Team member Kishen presented findings from the survey study, engaging with hundreds of patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and industry representatives.

The POTScast

Kishen and Sameer joined Standing Up to POTS' podcast to explore compression therapy challenges and share our vision for next-generation solutions with the POTS community.

Dysautonomia Awareness Month Lighting Event

As part of a volunteer team, Kishen helped coordinate the turquoise illumination of Chicago's Sears Tower in October 2024, amplifying visibility for dysautonomia.

2024 Duke University Biomedical Engineering Poster Session

In April 2024, team member Sara presented Uplift as well as early study findings at Duke's BME poster session.

People of Uplift

Explore our talented team of experts and advisors racing to build Uplift.

Scientific Advisors

Eric Richardson, PhD

Professor at Duke Biomedical Engineering; Founding Director of Duke Design Health; Former R&D Engineer at Medtronic

Joe Knight, PhD, MBA

CEO at Simpson Interventions, Inc.; Executive in Residence at Duke University Biomedical Engineering; Former President & CEO at InnAVasc Medical, Inc.

Marat Fudim, MD, MHS

Cardiologist at Duke; Health Technology Advisory Group Member at AHA

Camille Frazier-Mills, MD, MHS

Clinical Vice Chief in Cardiology at Duke

Contact Us

With many exiting things going on, we are unfortunately currently unable to respond to individual requests about our latest clinical study and the state of our product. However, please fill out the form and our team will keep you updated!

Scroll to Top