A novel, inexpensive, double lumen suprapubic catheter for urodynamics

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pediatric Urology
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Pediatric urodynamics requires specialized equipment for accurate bladder pressure measurement.
• Existing suprapubic catheters may not fully meet the unique demands of pediatric urodynamic procedures.
• The need for a reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective catheter for pediatric urodynamics is evident.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel, double lumen, intravesical, suprapubic catheter specifically designed for pediatric urodynamics.
• To present a catheter that is easy to use and associated with minimal complications.
• To offer an alternative to existing commercially available suprapubic catheters for this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A double lumen catheter was constructed using a commercially available 10Fr pediatric suprapubic pigtail catheter and a 16-gauge epidural catheter.
• The outer lumen facilitates instillation of filling media, while the inner lumen measures intravesical pressures.
• The catheter was inserted suprapubically under general anesthesia using a peel-away needle.

Main Results:

• The catheter has demonstrated reliability over 15 years in over 700 pediatric patients with few complications.
• Concentric lumens and inner channel rigidity prevent pressure transmission, ensuring accurate measurements.
• The design allows gravity-based filling, offers low resistance, and is cost-effective to produce.

Conclusions:

• A reliable, inexpensive double lumen suprapubic catheter for pediatric urodynamics can be fabricated from readily available components.
• This novel catheter design meets specific criteria not found in current commercial alternatives.
• The described catheter provides a practical and effective solution for pediatric urodynamic assessments.