Continuous non-invasive measurement of bladder voiding pressure using an experimental constant low-flow test

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Accurate measurement of bladder voiding pressure is crucial for diagnosing and managing lower urinary tract conditions in men.
• Current invasive methods for measuring bladder pressure can be uncomfortable and carry risks.
• There is a need for non-invasive, continuous monitoring techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a prototype device using an automatically controlled inflatable penile cuff for continuous, non-invasive measurement of bladder voiding pressure in men.
• To compare the device's pressure measurements against simultaneous invasive pressure measurements (PFS).

Main Methods:

• A prototype device was developed to modulate flow rate by controlling penile cuff pressure.
• Forty men undergoing urodynamics studies participated, using the device during an additional fill-void cycle.
• Pressure measurements from the penile cuff (p(cuff)) were compared with simultaneous vesical pressure (p(ves)) using maximum pressure and root mean square (RMS) difference.

Main Results:

• The mean difference between maximum cuff and vesical pressures was not significant (1.3 (15.6) cmH2O).
• Moderate to good agreement (RMS difference <20 cmH2O) between cuff and vesical pressures was observed in 50% of participants.
• Factors leading to unsuccessful measurements were identified.

Conclusions:

• The penile cuff device shows promise as a prototype for continuous, non-invasive bladder pressure measurement.
• Recommended improvements have been implemented for the next generation of the device.
• Further development aims to enable clinical application assessment.