Urodynamic use of fiberoptic microtipped catheter

Solid state microtransducers are used widely in urodynamics to record bladder and intraluminal urethral pressures. They are sensitive and capable of giving high quality, reproducible pressure recordings. They do not require the determination of a reference point but they are expensive and fragile, and calibration may be difficult to perform. We describe our experience with a new catheter for pressure recording based on fiberoptic technology. In addition to the advantages of the conventional microtipped catheters, the new catheter is thinner (4F), easier to calibrate and less expensive. Controlled testing of the new catheter was performed in an experimental setting and in clinical trials during urodynamic evaluation. The catheter provides reliable pressure recordings compared to standard microtipped catheters.