Development and construction of an open-platform, open-source low-cost portable uroflowmeter: The OpenFlow device

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Urology
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Uroflowmetry is crucial for diagnosing and managing voiding disorders.
• Current limitations in portable device availability hinder widespread home-based uroflowmetry.
• Accurate, low-cost portable devices could enhance patient monitoring and adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an open-platform, open-source, low-cost portable uroflowmeter.
• To assess the feasibility of home-based uroflowmetry using this novel device.

Main Methods:

• A portable uroflowmeter was constructed using a load cell, digital memory card, and 3D-printed frame.
• Twenty urologists evaluated the device's usability, robustness, and portability over at least 24 hours.
• Uroflowmetry tracings were assessed for interpretability by experienced urodynamicists.

Main Results:

• The device achieved maximum scores for ease of use, robustness, and portability in 80% of evaluations.
• 98% of recorded uroflowmetry tracings were deemed interpretable.
• The study population was small, with short monitoring durations, representing limitations.

Conclusions:

• A cost-effective (<50 USD), accurate, and user-friendly portable uroflowmeter is feasible to construct.
• This device has the potential to increase accessibility to portable uroflowmetry.
• Facilitating home-based uroflowmetry can improve the management of voiding disorders.