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Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing
Published on: August 14, 2019
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Computational fluid dynamics of bladder voiding using 3D dynamic MRI
Labib Shahid1, Juan Pablo Gonzalez-Pereira1, Cody Johnson2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) shows promise for studying bladder voiding. This novel approach can assess bladder function and potentially diagnose voiding dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Urodynamics
- Medical Imaging
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Image-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has transformed cardiovascular research.
- Traditional catheterization studies have limitations in assessing complex fluid dynamics.
- Assessing bladder voiding dysfunction often relies on clinical urodynamic assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based CFD to investigate bladder voiding.
- To demonstrate the feasibility and potential of MRI-CFD in urodynamics.
- To introduce a new quantitative metric for bladder function assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D dynamic MRI to capture bladder and urethra imaging during voiding.
- Developed a surface mesh processing tool for bladder wall analysis.
- Executed wall-motion driven CFD simulations of the bladder and urethra.
Main Results:
- Calculated urodynamic nomograms from MRI-CFD data (flow rate and pressure).
- The results indicated normal bladder contractility and no obstruction in the healthy volunteer.
- Quantified the work done during bladder voiding.
Conclusions:
- MRI-based CFD is a feasible and potentially powerful tool for urodynamic studies.
- The calculated work of voiding offers a new quantitative measure for bladder function.
- This methodology has the potential to enhance the assessment of bladder voiding dysfunction.
