Artificial urinary bladder model

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Development
• Urology

Background:

• Pre-clinical testing of medical devices is often hindered by slow, costly processes.
• Existing test beds lack the in vivo fidelity required for accurate physiological system simulation.
• There is a critical need for advanced platforms that closely replicate the biological environment for medical device evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel bladder model for pre-clinical testing of urological stents and catheters.
• To create a versatile, cost-effective, and adaptable test bed that mimics key physiological functions of a bladder.
• To evaluate the model's performance in simulating bladder priming and voiding processes.

Main Methods:

• A novel bladder model was designed and fabricated using a versatile technique allowing adjustments in shape, size, and thickness.
• The model's Young's modulus was engineered to be comparable to that of a biological bladder.
• The model was actuated on-demand to simulate the voiding function, and cystometry profiles were recorded during priming and voiding.

Main Results:

• The developed bladder model is collapsible and can be actuated for simulated voiding.
• While exhibiting a significant difference in compliance compared to a biological bladder, the model demonstrated qualitatively comparable cystometry profiles during priming and voiding.
• The fabrication process proved rapid, relatively inexpensive, and versatile for customization.

Conclusions:

• The novel bladder model shows significant potential as a pre-clinical testing platform for urological devices.
• Further improvements are necessary to enhance architectural replication and flow metrics for closer physiological accuracy.
• This adaptable test bed offers a valuable tool for advancing urological device development and testing.