A computer program for on-line measurement, storage, analysis and retrieval of urodynamic data

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Informatics
• Computer Science

Background:

• Urodynamic testing is crucial for diagnosing lower urinary tract disorders.
• Manual data collection and analysis in urodynamics can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
• Integration of computer systems with urodynamic equipment is essential for efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel computer program for direct connection to urodynamic setups.
• To automate the storage and analysis of urodynamic pressure and flow data.
• To facilitate easy retrieval of both raw data and analysis results.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular computer program written in FORTRAN.
• Implementation of hardware-dependent functions (analog input, graphics, disc storage) in replaceable subroutines.
• Direct data acquisition and storage in a random access disc file with minimal user intervention.

Main Results:

• The program enables direct connection of minicomputers to urodynamic equipment.
• Measured pressure and flow data are stored efficiently with minimal urodynamicist intervention.
• Multiple analysis methods can be directly applied to the stored data.
• Results and data are easily retrievable from the disc file.

Conclusions:

• The developed computer program significantly streamlines urodynamic data acquisition and analysis.
• Its modular design allows for easy integration of additional analysis methods.
• The system enhances the efficiency and accuracy of urodynamic testing.