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Non-Invasive Bladder Volume Sensing Device

Technology Benefits

Measures volume rather than pressure Using this measurement makes bladder leakage much less likelyNon-invasive and wearable sensor deviceNo effort required by patient for measurements to be taken

Technology Application

Measuring bladder volume for patients with SCI or other bladder dysfunction related diseases such as diabetes or stress urinary incontinence Determining when a catheter should be used

Detailed Technology Description

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction occurs in nearly all patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) or congenital spinal anomalies and results in the lack of pressure sensation and bladder control. The inability to sense fullness results in pressure that can injure the bladder and kidneys and can cause incontinence. Current methods to prevent fullness include clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), which involves a urethral catheterization for drainage of the bladder done every 1-4 hours. Alternative approaches include measuring the bladder pressure and extrapolate the volume from pressure movements to determine when the bladder should be emptied. This is problematic due to bladders having a flat pressure/volume curve until the last portion of filling, meaning leakage often occurs before a patient’s bladder is emptied. Researchers at the University of California Davis have developed an apparatus that uses sensors and methods to determine when a SCI patient’s bladder is full. The apparatus uses sensors to non-invasively measure and transmit real-time information to a processing unit outside of the patient’s body. The information is then analyzed and compared to previously measured catheterized or voided volumes customized to the patient's body and bladder. The variables are then processed for each patient (e.g. environmental factors, patient activity and liquid intake) and audibly or visually notifies either them or a caretaker when a threshold volume is reached (“leak point”) and it is time to empty their bladder.

Others

Additional Technologies by these Inventors

• Transabdominal Fetal Blood Oximetry

Tech ID/UC Case

28710/2017-740-0

Related Cases

2017-740-0

*Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an apparatus and methods for non-invasive bladder volume sensing, to determine when a patient’s bladder is full.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Soheil Ghiasi

Department:

Name: Eric Kurzrock

Department:

Country/Region

USA