[en] Sensory awareness of bladder fullness can be compromised after spinal cord injuries or due to certain medical conditions, significantly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Implantable medical devices that can monitor bladder activity and fullness are being developed to address this issue. In this study, we present a novel strain gauge-based sensor encapsulated in silicone designed to monitor urine volume in the bladder. The sensor is anchored on the bladder wall using hooks, limiting the need for glue or sutures, and enabling minimally invasive implantation. The sensor was validated on both a synthetic bladder phantom and on a pig's bladder during an in-vivo study. The results demonstrate the capability of the sensor to provide a linear indication of the infill volume using the bladder wall's strain. This measurement technique was found to be a superior indicator of urine accumulation compared to intravesical pressure, making it a promising choice for restoring sensory awareness through chronic bladder monitoring. Further optimization of the anchoring technique could enhance the accuracy and usability of this approach. This research contributes to the advancement of implantable bladder sensors, with potential applications in improving the management of bladder-related conditions and enhancing the quality of life of people suffering from bladder dysfunction.
Disciplines :
Life sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Author, co-author :
Verstraeten, Maxime; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bio-Electro- and Mechanical Systems, Brussels, Belgium
Kheir, George Bou; Ghent University Hospital, Ern Accredited Network, Department of Urology, Ghent, Belgium
Sandersen, Charlotte ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH) > FARAH: Médecine vétérinaire comparée
Perre, Louis Vande; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bio-Electro- and Mechanical Systems, Brussels, Belgium
Raffoul, Romain; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bio-Electro- and Mechanical Systems, Brussels, Belgium
Cerda, Javier Chávez; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bio-Electro- and Mechanical Systems, Brussels, Belgium
Roumeguere, Thierry; Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Department of Urology, Brussels, Belgium
Vanhoestenberghe, Anne; School of Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Nonclercq, Antoine; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bio-Electro- and Mechanical Systems, Brussels, Belgium
Language :
English
Title :
A Strain Gauge-Based Implantable Bladder Volume Monitoring Sensor
Publication date :
2024
Event name :
2024 IEEE International Symposium on Medical Measurements and Applications (MeMeA)
Event place :
Eindhoven, Nld
Event date :
26-06-2024 => 28-06-2024
Main work title :
2024 IEEE International Symposium on Medical Measurements and Applications, MeMeA 2024 - Proceedings
Publisher :
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
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