Work

Urodynamics with MEMS-Based pressure sensors, a clinical validation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cystometry is a urodynamic investigation used to examine the pressure-volume relationship during bladder filling. In clinical practice, cystometry is typically performed with water or air-filled catheters connected to an external transducer. These catheters, which are primarily suited for short-duration measurements, can compromise pressure transmission due to air bubbles, clogging, bending, and movements, but less so to rapid pressure fluctuations. Moreover, ensuring proper leveling of the transducer is crucial for accurate measurement. To overcome these limitations, a MEMS pressure sensor prototype was previously developed. This study now evaluates the concurrent validity and reliability of this prototype against a conventional cystometry system during a series of clinical cases involving 33 patients undergoing routine cystometry. Excluding three sensors for which a correct placement during cystometry could not be verified, 83.3% of sensors produced useful data. Among these, 88% demonstrated a strong correlation with the reference system in the time-amplitude domain and 72% exhibited a high correlation in the time-frequency domain. Although these sensors were manually assembled and not go through a standardized manufacturing process to enhance stability and detect potential failures, over 78.8% of the 33 sensors tested remained functional after the trial. Therefore, these results support the adoption of this technology in clinical practice, as it may improve diagnostic efficiency, reduce patient discomfort, and potentially be used for long-term and ambulatory urodynamics. • MEMS sensors have the potential to improve bladder pressure measurements and reduce patient discomfort. • This study compares a MEMS prototype against a clinical cystometry system. • A total of 33 patients were enrolled. • A reliable signal correlation was found between the MEMS prototype and the conventional cystometry system in both time-amplitude and time-frequency domains. • This study supports the adoption of MEMS technology for cystometry in clinical settings.

Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics

DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2025.117320

Authors: Thomas Glott, Daniel Nilsen Wright, Ole Jacob Nilsen, Eis Annavini, Jean-Luc Boulland

Institutions: Sunnaas sykehus, SINTEF Digital, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo

Language: English

Topic: Urinary Bladder and Prostate Research

Subfield: Urology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,540