Dirk Tenholte

Catheterless long-term ambulatory urodynamic measurement using a novel three-device system.

Aims Long-term urodynamics are required because bladder-emptying disorders are often not clearly revealed by conventional urodynamics. Patients with severe clinical overactive bladder symptoms, for instance, often show normal results. This may be due to the short evaluation time and psychological factors that complicate conventional urodynamics. This study aimed to develop an ambulatory three-component urodynamic measurement system that is easy to operate, registers urodynamic parameters for several days, and has no negative impact on the patient. Methods We developed an intravesical capsule combined with a hand-held device to register voiding desire and micturition, and an alarm pad device that detects urine loss. Recently, the intravesical capsule and its proven function were detailed in the literature. Here, we present detailed in vitro results using a female bladder model. The flexible capsule was C-shaped to minimize the risk of expulsion from the bladder during micturition. Results of biocompatibility evaluation of the intravesical capsule, which is called Wille Capsule (WiCa) are described. Results The WiCa with an oval nose and a maximum outer diameter of 5.5 mm was easily inserted through a 25-French cystoscope. Removing the WiCa by grasping the nose using the female model with bladder was easily conducted. Expulsion of the WiCa during voiding was avoided through a novel C-shaped device design. Based on in vitro cytotoxicity studies, the capsule is a promising and safe device. Conclusion Our novel system is an innovative minimally-invasive tool for accurate long-term urodynamic measurement, and does not require inserting a transurethral catheter.

An Intravesical Measurement System for Catheterless Long-Term Urodynamics

The urodynamics is considered as a standard diagnostic test for urinary incontinence. For this test, transurethral catheter tip sensors are used to measure the pressure inside the bladder. The measurement takes about 25 minutes, and often it is not possible to monitor pathological changes of pressure during this period. Additionally, different psychological factors could affect the results of standard urodynamics. We have developed a new system for catheterless urodynamic measurement. The system consists of an implantable intravesical capsule that measures the pressure for a period of more than 72 hours. It needs no components outside the human body, so an outpatient treatment is possible, which allows measurements under conditions of the patients daily routine.

Post-processing gap reduction in a micromachined resonator for vacuum pressure measurement

This paper describes the application of a micromachined resonator to verify the vacuum pressure and sealing of cavities in micromechanical components. We use an electrostatic driven and capacitively sensed bulk silicon resonator fabricated by Bonding and Deep Reactive Ion Etching (BDRIE) technology. The resonator operates at the first fundamental frequency. The damping is used as a degree of the pressure. Transversal comb structures act as squeeze film damping sources. Post-processing gap reduction substructures are used to increase the damping in the vacuum pressure range. This method makes it possible to observe the pressure over the time of smallest gas volumes by monitoring the damping of integrated micro mechanical resonant structures. Therewith it is possible to estimate the hermetic sealing quality of the closed sensor package. A transfer curve with a logarithmic characteristic is measured.

[Prediction of overactive bladder treatment outcome by using long-term urodynamics].

In Germany, overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome affects around 6.5 million people over the age of 40. The primary treatment consists of anticholinergics or beta-3-receptor agonists. After an anticholinergic treatment period of around 4 months, compliance is around 40%, which is probably due a larger proportion of nonresponders. One condition of an efficient medication treatment is the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO). However, the detection rate of DO during standard urodynamics is very low. The primary goal in the future is to target OAB treatment by detection of DO. Using the Wille Capsule (WiCa) in an in vitro model, DO could be detected over a time period of 72 h, which would ensure a higher compliance to the OAB treatment in a positive way.

Prädiktion der Therapie der überaktiven Blase mittels katheterloser Langzeiturodynamik@@@Prediction of overactive bladder treatment outcome by using long-term urodynamics

In Germany, overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome affects around 6.5 million people over the age of 40. The primary treatment consists of anticholinergics or beta-3-receptor agonists. After an anticholinergic treatment period of around 4 months, compliance is around 40%, which is probably due a larger proportion of nonresponders. One condition of an efficient medication treatment is the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO). However, the detection rate of DO during standard urodynamics is very low. The primary goal in the future is to target OAB treatment by detection of DO. Using the Wille Capsule (WiCa) in an in vitro model, DO could be detected over a time period of 72 h, which would ensure a higher compliance to the OAB treatment in a positive way.

Prädiktion der Therapie der überaktiven Blase mittels katheterloser Langzeiturodynamik

In Germany, overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome affects around 6.5 million people over the age of 40. The primary treatment consists of anticholinergics or beta-3-receptor agonists. After an anticholinergic treatment period of around 4 months, compliance is around 40%, which is probably due a larger proportion of nonresponders. One condition of an efficient medication treatment is the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO). However, the detection rate of DO during standard urodynamics is very low. The primary goal in the future is to target OAB treatment by detection of DO. Using the Wille Capsule (WiCa) in an in vitro model, DO could be detected over a time period of 72 h, which would ensure a higher compliance to the OAB treatment in a positive way.

A new catheterless urodynamics measurement method by using an intravesical capsule

Urodynamics is considered as a standard diagnostic test for urinary incontinence using catheter tip sensors to measure the bladder pressure. Standard urodynamic measurement takes about 30 minutes, thus it is often not possible to monitor pathological change of pressure during this short period of time. In addition, different psychosocial factors could affect the result of standard urodynamics. In this paper we describe a new system for catheterless urodynamic measurement. The system consists of an implantable intravesical capsule that measures the pressure over a period of up to 72 hours. The system needs no components outside of the human body, so an outpatient treatment is possible, which allows meas urements under conditions of the patients daily routine.