Int Neurourol J.  2015 Sep;19(3):133-141. 10.5213/inj.2015.19.3.133.

Implantable Bladder Sensors: A Methodological Review

• Dakurah MN
• Koo C
• Choi W
• Joung YH

• KMID: 2380841
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5213/inj.2015.19.3.133

Abstract

The loss of urinary bladder control/sensation, also known as urinary incontinence (UI), is a common clinical problem in autistic children, diabetics, and the elderly. UI not only causes discomfort for patients but may also lead to kidney failure, infections, and even death. The increase of bladder urine volume/pressure above normal ranges without sensation of UI patients necessitates the need for bladder sensors. Currently, a catheter-based sensor is introduced directly through the urethra into the bladder to measure pressure variations. Unfortunately, this method is inaccurate because measurement is affected by disturbances in catheter lines as well as delays in response time owing to the inertia of urine inside the bladder. Moreover, this technique can cause infection during prolonged use; hence, it is only suitable for short-term measurement. Development of discrete wireless implantable sensors to measure bladder volume/pressure would allow for long-term monitoring within the bladder, while maintaining the patient's quality of life. With the recent advances in microfabrication, the size of implantable bladder sensors has been significantly reduced. However, microfabricated sensors face hostility from the bladder environment and require surgical intervention for implantation inside the bladder. Here, we explore the various types of implantable bladder sensors and current efforts to solve issues like hermeticity, biocompatibility, drift, telemetry, power, and compatibility issues with popular imaging tools such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We also discuss some possible improvements/emerging trends in the design of an implantable bladder sensor.

Keyword

Urinary Incontinence; Implantable Bladder Sensor; Hermetic; Biocompatible Materials; Telemetry

MeSH Terms

Aged
Biocompatible Materials
Catheters
Child
Hostility
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Microtechnology
Quality of Life
Reaction Time
Reference Values
Renal Insufficiency
Sensation
Telemetry
Urethra
Urinary Bladder*
Urinary Incontinence
Biocompatible Materials