Investig Clin Urol.
2020 Sep;61(5):528-537. 10.4111/icu.20200059.
Novel insight into pressurization of the male and female urethra through application of a multichannel fibre-optic pressure transducer: Proof of concept and validation
- Affiliations
-
- 1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- 2College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- 3Department of Gastroenterology and Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
- KMID: 2505422
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/icu.20200059
Abstract
- Purpose
To confirm feasibility of recording pressure along the length of the urethra using a multi-sensor fibre-optic pressure catheter; to identify the spatial and temporal features of changes in pressure along the urethra at sites related to specific striated pelvic floor muscles; and to investigate the relationship between urethral pressures and activation of individual pelvic floor muscles estimated from ultrasound imaging.
Materials and Methods
Proof-of-concept study including one male (47 years old) and one female (33 years old). A multi-sensor fibre optic pressure catheter (10 mm sensor separation) was inserted into the urethra. Pressure data were recorded simultaneously with trans-perineal ultrasound imaging measures of pelvic floor muscle activity during sub-maximal and maximal voluntary contractions and evoked coughs.
Results
Pressure changes along the urethra were recorded in all tasks in both participants. Face validity of interpretation of pressure measures with respect to individual muscles was supported by correlation with ultrasound-measured displacements induced by the relevant muscles. Onset of pressure increase occurred in a distal to proximal sequence in the urethra of the male but not the female during voluntary contraction. Peak urethral pressures varied in location, timing and amplitude between tasks. Evoked cough induced in the greatest urethral pressure increase across all tasks for both participants.
Conclusions
The high spatial resolution pressure catheter provide viable and valid recordings of urethral pressure in a male and female. Data provide preliminary evidence of sex differences in spatial and temporal distribution of urethral pressure changes.
