Implantable Bladder Impedance Sensor for Closed-Loop Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for urinary incontinence lack effective monitoring and feedback mechanisms to accurately manage bladder volume and activity, leading to inadequate therapy delivery and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device system that detects bladder impedance to provide closed-loop feedback for therapy delivery, offering real-time monitoring of bladder parameters and adjusting stimulation based on detected impedance to enhance sphincter muscle function and pelvic floor tone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation therapy is delivered to treat urinary incontinence, then sphincter constriction and fluid retention are improved, but lack of real-time bladder monitoring leads to inadequate therapy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where an implantable sensor continuously monitors bladder impedance and provides real-time information about bladder volume and filling status. This feedback enables the external device to adjust electrical stimulation therapy parameters dynamically, ensuring accurate and timely therapy delivery based on actual bladder conditions rather than fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual monitoring methods with electrical impedance sensing. By measuring changes in electrical impedance across the bladder wall, the system can non-invasively detect bladder volume changes and filling status, substituting complex mechanical sensors with simpler electrical measurement techniques that provide continuous real-time data.
2Measurement precision
If implantable sensors are used to monitor bladder parameters, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the implantable sensor to serve multiple functions: it measures bladder impedance to determine volume, monitors bladder wall pressure, and detects filling status. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate sensors into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for various bladder parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure bladder volume and pressure. Instead of directly measuring these difficult-to-obtain parameters, the system measures electrical impedance changes that correlate with bladder state, providing accurate information through a simpler, less invasive measurement approach.
3Productivity
If continuous bladder monitoring is implemented, then therapy timing and dosage are optimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic impedance measurements rather than truly continuous monitoring. The sensor takes measurements at optimized intervals based on therapeutic needs and battery status, transmitting data batches to the external device. This periodic approach maintains adequate monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to high-frequency continuous sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic monitoring strategies where the sampling rate and transmission frequency are adjusted based on current bladder conditions and therapeutic requirements. During critical phases such as when the bladder approaches fullness or during active therapy, monitoring intensity increases. During stable periods, monitoring frequency decreases, optimizing the balance between therapy efficiency and energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively manages urinary incontinence by providing precise therapy adjustments based on bladder conditions, reducing involuntary leakage and enhancing patient control over urination, thereby improving treatment efficacy and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the signal through the bladder and detecting an impedance through the bladder based on the transmitted signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems that sense the volume, activity or other parameters of the urinary bladder are described. The systems include at least two electrodes that are implanted at respective locations proximate the wall of the bladder, and may be located substantially opposite each other with respect to a center of the bladder. At least one of the electrodes receives an electrical signal emitted by another of the electrodes. Systems according to the invention detect an impedance through the bladder based on the signal, e.g., based on one or both of the current or voltage of the signal. Based on the detected impedance, the systems sense one or more parameters of the bladder, such as volume, activity, or the like, which influence the impedance. The detected impedance, or bladder parameter information derived from the impedance, may be stored for short- or long-term monitoring, or used to control delivery of a therapy to a patient.