Flexible Catheter Pressure Array for Simultaneous Urodynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current urodynamic testing is complex, cumbersome, and requires bulky equipment that limits mobility, necessitating patients to be tested in a laboratory setting, and lacks a convenient method for simultaneously measuring bladder, prostate, and urethral pressures.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensor array installed in a catheter with flexible base substrate, including bladder, prostate, and urethral pressure sensors, allowing simultaneous measurement of these pressures while minimizing structural changes, integrated with readout elements for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional separate pressure measurement methods are used for bladder, prostate, and urethra, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and testing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pressure sensors (bladder pressure sensor, prostate pressure sensor, and urethral pressure sensor) into a single integrated pressure sensor array mounted on one catheter. This merging of previously separate measurement devices into one unified system enables simultaneous measurement of all three pressures, improving testing efficiency while managing device complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple pressure measurements simultaneously. The single catheter structure incorporates sensors for bladder, prostate, and urethral pressure measurement, allowing one device to fulfill multiple measurement functions that previously required separate devices and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate sensors are used for simultaneous pressure measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex insertion and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidcatheter insertion and positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pressure sensors are merged into a single catheter assembly with predetermined spacing. This integration simplifies the insertion process compared to using multiple separate catheters or sensors, as the entire sensor array is inserted together as one unit, maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensors are pre-positioned at specific locations along the catheter during manufacturing, with predetermined spacing between sensors. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex intra-procedural positioning adjustments, making the catheter easier to operate while ensuring accurate measurement capabilities are achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If bulky equipment is used for urodynamic testing, then measurement reliability is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to lack of mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidtesting location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into a compact, portable catheter-based array that can be easily transported and used in different locations. This segmentation from traditional bulky laboratory equipment to a streamlined catheter design maintains measurement reliability through integrated sensors while significantly improving adaptability by enabling testing outside traditional laboratory settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables convenient and efficient urodynamic testing by allowing simultaneous measurement of bladder, prostate, and urethral pressures, facilitating testing outside a laboratory setting and reducing equipment bulkiness.

Implementation Method 1

The bladder pressure sensor is an atmospheric pressure sensor for measuring absolute pressure in the bladder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtmospheric pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The prostate pressure sensor and the urethral pressure sensor are strain gauges for measuring pressure at which the prostate and urethra are tightened

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12419557B2Pressure sensor array for urodynamic testing and a test apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 KOREA ELECTRONICS TECH INST

AI summary

This application relates to a pressure sensor array for urodynamic testing capable of simultaneously measuring bladder pressure, prostate pressure, and urethral pressure, and to a test apparatus including the pressure sensor array. In one aspect, the pressure sensor array for urodynamic testing is installed in a catheter and includes a base substrate having flexibility. The pressure sensor array may also include a bladder pressure sensor formed on a portion of the base substrate to be positioned in bladder and measuring bladder pressure. The pressure sensor array may further include a prostate pressure sensor formed on a portion of the base substrate to be positioned in prostate and measuring prostate pressure. The pressure sensor array may further include a urethral pressure sensor formed on a portion of the base substrate to be positioned in urethra and measuring urethral pressure.