Urinary Probe Assembly with Hydrophilic Introducer Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and procedures for cystometric measurements are uncomfortable for patients, require expensive and bulky equipment, and often necessitate hospital visits due to the need for specialized equipment. Additionally, the use of stiff catheters can cause discomfort and may not accurately replicate natural voiding processes.
Innovation Solution
A urinary probe assembly comprising a thin and soft shaft wire with a sensor unit at the proximal end, accompanied by an introducer device with a hydrophilic coating for easy insertion and removal. The urinary probe can remain in the bladder for extended periods, allowing natural bladder filling and voiding, and features a sensor unit that can measure properties like pressure, temperature, and urine constituents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stiff catheters are used for cystometric measurements, then the catheters can be easily inserted and maintained in position, but they cause patient discomfort and do not accurately replicate natural voiding processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible introducer sheath made of soft, biocompatible material that can be easily inserted through the urethra. The sheath encompasses the stiffer sensor catheter during insertion, providing the necessary flexibility and comfort, while still allowing the sensor catheter to maintain its position once deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer sheath acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the insertion of the sensor catheter. It provides a protective conduit that reduces friction and trauma to the urethra during insertion, while allowing the sensor catheter to be positioned accurately in the bladder
2Productivity
If artificially filling the bladder quickly is performed to shorten procedure time, then the measurement duration is reduced, but safety limits on filling rate must be observed and measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for natural bladder filling to occur while the patient remains ambulatory, eliminating the need for artificial fluid injection. The sensor catheter continuously monitors bladder pressure during the natural fill-void cycle, providing accurate measurements without interfering with the body's natural processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic, continuous monitoring of bladder pressure throughout the entire natural voiding process. The sensor catheter captures real-time pressure data as the bladder naturally fills and empties, providing a complete pressure profile that reflects actual physiological conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If two catheters are used simultaneously for cystometric measurements, then both fluid injection and pressure measurement can be performed, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of fluid injection and pressure measurement into a single integrated catheter system. The sensor catheter includes both a lumen for fluid injection and a pressure sensor, eliminating the need for a second catheter and thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining full measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both fluid injection and pressure measurement through its integrated components. This universal design allows a single catheter to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices
4Object-affected harmful factors
If thin and soft shaft wire is used for urinary probe, then patient comfort is improved, but the probe becomes more difficult to insert without an introducer device
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer sheath serves as a temporary intermediary device that provides structural support during insertion. Once the thin sensor catheter is positioned in the bladder, the introducer sheath is removed, leaving the comfortable, thin probe in place for extended monitoring
5Reliability
If specialized equipment is used for artificial bladder filling, then cystometric measurements can be performed, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for complex fluid injection equipment by allowing the bladder to fill naturally. Patients can ambulate during the measurement process, and the sensor catheter continuously monitors pressure without requiring external pumping or injection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex artificial filling system. By focusing solely on pressure monitoring during natural voiding and eliminating the need for artificial fluid injection equipment, the system achieves accurate cystometric measurements with minimal equipment
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 urinary probe assembly enables comfortable long-term cystometric measurements without artificial bladder filling, providing more accurate pressure profiles during natural voiding processes. It allows for extended measurement periods, potentially over several hours or days, and can be used in a catheter-free manner, enhancing patient comfort and reducing the need for specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of an outer surface of the tubular sheath is provided with a hydrophilic coating/surface
Data Source
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Figure 3~5B
Figure 6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a urinary probe assembly comprising a shaft wire and a sensor unit, arranged at a proximal end of the shaft wire, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor configured to measure a property of a urinary bladder and/or a fluid inside the urinary bladder. The urinary probe assembly further comprises an introducer device including a splitable tubular sheath, wherein the introducer device is arranged to accommodate at least a part of the shaft wire, and wherein at least a part of an outer surface of the tubular sheath is provided with a hydrophilic coating/surface.