The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for estimating the status of a bladder, especially with respect to the likelihood of an imminent voiding of the bladder. The apparatuses carry out computer-implemented methods of estimating a bladder status employing a bladder monitor which collects bladder data (e.g. using ultrasound) and transmits the bladder data to a data processor for algorithmic conversion to a bladder status. Such algorithms may be trained and tuned to a particular person's bladder. Having established a bladder status based on otherwise esoteric bladder data, the data processor may then trigger an alert signal where the bladder status meets particular criteria indicating an imminent voiding event. Such a trigger signal may be used to alert a nocturnal enuresis patient to an impending void so that they can be awoken before any bedwetting occurs.

Provided are devices and methods for preventing an episode of incontinence in an individual in need thereof. The devices comprise a sensor and a stimulator electrode that can be implanted into the body of the individual. Once the device is implanted in the individual, the sensor of the device senses a parameter that is associated with a response from the individual that is intended to prevent an episode of incontinence. Then, the device provides an electrical stimulation using the electrode that, together with the response, helps to prevent the episode of incontinence.

A printed circuit board device includes: a first capacitive sensor configured to measure a first capacitance within a contained volume having known dimensions, wherein the first capacitance changes as a substance is received into the contained volume; a second capacitive sensor having a plurality of trigger points at a plurality of corresponding known heights within the contained volume, the second capacitive sensor configured to detect when the substance received into the contained volume has reached each of the corresponding known heights within the contained volume; and wherein at least one of a level of the substance within the contained volume, a volume of the substance within the contained volume, or a flow rate of the substance into the contained volume is determined based on data from the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor.

A urinary catheter is described that can be retained inside the body for extended periods. A catheter mating device can connect to the catheter to move the catheter inside of the body or remove it from the body. The catheter includes one or more of: (1) a retention portion having an outer cover, an inner cavity, and at least one structure in the inner cavity that exerts outward force on the outer cover, and (2) an extendable flap at the catheter's distal end. The retention portion and/or extendable flap each are configured to retain the catheter in the proper position inside of a user's body.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for estimating the status of a bladder, especially with respect to the likelihood of an imminent voiding of the bladder. The apparatuses carry out computer-implemented methods of estimating a bladder status employing a bladder monitor which collects bladder data (e.g. using ultrasound) and transmits the bladder data to a data processor for algorithmic conversion to a bladder status. Such algorithms may be trained and tuned to a particular person's bladder. Having established a bladder status based on otherwise esoteric bladder data, the data processor may then trigger an alert signal where the bladder status meets particular criteria indicating an imminent voiding event. Such a trigger signal may be used to alert a nocturnal enuresis patient to an impending void so that they can be awoken before any bedwetting occurs.

Embodiments of the invention provide devices and systems to monitor fullness of a patient’s bladder. One embodiment of a bladder fullness (BF) measure system comprises a sensor device (SD) and a controller. The SD generates an output signal (OS) based on the force exerted by the bladder against SD the wherein the OS corresponds to a degree of BF. The SD may be attached to the bladder wall or adjoining tissue and positioned between the bladder and the pubic bone such that the SD is not affected by tissues force other than that from the bladder. The controller connects to the SD and causes an associated implant to perform a function when the SD output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. Embodiments are particularly useful for providing information on BF to patients suffering from spinal injury or other conditions whereby they have lost the ability to sense BF and/or voluntarily urinate.

An example method includes delivering one or more electrical stimulation signals to a patient, sensing a composite stimulation-evoked signal comprising a composite of signals generated by one or more signal sources in response to the one or more electrical stimulation signals, and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the patient based on the composite stimulation-evoked signal.

A sacral lead system including a sacral lead configured to for insertion within a sacral foramen of a patient. The sacral lead supports one or more electrodes which may be configured as one or more stimulation electrodes and/or one or more sensing electrodes. The sacral lead is configured to deliver a stimulation signal to a patient using at least one stimulation electrode and sense an evoked signal produced in response to the stimulation signal using at least one sensing electrode. The sacral lead system may be configured to position the at least one stimulation electrode and/or the at least one sensing electrode within, dorsal, or ventral to the sacral foramen. The sacral lead system may include stimulation circuitry configured to generate the stimulation signal and sensing circuitry configured to receive a signal indicative of the evoked signal.

The present disclosure discusses a urinary catheter attachment that is equipped with a sensor and microcontroller that monitors bladder parameters, such as pressure or volume, and determines when the bladder is full and should be voided. In various embodiment, the disclosed system allows individuals who cannot know, feel, or remember when their bladder should be voided to use catheter accessories such as catheter valves. According to various embodiments, the system computes bladder fullness through an algorithm and triggers the alert system when a bladder fullness threshold is passed. In various embodiments, the alert system includes, but is not limited to, notifications via smartphone or smart devices, wearable technology, and patient management systems. The alert system may be substituted with an electronically actuated catheter valve.

Embodiments herein include systems and methods for detecting, predicting and/or assessing acute kidney injury. In an embodiment, a monitoring system to detect acute kidney injury is included. The monitoring system can include a sensor circuit configured to collect renal data including at least one of systemic renal data, direct renal data, urinary tract data, and renal-relevant extracorporeal data. The monitoring system can also include a memory circuit to store collected renal data, an evaluation circuit to assess renal status, and a telemetry circuit. The evaluation circuit can determine whether acute kidney injury has occurred or is likely to occur by comparing the renal data to at least one of threshold values, personal historical values, patient population values and patterns indicative of acute kidney injury. The evaluation circuit can initiate a warning notification if acute kidney injury has occurred or is likely to occur. Other embodiments are also included herein.