A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

A variety of medical and non-medical devices are exploited by users to address a wide range of conditions. However, in the vast majority of instances, the device has a limited number of options with respect to its fit for the user and its performance. Further, the determination of target performance and fit are established on a qualitative basis rather than a quantitative basis. In many instances, these combinations lead to low user acceptance of the device due to the resulting performance and fit issues. Accordingly, it would enhance performance and user acceptance if a quantitative determination provided a recommended type where options exist, and this determination provided the basis of a custom designed device to the user's specific anatomical and/or performance requirements.

A device for measuring a rate of production of urine in a patient comprising a catheter; a pressure transducer; and a means for measuring the amount of urine produced. Urine flow from the bladder is prevented until a predetermined pressure is reached in the bladder. Urine flow is then allowed; the bladder pressure and the volume of urine exiting the bladder are measured. When the bladder pressure reaches a second, lower predetermined pressure, urine flow is again prevented. From the measured pressure during urine flow and from the volume of urine exiting the bladder, the intra-abdominal pressure and the urine production rate can be determined.

A catheter hub assembly includes a body. A pressure sensor is disposed within the body to sense pressure within a catheter and communicating with the body. The body has a chamber formed therein having a predetermined volume. A stopper assembly, slideably moves to engage the body forming a gastight seal within the chamber for pushing a column of gas ahead of the stopper assembly as the stopper assembly moves from a first position to a second position.

Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.

A sensor assembly for in-vivo monitoring of a body fluid or tissue (F) comprises: a pressure sensor element, comprising a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) and arranged to detect a pressure of the body fluid or tissue (F) in use; and a shield, which generally surrounds the pressure sensor element such that the pressure sensor element is within an interior volume of the shield, in order to protect and to prevent distortion of the pressure sensor element in use. The pressure sensor element comprises a biocompatible thin film layer, for resisting corrosion and/or fouling of a surface of the pressure sensor element by the body fluid or tissue (F) or biological matter thereof. The pressure sensor element and the shield are in fixed relationship with each other.

The present disclosure relates generally to using detected bladder events for the diagnosis of urinary incontinence or the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. A system includes a sensing device comprising a pressure sensor to directly detect a pressure within a bladder. The sensing device is adapted to be located within the bladder. The system also includes a signal processing device to: receive a signal indicating the detected pressure within the bladder; detect a bladder event based the detected pressure within the signal; and characterize the bladder event as a bladder contraction event or a non-contraction event. The characterization of the bladder event can be used in the diagnosis of urinary incontinence or the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

The present invention relates to a device for determining intra-abdominal pressure in a subject, comprising an intravaginal ring that is provided with a pressure sensor, means for registering the intra-abdominal pressure value measured by the pressure sensor and means for generating an alert signal when the intra-abdominal pressure exceeds a reference value. The present invention also relates to a method for determining intra-abdominal pressure in a subject, comprising the steps of: a) measuring the intra-abdominal pressure in the vagina by means of a device of the invention, b) comparing the intra-abdominal pressure value measured with a reference value; and c) in case the intra-abdominal pressure value exceeds the reference value transmitting an alert signal to the device that triggers a vibration element in the device or an external device, such as a smartphone or smart watch, to provide a warning to change the subjects behaviour in order to lower the intra-abdominal pressure value.

Systems, devices and methods for draining and analyzing bodily fluids and assessing health are described generally comprising a pumping mechanism which is fluidly connectable at a first end to a portion of a drainage line and a venting mechanism having a one-way valve and which is connectable at a first end into fluid communication with a drainage catheter and the drainage line. The pumping mechanism may be configured to create a negative pressure within the drainage line when the pumping mechanism is in communication with the drainage line, and the one-way valve may be configured to open to an environment when the venting mechanism is connected at the first end and when the drainage line is at a pressure less than an environmental pressure such that an airlock is prevented from forming within the drainage line.

An intermittent urinary catheterisation assembly (1) comprising an intermittent urinary catheter (3) comprising a conduit (11) extending longitudinally within the tube. The assembly further comprises a measuring system (4) configured to measure at least a pressure in the conduit and/or in a space in communication with the conduit. The measuring system comprises at least one valve element (37) in fluid communication with the conduit when the signal processing device is secured in relation to the intermittent urinary catheter. A cut-off element (41) configured to switch from a closed state to an open state. The measuring system further comprises at least one sensor element configured to measure a parameter indicative of the pressure applied to the cut-off element when the cut-off element switches from the closed state to the open state.