Wireless and Catheter-Free Bladder Pressure and Volume Sensor

Continuous monitoring of bladder activity during normal daily activities would improve clinical diagnostics and understanding of the mechanisms underlying bladder function, or help validate how differing neuromodulation strategies affect the bladder. This work describes a urological monitor of conscious activity (UroMOCA). The UroMOCA included a pressure sensor, urine impedance-sensing electrodes, and wireless battery recharge and data transmission circuitry. Components were assembled on a circuit board and encapsulated with an epoxy/silicone molded package that allowed Pt-Ir electrode feedthrough for urine contact. Packaged UroMOCAs measured 12 x 18 x 6 mm. UroMOCAs continuously transmitted data from all onboard sensors at 10 Hz at a 30 cm range, and ran for up to 44 h between wireless recharges. After in vitro calibration, implantations were performed in 11 animals. Animals carried the device for 28 days, enabling many observations of bladder behavior during natural, conscious behavior. In vivo testing confirmed the UroMOCA did not impact bladder function after a two-week healing period. Pressure data in vivo were highly correlated with a reference catheter used during an anesthetized follow-up. Static volume sensor data were less accurate, but demonstrated reliable detection of bladder volume decreases, and distinguished between voiding and non-voiding bladder events.