Research Projects
BioMed Publications
2005-2010
Research at BioMed
Understanding bladder function and novel approaches to achieving continence
In-vivo analysis of bladder micromotion
Urodynamics is the term used to describe the investigation of bladder and urethral function by means of pressure and flow measurements. It requires insertion of pressure monitoring lines into the patient's bladder and rectum (back passage). However, passing tubes is uncomfortable and undignified, and moreover carries a small risk of infection. The development of noninvasive urodynamic tests is thus desirable for both patients and clinicians. Furthermore, standard urodynamics gives little information regarding urinary sensation, resulting in a significant number of studies that fail to achieve definite conclusions.
To overcome these limitations, we are combining high resolution ultrasound scanning with urodynamic tests. We have established that bladder wall movements are readily observed using such high resolution scanning. We are now recruiting patients who are booked for urodynamic tests to also have their bladder wall scanned. The scans are being analysed by a group at the University of Bristol who have developed methods of analyzing the movements on ultrasound images. Pilot investigations are being funded by the Devices 4 Dignity Healthcare Technology Cooperative and the Bristol Urological Institute.
Quality Control of Urodynamic System (UDS) signals
Urodynamics is a globally accepted and verified clinical test, the use of which is increasing as populations age. For some years the International Continence Society (ICS) has disseminated guidelines for good clinical practice. Clinical governance requires that quality control of this practice is regularly carried out by audit and by reviewing adherence to ICS guidelines. However, protocols to assess and quantify this clinical practice do not currently exist.
We aim to develop agreement across the urodynamic community on acceptable quality control indicators, automating the recognition of these. The project will lay the foundation for international standards in quality control of urodynamic traces and the scoring of that quality.
An EPSRC case-studentship award is supporting a PhD student at the University of Glamorgan, who is carrying out the signal processing and data analysis, supervised by the Bristol Urological Institute. A consortium of urodynamic equipment companies is providing the industry component in collaboration with the BUI.
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