Abstract-An in vivo sensor system for direct measurement of pressure in the human urinary bladder is developed. The core component in the system is a small-sized and highly sensitive piezoresistive MEMS pressure sensor element integrated in a sensor catheter. The sensor catheter is wired to an external module for biasing, sampling, conversion and storage of sensor measurements. Our solution provides a target sensor placed directly into the urinary bladder and a reference sensor placed outside the bladder wall through a suprapubic and minimally invasive technique. Physiological recordings through natural filling and emptying cycles of the bladder are achievable. The case report from the first 17-hours investigation in a patient is presented in this paper. It reveals that the procedure was successful and no complications occurred. The patient expressed good experience during the participation. A functionality test shows that the percutaneous pressure sensor system responds immediately to external pressure stimuli.

Several authors and organisations have over the last 40 years suggested various ways to describe different levels of automation. In this paper we give an introduction to some of the most relevant models and present some of the challenges faced when using them. Furthermore, we suggest a new definition for autonomy, based on responsibility instead of functionality. The paper analyses some relevant cases based on the suggested definition of autonomy, and points towards some issues that should be investigated in the maritime domain related to current definitions for autonomous ships.