Pressure measurement techniques in urodynamic investigations

Abstract

It is apparent that the use of accurate pressure measurement techniques is essential for the outcome of urodynamic investigations. The aim of this paper is to estimate the demands on urodynamic pressure measurements and to rcview the properties of various techniques used. For the infused catheter techniquc, the dynamic properties are very much dependent on the coinplicance of the infusion system. With optimal infusion, the bandwidth and the pressure rise rate seem to be sufficient for most applications. tntraluniinal microtransducers have a high bandwidth. but a certain fiber optic transducer cannot accurately measure mechanical pressure in the collapsed urethra. The principal differences in measuring hydrostatic pressure between the infused catheter tcchniquc and microtransducers should be obscrvcd. Flexion artefacts are a problem whcn mcasunng urethral pressure profiles. Newly dcvcloped transducers may offer a solution to this problem.

Urethral pressure reflectometry and pressure profilometry in healthy volunteers and stress urinary incontinent women

“…The UPR pressure measurements do not have any movement artifact or artifact due to the height difference between transducer and the urethra which are artifacts seen with the UPP. 3,9,11,12 Supine resting. The urethral opening pressure was significantly decreased in the SUI women compared to the volunteers, the same tendency was found for MUP and MUCP.…”

The pelvic floor muscles: Muscle thickness in healthy and urinary-incontinent women measured by perineal ultrasonography with reference to the effect of pelvic floor training. Estrogen receptor studies

“…However, the measured pressures are significantly influenced by the specific technique used [Anderson et al, 1983;Plevnik et al, 1985;Schäfer, 1989;Ask and Hök, 1990]. As a diagnostic tool, urethral pressure measurements are limited by a great overlap of values from continent and incontinent women [Versi et al, 1986;Sørensen, 1992].…”

The accuracy of static pressure measurement with water‐filled urodynamic systems

“…The assumption when water‐filled systems are used is that between the patient's symphysis pubis and the transducer is only water, which is clearly not the case (Fig. and Ask). From the open end‐hole of the water‐filled tube within the patient, there will be a combination of filling solution (either saline or contrast medium), urine and patient tissue, all of which have a density greater than water .…”