Recent developments in technology for the assessment and management of incontinence

Abstract

Urinary incontinence, the leakage of urine, is a common condition, which can have a significant impact on a patient's quality-of-life. Incontinence may arise as a consequence of a weakness of the urinary sphincter or bladder dysfunction, usually over-activity. Incontinence therapies occupy a large proportion of the healthcare budget. As no single device to manage incontinence is appropriate for all situations, a diverse range of products are available on the market and the development of improved products based on fundamental designs has been slow. This review highlights some of the key issues of continence care and describes the current technology and recent developments involved in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of incontinence, along with the strengths and limitations of these methods. These issues are imperative to address if improved technology is to be developed.

The association between the ICIQ‐LUTS and the ICIQ‐bladder diary in assessing LUTS

“…The bladder diary objectively defines the clinical entity of the problem in terms of quantifying the voided volume of urine, urine frequency, leakage, the degree of nocturia, and presence of nocturnal polyuria. In addition, it also plays a role in treatment through providing biofeedback to the patient based on their response to treatment …”

“…In addition, it also plays a role in treatment through providing biofeedback to the patient based on their response to treatment. 10 BD are beneficial when assessing patients with bothersome LUTS, particularly nocturia, as they can underpin categorization of the underlying mechanism(s). 11 They are typically more accurate than patient recall, particularly for nocturia.…”

Continence technologies whitepaper: Informing new engineering science research

“…For continence technologies, the research challenge encompasses a wide range of underpinning knowledge and technology. Here we highlight and discuss key engineering and physical science challenges which include both the development of new understanding and technology, and the translation of extant technology to this often overlooked field (60). Addressing these challenges has the potential to bring forth disruptive changes or to bring incremental improvements in overlooked areas.…”

Artificial urine and FBS supplemented media in cytocompatibility assays for PLGA‐PEG‐based intravesical devices using the urothelium cell line UROtsa

“…At present, there is no single device available for intravesical drug delivery in the targeted treatment of urgency, frequency and incontinence related to over‐active bladder syndrome (OAB) . Various treatments are currently being used, but with limited success, a high rate of side effects that limit patient compliance and at high cost to health insurance companies . Novel concepts, based on the “fire and forget” use of intravesical drug‐releasing devices, at least inducing detrusor relaxation and minimizing the symptoms of OAB over days or even weeks, would open the possibility of new therapeutic strategies.…”

“…7 Various treatments are currently being used, but with limited success, a high rate of side effects that limit patient compliance and at high cost to health insurance companies. 8 Novel concepts, based on the "fire and forget" use of intravesical drug-releasing devices, at least inducing detrusor relaxation and minimizing the symptoms of OAB over days or even weeks, would open the possibility of new therapeutic strategies. However, in order to obtain rapid market approval, all product developers are required to test their prospective medical devices according to the European Council directive 93/42/EEC, and German developers must also conduct tests according to the German DIN norm ISO 10993-5.…”