Patent ID: 6579266
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for evaluating urinary incontinence of a patient, the patient having a urethra extending from a bladder to a urethral opening with a maximum urethral pressure disposed therebetween, the system comprising:a pressure-sensing system comprising an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, a vesicle pressure sensor disposed adjacent the distal end for measuring fluid pressure within the bladder, and at least one urethral pressure sensor disposed proximally of the vesicle pressure sensor for measuring urethral pressure; an anchoring structure disposed along the elongate body, the anchoring structure adapted to engage a tissue surface comprising or adjacent the urethra so as to maintain alignment between the urethral pressure sensor and the maximum urethral pressure when a pressure pulse moves the urethra; and a processor coupled to the pressure-sensing system, the processor calculating a relationship between the urethral pressure and the vesicle pressure.