WO2025231912A1 - Annular wireless bladder pressure measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medical instrument that is an examination instrument for measuring the internal pressure of the bladder that requires no externally connected catheter or externally connected cable. The technical problems addressed by the present invention are that existing conventional urodynamic bladder pressure measuring devices require externally connected catheters and cables, the non-closed-loop structures of existing wireless bladder pressure measuring devices involve the risk of the end heads entering the urethra and becoming dislodged, and the tubular structures uniform in diameter in existing wireless bladder pressure measuring devices fail to balance good flexibility and a large capacity. The present invention provides an annular wireless bladder pressure measuring instrument for measuring the internal pressure of the bladder that requires no externally connected catheter or externally connected cable, can be placed in the bladder, and features good flexibility and a large capacity. The present invention is of an annular structure and is made of an elastic material, so that the present invention can be flattened and elongated under external pressure and automatically springs back into an annular shape when no external pressure is applied. The annular structure comprises a folding section and a loading section; the folding section is relatively thin and can be bent and straightened easily, and the loading section is relatively thick and has a large internal space that can accommodate elements such as a power supply, a circuit board, and a pressure sensor. The bladder pressure measuring instrument can be wirelessly interconnected to other devices. Data from the pressure sensor can be wirelessly transmitted. The operation of the bladder pressure measuring instrument can be regulated wirelessly.

Description

A ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor Technical Field

This invention relates to a medical device, which is an examination instrument for measuring intrabladder pressure that does not require external catheters or external leads.

Background Technology

Urodynamic testing is an examination to determine bladder function, and measuring intrabladder pressure is one of the fundamental components of urodynamic testing. Traditional instruments for measuring intrabladder pressure require the insertion of a bladder pressure catheter into the bladder. The catheter transmits the intrabladder pressure to a pressure sensor in an external device. Such examinations can only be performed in specialized medical settings, require the presence of medical personnel, involve large devices, require external leads or catheters, and are performed in an unnatural position, affecting the patient's psychological well-being and failing to accurately reflect bladder function under natural conditions. Currently, wireless bladder pressure measurement devices exist, consisting of a short, coilable tube that can be inserted into the bladder, housing sensors and other components. This coiled structure aims to prevent the instrument from spontaneously entering the urethra and being expelled from the body. However, the presence of two proximal ends still poses a risk of these ends entering the urethra, which cannot be completely eliminated.

Technical issues

Existing traditional urodynamic devices require external catheters or leads. The non-closed-loop structure of existing wireless cystometry devices poses a risk of the device dislodging due to the tip potentially entering the urethra. Furthermore, the short-tube structure of these wireless cystometry devices fails to reconcile the inherent conflict between small and large tube diameters. Smaller diameters offer the advantage of greater flexibility and ease of bending and straightening, facilitating device insertion and removal from the bladder. However, this requires ultra-miniaturized internal components such as chips and batteries, creating significant manufacturing challenges. Larger diameters, on the other hand, allow for greater internal capacity, simplifying the manufacturing of internal chips, batteries, and sensors. However, excessively large diameters result in stiffness and may even prevent insertion into the urethra. Current designs of this type typically feature a uniform diameter, failing to balance the advantages of both small and large diameters and thus not resolving this inherent conflict.

Existing wireless bladder manometry devices with their uniform-diameter tubular structures suffer from the inability to simultaneously achieve flexibility and a large space requirement. This invention proposes a flexible, large-capacity, ring-shaped wireless bladder manometry device that can be placed inside the bladder to measure intrabladder pressure, eliminating the need for external catheters and leads. This invention represents a novel medical device for urodynamic testing.

Technical solutions

This invention relates to a wireless bladder manometry device, a medical examination instrument that can be fully inserted into the bladder without the need for external catheters or wires to measure intrabladder pressure. The main body of the device has a ring-like structure, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, and flattened-oval shapes. The main body is made of elastic material and includes one or more folding sections and a loading section. The folding sections are thinner, easily bent and straightened, while the loading section is thicker and can accommodate components such as a power supply, circuit board, and pressure sensor. The cross-sectional shapes of the folding and loading sections include, but are not limited to, circles, rings, semicircles, ellipses, crescents, and triangles. The diameters of both the folding and loading sections are smaller than the urethra. Under external force, the ring structure of this bladder manometry device can flatten and elongate, transforming from a ring shape into a double-stranded strip. The elongated bladder manometry device can be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. When no external force is applied, the bladder manometry device can automatically spring back to its ring shape. The folding sections of this invention can be solid and empty, or they can have cavities to accommodate thin and soft components such as wires or guide wires. The folded segment can be made of a single homogeneous material or a composite material. The composite material consists of a biodegradable portion and a non-degradable portion. When the biodegradable portion is immersed in water for a certain period, it decomposes, at which point only the non-degradable portion of the folded segment serves as the connecting element. One or more dissolution zones can be provided on the annular structure of this invention. These zones can be located on the folded segment or the loading segment. The material in these zones is biodegradable and decomposes after immersion in water for a certain period. After decomposition, the annular structure of the cystometry device will have a gap or break into multiple segments, making it easier to remove the cystometry device through the urethra. One or more cutting zones can also be provided on the annular structure. These zones can be part of the folded segment or a thin line on the folded segment. The cutting zones are easy to cut under cystoscopy. After cutting these zones, the cystometry device changes from a closed annular structure to a gapped annular structure or separates into multiple segments, making it easier to remove the cystometry device through the urethra. The circuit board built into the loading segment of this invention can include components such as a wireless communication module, a wireless charging module, and a pressure sensor chip. The pressure sensor can be a rigid pressure sensor, a flexible pressure sensor, or a thin-film pressure sensor; there can be one or more of these sensors, located either in the loading section or the folding section. This invention can wirelessly interconnect with other devices, wirelessly transmit pressure sensor data, and wirelessly control the operation of this bladder pressure monitor. Wireless interconnection methods include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth wireless communication, Wi-Fi wireless communication, 4G mobile communication, and 5G mobile communication; other wireless interconnection devices include, but are not limited to, dedicated data receiving devices, smartphones, tablets, wearable devices with wireless communication capabilities, or in-body implantable devices. The loading section of this invention can contain a buoyancy bladder, which can be filled with gas or low-density lightweight materials. A top cap with a groove can be provided on the annular structure of this invention; when placing the wireless bladder pressure monitor, a push rod can be used to push it forward against the groove of the top cap. One or more handles can be provided on the annular structure of this invention; the handle structure includes, but is not limited to, threads, pendants, and annular protrusions; grasping the handle allows the bladder pressure monitor to be moved.

Beneficial effects

The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It incorporates a built-in battery and pressure sensor, eliminating the need for external catheters and wires, and transmits data wirelessly to external devices, allowing patients to complete bladder pressure measurement naturally; the closed-loop structure completely prevents the pressure measuring device from accidentally dislodging into the urethra; the folding section allows for a thinner structure that facilitates bending, straightening, and cutting of the ring-shaped pressure measuring device, making insertion and removal from the bladder easier; the loading section provides a larger internal capacity to accommodate components or a buoyancy bladder; and the combined folding and loading sections achieve a balance between better elastic deformation, larger internal capacity, and smaller overall external dimensions. Currently, there is no similar design, making this invention a practically significant innovation.

Attached Figure Description

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the spring-open state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the folded state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the folded state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention at the dashed line in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the spring-open state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the folded state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the folded state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention at the dashed line in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the spring-open state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the folded state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the folded state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention at the dashed line in Figure 8;

The labels in the diagram are as follows: 1. Folding section, 2. Loading section, 3. Components, 4. Pressure sensor, 5. Fusing zone, 6. Cutting zone, 7. Biodegradable part, 8. Non-biodegradable part, 9. Buoyancy bladder, 10. Top cap, 11. Groove, 12. Handle.

The best embodiment of the present invention

Example 1: As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, a wireless bladder manometer has a circular outer shell made of elastic material, comprising two folding sections 1 and two loading sections 2. The folding sections 1 are thinner, with a solid, flattened oval cross-section, and are made of homogeneous elastic material, making them easy to bend and straighten. One folding section 1 has a concave cutting area 6, which is easily cut under a cystoscope. After cutting this area, the bladder manometer changes from a closed ring structure to a notched ring, making it easier to remove the bladder manometer through the urethra. The loading sections 2 are thicker, generally spindle-shaped, with a circular cross-section. One loading section 2 houses components 3 such as a power supply, circuit board, pressure sensor 4, and wireless communication module, while the other loading section contains a gas-filled buoyancy bag 9. The maximum diameter of both the folding sections 1 and loading sections 2 is smaller than the diameter of the urethra. The ring-shaped structure of this bladder pressure monitor can flatten and elongate under external force, transforming from a ring shape into a double-stranded strip. The folding section 1 runs parallel to the loading section 2. The elongated bladder pressure monitor can be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. When no external force is applied, the bladder pressure monitor can automatically spring open and return to its ring shape. This invention can interconnect with an external device via Bluetooth wireless communication, wirelessly transmitting the data measured by the pressure sensor 4 to the external device. The external device can then wirelessly control the operation of this bladder pressure monitor. The ring structure of this invention has a top cap 10 with a groove 11 inside. When placing the wireless bladder pressure monitor, a push rod can be used to push it forward against the groove 11. The ring structure has two thread-like handles 12, which can be grasped to move the bladder pressure monitor.

Embodiments of the present invention

Example 2: As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, a wireless bladder pressure monitor has a circular outer shell made of elastic material, comprising six folding sections 1 and six loading sections 2. The folding sections 1 are thin, easy to bend and straighten, and have a flattened oval cross-section. Three of the folding sections 1 are made of homogeneous silicone, while the other three are composite materials, consisting of a biodegradable portion 7 and a non-degradable portion 8. The biodegradable portion 7 decomposes after being immersed in water for a certain period. At this point, only the non-degradable portion 8 connects the two loading sections 2 at both ends of the folding section 1. Fine wires connect the components within the loading sections to the silicone. One folding section 1 has a cutting area 6 made of thread; cutting this area changes the bladder pressure monitor from a closed ring structure to a strip shape. Another folding section 1 has a melting zone 5 made of biodegradable material, which decomposes and is absorbed in water after a certain period. The loading section 2 is roughly bead-shaped with a circular cross-section. Three of the loading sections 2 house components 3 such as a power supply, circuit board, pressure sensor 4, and wireless communication module. The other three loading sections 2 contain buoyancy bladders 9 filled with gas. The maximum diameter of both the folding section 1 and the loading section 2 is smaller than the diameter of the urethra. Under external force, the ring structure of this bladder manometry device can flatten and elongate, transforming from a ring shape into a double-stranded strip. In the elongated state, the folding section 1 runs parallel to the loading section 2, allowing the elongated bladder manometry device to be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. It automatically springs open to return to its ring shape when no external force is applied. This invention can interconnect with an external device via Wi-Fi wireless communication, wirelessly transmitting data measured by the pressure sensor to the external device. The external device can then wirelessly control the operation of this bladder manometry device. The ring structure of this invention has two thread-like handles 12 at both ends; grasping the handles 12 allows the bladder manometry device to be moved.

Example 3: As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9, a wireless bladder pressure monitor has a main body in the shape of a square-round ring, made of silicone material, comprising two folding sections 1 and two loading sections 2. The folding sections 1 are thin, easy to bend and straighten, and have a flattened oval cross-section. One of the folding sections 1 has a cutting area 6; cutting it changes the bladder pressure monitor from a closed ring structure to an open ring. The other folding section 1 has a melting zone 5, which is made of a biodegradable material and can decompose and be absorbed in water after a certain period of time. After this zone decomposes, the bladder pressure monitor changes from a ring structure to an open ring. The loading sections 2 are generally short rod-shaped with a semi-circular cross-section. One loading section 2 houses components 3 such as a power supply, circuit board, pressure sensor 4, and wireless communication module; the other loading section 2 contains a buoyancy bladder 9 filled with gas. The ring-shaped structure of this bladder manometry device can be flattened and elongated under external force, transforming from a ring shape into a double-stranded strip. The diameter of the two parallel loading sections 2 is smaller than the diameter of the urethra, allowing the elongated bladder manometry device to be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. It can automatically spring open and return to its ring shape when no external force is applied. This invention can interconnect with an external device via Bluetooth wireless communication, wirelessly transmitting data measured by the pressure sensor 4 to the external device. The external device can then control the operation of this bladder manometry device wirelessly via Bluetooth. The ring structure of this invention has two thread-like handles 12 at both ends; grasping the handles 12 allows the bladder manometry device to be moved.

Industrial applicability

This invention can be implemented using existing production technologies and has industrial applicability.

Type the free content description paragraph for the sequence list here.

Claims (20)

A ring-shaped wireless bladder manometry device is a medical examination instrument that can be placed entirely inside the bladder without the need for external catheters or wires to measure bladder pressure. Its features include: a ring-shaped outer shell made of elastic material that can flatten and elongate under external pressure and automatically spring back to its ring shape when no external force is applied; the ring structure includes a thinner folding section and a thicker loading section; the folding section is easy to bend and straighten; and the loading section can accommodate components such as a power supply, circuit board, and pressure sensor. The bladder manometry device can wirelessly interconnect with other devices, wirelessly transmit pressure sensor data, and its operation can be wirelessly controlled. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the ring structure refers to a circular shape, including but not limited to a circle, an ellipse, and an oval shape. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the folding section and the loading section may have one or more. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the cross-sectional shape of the folding section and the loading section includes, but is not limited to, circles, rings, semicircles, ellipses, crescents, triangles, etc. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that the diameters of the folding section and the loading section are both smaller than the urethra. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that: under the action of external force, the bladder manometer can be straightened and deformed from a ring shape into a double-stranded strip shape. The strip-shaped bladder manometer can be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. After the external force is removed, the bladder manometer can automatically spring open and return to its ring shape. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that: the folded section can be solid with no contents, or it can have a cavity to accommodate thin and soft contents such as wires and guide wires. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the folded segment can be a homogeneous elastic material or a non-homogeneous material. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that: the folding segment can be a single homogeneous material or a composite material, the composite material is composed of a degradable part and a non-degradable part, the degradable part can be decomposed after being soaked in water for a certain period of time, at this time only the non-degradable part of the folding segment plays a connecting role. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that: the ring structure may have one or more fracture zones, which may be located in the folding section or the loading section. The material of this zone is a biodegradable material that can decompose after being soaked in water for a certain period of time. After the decomposition of this zone, the ring structure of the bladder manometer will have a gap or break into multiple segments, which makes it easier to remove the bladder manometer through the urethra. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that: the ring structure may have one or more cutting areas, which may be part of a folded segment or a thin line on the folded segment. The cutting area is relatively thin and easy to cut under cystoscopy. After the cutting area is cut, the bladder manometer changes from a closed ring structure to a ring with a notch or is separated into multiple segments, which makes it easier to remove the bladder manometer through the urethra. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the circuit board may include components such as a wireless communication module, a wireless charging module, and a pressure sensor chip. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the pressure sensor includes a rigid pressure sensor, a flexible pressure sensor, and a thin-film pressure sensor. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that: the pressure sensor can be located either in the loading section or in the folding section. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the pressure sensor can be one or more. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the form of wireless interconnection includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth wireless communication, Wi-Fi wireless communication, fourth-generation mobile communication, and fifth-generation mobile communication. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: the other devices that can be wirelessly interconnected with it include, but are not limited to, dedicated data receiving devices, smartphones, tablets, wearable devices with wireless communication functions, or implantable devices. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder manometer is characterized in that: the loading section can have a built-in buoyancy bladder, which can be filled with gas or low-density lightweight material. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: a top cap can be provided on the ring structure of the wireless bladder pressure monitor, and the top cap has a groove. When placing the wireless bladder pressure monitor, a push rod can be used to push forward against the groove of the top cap. According to claim 1, the ring-shaped wireless bladder pressure monitor is characterized in that: one or more handles can be provided on the ring structure of the wireless bladder pressure monitor, and the structure of the handle includes, but is not limited to, silk thread, pendant, and ring protrusion, and the bladder pressure monitor can be moved by grasping the handle.