12 DISC

Development of ultrasound chip based non-invasive urodynamic monitoring system

To design and develop an inexpensive ultrasound chip placed over the lower abdomen for real-time imaging and dynamic monitoring of urinary bladder function Urodynamic monitoring is vital for urinary bladder function assessment. Current urodynamic monitoring systems are invasive necessitating indwelling catheters for pressure volume and compliance monitoring. While accurate, they still are limited by their invasiveness, risk of UTI and limited datasets due to need for sedation for use in children and special populations like autistic spectrum disorder/intellectually disabled or hyperactive children. Ultrasonographic estimates of bladder function are suboptimal due to the limited time period for which a continuous study can be carried out and operator fatigue while holding the bulky probe for long time. A miniaturized skin-based ultrasound probe chip can facilitate a continuous real-time acquisition of bladder dynamics and static properties. The challenge lies in innovating a wearable ultrasound chip based non-invasive urodynamic monitoring system for continuous real time imaging and monitoring of urinary bladder dimensions, volumes and estimate pressure, compliance and tissue characteristics of urinary bladder wall with following properties a) light weight and wearable over the lower abdomen with local skin compatibility. b) compatible with routine activities of daily life. c) continuous recording and storage for subsequent intelligent analysis systems. d) provide reliable, reproducible and discriminatory markers for functional bladder pathology. e) incorporate ability to quantify and assess sequential changes in multiple bladder parameters before, during and after voiding like volumes, bladder wall thickness, shape, tissue characteristics like vibrometry, elastography, compliance, biomechanics, and micromotion. f) able to provide estimates of changes in the bladder pressures before, during and after voiding. g) amenable for continuous data acquisition, storage and analysis using machine-based learning approaches for further evolution into closed feedback loops for patient involved/physician directed interventions. 1. To provide a point of care objective long-term non-invasive urodynamic monitoring system for children and adults for a) decision making in various urological conditions including need for further invasive urodynamics b) to replace invasive urodynamic studies across neonates and especially abled children with intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorders, neurological conditions and recurrent UTIs c) research in urodynamics of neonatal and infantile bladders d) therapeutic intervention trials for enuresis and bladder dysfunction e) patients with incontinence f) characterization of bladder function for potential military/space applications e.g. characterization and development of devices/processes for bladder evacuation during long duration military operations or prolonged flights 2. To provide datasets for development of applications with incorporated AI/ML algorithms for patient involved monitoring of voiding function as well as design of closed feedback loop therapeutic interventions related to triggers for bladder voiding in various conditions. 3. Conceptually, these can be adapted subsequently for real-time continuous evaluation of cardiac function too.

Challenges