Urinary incontinence (UI) is an underdiagnosed condition with major economic and social impact that affects 200 million people worldwide.

Urodynamix is developing a non-invasive urodynamic system based on near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and overactive bladder (OAB).

Non-Invasive Urodynamic Testing

Our NIRS Bladder Monitor technology is designed to provide a catheter-free product  for integration with existing hospital and office-based diagnostic equipment that is faster, cheaper, and easier to use than existing urodynamics (UDS)* equipment.

* UDS® is a registered trademark of Laborie Medical Technologies.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

   Obstructive or irritative lower

   urinary tract symptoms

   (LUTS) are highly prevalent

   in men, and may affect as 

   many as 90% of men aged

   50 to 80 years.

• LUTS is a term used to describe the range of urinary symptoms most often linked with prostate disease or functional changes in the bladder caused by neurological diseases, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, certain drugs, infections or overactive bladder (OAB).

• Urodynamic testing (UDS) involves a battery of invasive procedures and often requires simultaneous urethral and rectal catheterization and direct observation of voiding.  As a result of the unnatural setting and urethral catheter interfering with voiding, the data is compromised. Catheterization also can cause damage and urinary tract infections. After the test, patients may also have discomfort for a few hours.

Urinary Incontinence (UI)

  Urinary incontinence (UI),the

  physical inability to control 

  urination, afflicts as many as

  30 million North Americans,

  both men and women.

• Despite its considerable prevalence, morbidity and expense, UI remains a largely neglected problem since many individuals (~50% of affected patients) dismiss it as a normal part of aging and refuse to report the problem to their physicians.

• When UI is brought to a provider's attention, it is often inadequately evaluated.  Conventional urodynamic (UDS)* testing is highly invasive, involving catheterization and direct observation of voiding, and as a result many people prefer to go undiagnosed.

• Conventional UDS measures the pressures, volumes and flow rates associated with voiding.  As a result of the unnatural setting and the urethral catheter interfering with voiding, data is somewhat compromised. Catheterization may also cause damage and urinary tract infections. After the test, patients may also have discomfort for a few hours.

• Most patients are referred to an urologist for urodynamic studies. The tests average an hour in length and are typically conducted using uroflowmetry, pressure UDS, ultrasound, and electromyography equipment and associated consumables.

* UDS® is a registered trademark of Laborie Medical Technologies.

URO-NIRS and the Tetra™ Bladder Monitor System by Laborie

Urodynamix's first non-invasive diagnostic urological technology based on near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the Tetra™ Bladder Monitor System, will be distributed by Laborie Medical Technologies beginning in 2008. This breakthrough technology will provide urologists with clinically relevant information about the health and function of the bladder without using catheters. 

As an accessory to Laborie's premium urodynamics equipment, Tetra™ will allow non-invasive evaluation and assist in the diagnosis of patients with urinary incontinence (UI) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

• When combined with uroflowmetry and a bladder scan to measure post void residual urine, Tetra™ is expected to provide physicians with data required to develop an effective UI treatment plan.

• Tetra™ may also reduce or eliminate the uncomfortable process of catheterization for high-risk patients and those who wish to avoid invasive testing.  It is estimated that the new procedure will take less than 30 minutes, and could be completed in an office setting.

Please visit the NIRS and Partners sections for more information.

For additional information on urodynamic testing, visit The National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse (NIDDK).

Additional Reading and References:

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Urinary Incontinence