Abstract
The object of our work was the development of a monitoring device for measuring the volume of urine in the bladder to signal in advance the need to urinate and so help prevent urinary incontinence. A high frequency electric current of 50kHz transmitter was applied to a pair of terminals placed on the surface of a human body. The constant current was 2mA (p-p). A pair of voltage electrodes were placed in the path of the electric current to pick up high-frequency voltage signals. Impedance (ΔZ) was measured on one channel simultaneously. A human volunteer was tested. The best position of current electrodes was found to be over both femoral joints. Positioning the voltage electrode above the bladder on the lower abdomen was most efficient for detecting levels of urine. It can be seen that as the bladder gradually fills with urine, base impedance (Z0) decreases, and AC ΔZ, due to respiration, also decreases. These most precise value was able to use for the sake of prevention of urinary incontinence. The urinary incontinence was prevented by the alarm of both light and sound. The reappearance of data and stability of that was remarkably good from experimental results. The change of urinary volume which is related to the respiratory change of both the naturally stayed urine and normal urination was reflected in the state of naturally stayed urine. The alarm level which foretelled both naturally stayed urinary time and normally urinary time was examined. After that, when alarm level was decided within the range of impedance change, from 60 to 70%, the possibility of prediction of urination will be suggested.
