Abstract
The urodynamic catheter and its transducer play a significant role in the performance of good urodynamic studies. The fluid-filled (perfusion) catheter with its external strain gauge transducer and the microtransducer catheter with a transducer built directly into the catheter are the two most prevalent catheters used in urodynamic studies today. Either functions differently with regard to how pressures are measured during testing. Both are unique with regard to their requirements for handling and management during testing. Proper transducer calibration, maintenance of standardized reference levels, and attention to catheter zeroing procedures as outlined by the International Continence Society are vital to good study technique and quality testing results. When used in a manner consistent with the catheter’s performance characteristics, study error is minimized and meaningful clinical data can be obtained.
Similar content being viewed by others
References and Recommended Reading
Rowan D, James ED, Kramer AE, et al.: Urodynamic equipment: technical aspects. J Med Engl Technol 1987, 11:57–63.
Anonymous: Disposable pressure transducers. Health Devices 1988, 17:75-94.
Kaula N: Practical engineering aspects of urodynamics. In Practical Urodynamics. Edited by Nitti VW. Philadelphia: W.B. Sanders; 1998:4–14.
Bump RC: The urodynamics laboratory. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1989, 16:795–816.
Brown M, Wickham JE: The urethral pressure profile. Br J Urol 1969, 41:211–214.
Nitti VW, Combs AJ: Urodynamics: when, why, and how. In Practical Urodynamics. Edited by Nitti VW. Philadelphia: W.B. Sanders; 1998:15–22.
Schäfer W, Abrams P, Liao L, et al.: Good urodynamic practices: uroflowmetry, filling cystometry, and pressure-flow studies. Neurourol Urodyn2002, 21:261–274. Comprehensive guidelines are provided by the ICS for good urodynamic practice of quality control, signal testing and measurement, and documentation. The potential to obtain good results occurs when the suggested standards of good urodynamic practice are followed.
Abrams P: Urodynamics equipment. In Urodynamics Principles, Practice, and Application. Edited by Mundy AR, Stephenson TP, Wein AJ. New York: Churchill Livingston; 1984:69–75.
Websters GD, Guralnick ML: The neurourologic evaluation. In Campbell’s Urology. Edited by Campbell MF, Walsh PC, Retik AB. New York: Churchill Livingston; 2002:900–930.
Millar HD, Baker LE: Stable ultraminiature catheter tip pressure transducer. Med Biol Eng 1973, 11:86–89.
Asmussen M, Ulmsten U: Simultaneous urethral pressure profile measurements with a new technique. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scan 1975, 54:385–386.
Karram M: Urodynamics; cystometry. In Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. Edited by Walters MD, Karram, MM. St. Louis: Mosby; 1999:55–67.
Leach GA, Farsaii A, Raz S: New dual-channel microtip transducer catheter for urethral pressure profile and cystometry. Urology 1982, 20:555–557.
Bruskewitz R, Raz S: Urethral pressure profile using microtip catheter in females. Urology 1979, 14:303–307.
Lose G, Griffiths D, Hosker G, Kulseng-Hanssen S: Standardization of urethral pressure measurement: report from the Standardization Subcommittee of the International Continence Society. Neurourol Urodyn 2002, 21:258–260. Guidelines are suggested by the ICS for good urodynamic practice for assessment of urethral pressure during urethral closure and voiding function.
Sand P: Transducer-induced artifacts. In Urodynamics and Evaluation of Female Incontinence: A Practical Guide. Edited by Sand PK, Ostergard DR. UK: Springer; 1997:154–155.
Nitti VW: Cystometry and abdominal pressure monitoring. In Practical Urodynamics. Edited by Nitti VW. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1998:38–51.
Sand P: Transducer placement and poor calibration. In Urodynamics and Evaluation of Female Incontinence: A Practical Guide. Edited by Sand PK, Ostergard DR. UK: Springer; 1997:147–149.
Sand P: Rectal and vaginal peristalsis. In Urodynamics and Evaluation of Female Incontinence: A Practical Guide. Edited by Sand PK, Ostergard DR. UK: Springer; 1997:143–146.
Smith CP, Boone TB, Nitti VW: Pitfalls and artifacts in Urodynamic Studies. In Practical Urodynamics. Edited by Nitti VW. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1998:131–139.
McCarthy TA: Validity of rectal pressure measurements as indication of intra-abdominal pressure changes during urodynamic evaluation. Urology 1982, 20:657–660.
James ED, Niblett PG, MacNaughton JA, Shaldon C: The vagina as an alternative to the rectum in measuring abdominal pressure during urodynamic investigations. Br J Urol 1987, 60:212–216.
Bhatia NN, Bergman A: Urodynamic appraisal of vaginal pressure versus rectal pressure recording as indication of intraabdominal pressure changes. Urology 1986, 27:482–485.
O’Donnell PD: Pitfalls of urodynamic testing. Urol Clin North Am 1991, 18:257–268.
Plevnik S: Urethral pressure profilometry, dynamic urethral pressures, urethral electrical conductivity and urethral sensitivity measurements. In Urodynamics. Edited by Abrams P. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1997:145–164.
Wang AC, Chen M: A comparison of urethral pressure profilometry using microtip and double-lumen perfusion catheters in women with genuine stress incontinence. BJOG 2002, 109:322–326.
Culligan PJ, Goldberg RP, Blackhurst DW, et al.: Comparison of microtransducer and fiberoptic catheters for urodynamic studies. Obstet Gynecol 2001, 98:253–257.
Elser DM, London W, Fantl JA, et al.: A comparison of urethral profilometry using microtip and fiberoptic catheters. Int Urogynecol J 1999, 10:371–374.
Sand PK, Bowen LW, Panganiban R, Ostergard DR: The low pressure urethra as a factor in failed retropubic urethropexy. Obstet Gynecol 1987, 69:399–402.
Ghoniem MA, Rottembourg JL, Fretin J, Susset JG: Urethral pressure profile, standardization of technique and study of reproducibility. Urology 1975, 5:632–637.
Haeusler G, Tempfer C, Heinzl H, et al.: Value of urethral pressure profilometry in the female incontinent patient: a prospective trial with an 8-channel urethral catheter. Urology 1998, 52:1113–1117.
Steele GS, Sullivan MP, Yalla SV: Urethral pressure profilometry: vesicourethral pressure measurements under resting and voiding conditions. In Practical Urodynamics. Edited by Nitti VW. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1998:108–130.
Anderson RS, Shepherd AM, Feneley RC: Microtransducer urethral profile methodology: variations caused by transducer orientation. J Urol 1983, 130:727–728.
Teague CT, Merrill DC: Laboratory comparison of urethral profilometry techniques. Urology 1979, 13:221–228.
Bump RC, Elser DM, Theofrastous JP, McClish DK: Valsalva leak point pressures in women with genuine stress in continence: reproducibility, effect of catheter, caliber, and correlations with other measures of urethral resistance. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995, 173:551–557.
Decter RM, Harpster L: Pitfalls in determination of leak point pressure. J Urol 1992, 148:588–591.
Baseman AG, Baseman JG, Zimmern PE, Lemack GE: Effect of 6F urethral catheterization on urinary flow rates during repeated pressure-flow studies in healthy female volunteers. Urology 2002, 59:843–846.
Groutz A, Blaivas JG, Sassone AM: Detrusor pressure uroflowmetry studies in women: effect of a 7Fr transurethral catheter. J Urol 2000, 164:109–114.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lotze, P.M. A comparison of external transducers and microtransducers in urodynamic studies of female patients. Curr Urol Rep 6, 326–334 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-005-0048-8
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-005-0048-8