Bladder Monitoring Systems: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

The lower urinary tract (LUT) is sensitive to nervous system pathologies, injuries and dysfunctions that may lead to the loss or reduction of bladder fullness sensation. Urination assistive devices aimed at supporting bladder emptying and continence control have been proposed so far. However, patients may not perceive the urge to urinate and activate the device accordingly. In this framework, bladder pressure and volume monitoring is crucial and would lead to optimize the use of assistive devices and reduce side effects for the patient. Despite its centrality in restoring LUT functions, urinary bladder monitoring remains not fully explored, yet. In this review paper, we summarize the efforts performed at the clinical and research level towards efficient bladder monitoring. The analysis of the current state of the art enabled to identify the challenges of the field and to draw potential future directions in LUT dysfunction management by engineering solutions. After the introduction of technologies to support urination, a major focus is placed on three groups of monitoring devices, that is, instruments for a clinical setting, wearable devices for continuous and domestic monitoring, and implantable sensors for chronic monitoring. Finally, the main challenges are identified and discussed, highlighting the most crucial points and the main treatment opportunities.