Development of a 3D Pseudo-Bladder for Bioimpedance Measurements

Several studies have linked urinary incontinence with significant impacts on major physical and mental distresses in adults, underscoring the concerns of addressing urinary bladder dysfunction issues. Bioimpedance analyzing devices have emerged as a viable solution because they can sense the changes in voltage, current, and impedance in the bladder. These values are found to be different when the bladder is filled versus when the bladder is empty. Currently, development of more anatomically and functionally accurate bladder models have yet to be explored and, as a result, the advancement of increasingly accurate non-invasive bioimpedance sensors may be limited. Therefore, in response to these critical gaps in knowledge, the development of a pseudo-bladder model that replicates the properties of the human bladder is needed to support and enhance bioimpedance device testing. The first objective of the project was to synthesize a conductive and elastic material using carbon black and silicone to align with specifications based on the human bladder. Upon achievement of this first goal, new molding designs and testing processes were initiated to produce a conductive and elastic bladder model that supported a non-invasive method for monitoring bladder volume. This model development process could be employed not only in the study of bioimpedance sensors but also in the application to other biological areas and any other related medical devices. The transformative potential is further underscored by the ethical and sustainable model that eliminates the need for animal bladders and ensures affordability.