The active urine collection device: a novel continence management system focusing particularly on the needs of disabled women.

PURPOSE: This paper introduces a novel incontinence management system which applies space technology to the problem of urinary incontinence. The purpose of this paper is to invite comments and suggestions from professionals in the disability and rehabilitation field. METHOD: Severe urinary incontinence is a distressing condition for which there are few satisfactory management solutions. We have been able to develop a compact liquid handling system that can cope with the initial surge of urine which characteristically reaches a high flow rate of around 25 ml/sec. By using a sophisticated system of filters, the device can cope with mixed streams of urine and air which are inevitable when a non-invasive patient/device interface is used. The next phase of the project is to develop prototype devices with the aid of users to produce an effective appliance that users and carers find practical and acceptable to use. CONCLUSION: With the aid of users, carers and rehabilitation experts we hope to develop an excellent user-friendly product. We believe this device can make a positive contribution to the quality of life of disabled people with continence difficulties.

The further development of the active urine collection device: a novel continence management system.

Continence difficulties affect the lives of a substantial minority of the population. Women are far more likely than men to be affected by urinary incontinence but the range of management options for them is limited. There has been considerable interest in developing an external urine collection system for women but without success to date. This paper describes the development and preliminary clinical testing of an active urine collection device (AUCD), which could provide a solution for sufferers. The device uses stored vacuum, protected by a high bubble point filter, to remove urine as quickly as it is produced. This allows a small battery-operated pump to provide the required vacuum, enabling the device to be portable. Two different types of non-invasive patient/device interface were developed, and tested by volunteers: urinal and small pad. The slimline urinal was popular with users although liquid noise was a problem. The pad interface was successful on occasions but further work is necessary to produce a reliable pad. This study has successfully demonstrated that a prototype AUCD liquid handling system can remove urine at clinically relevant flowrates. While further development is required, volunteer tests have shown that the AUCD could be a useful advance in continence management.