title: How to measure inner urethral wall softness.
abstract: The objective of this study was to develop and preliminarily test the measuring principle suitable for quantification of the capability of deformation of the inner urethral wall, i.e. quantification of inner urethral wall softness. The special measuring catheter was made of plexiglass with two conically shaped stainless steel electrodes mounted 5 cm from its distal tip. The principle of indirect compression measurement on the basis of impedance changes between the electrodes due to the introduction of the tissue between them was tested. The changes in impedance were measured in the distal male urethra during external manual compression, and in the anal sphincter during voluntary contractions and during coughing. The results obtained confirm the applicability as well as the significance of a further perfection of the new method. Calibration technique of the transducer was developed and tested in NaCl solution.
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D003187:Compliance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D014521:Urethra / Q000502:physiology*