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The
Problem
Urinary incontinence
is a growing problem throughout the developed world as life expectancy
rises. Within the UK alone, the Royal College of Physicians estimates
that some 3 million people are affected, at an annual cost to the
NHS of £500 million.
Of
particular concern are cases of intractable incontinence where the
only available treatment is long-term catheterisation. Catheter
design has changed little since its introduction in 1937, and patient
suffering and medical costs are high. A multi-disciplinary approach
combining experience from the pirvate and public sectors is required
to address the problem.
The
Consortium
BHRSolutions' experience in multi-partner projects has been
used to help put together a consortium of healthcare, academic and
commercial bodies to research the potential of new technologies,
in a
Foresight LINK project. These include Biocompatibles, Ranier Technologies,
ETB, Mediplus, MCE, Limbs and Things, Ellis Developments and BHRSolutions,
along with Durham and Cardiff Universities and the North Bristol
NHS Trust.
BHRSolutions'
is providing the 'New Urological Technologies and Products'
(NuTaP) consortium with its experience in product development and
in translating market needs into research and development plans.
Consultancy in fluid mechanics will also be available as required.
The Approach
Catheter
design for long-term catheterisation has changed little since its
introduction in 1937 and suffers from two inherent problems
- Susceptibility
to colonisation by microbes such as Proteus Mirabilis, leading
to the precipitation of phosphatic salts, stone formation and
blockage
- Rather than
mimic the natural process of intermittent, complete emptying of
the bladder, continuous drainage is provided
Both problems
will be addressed by the project. A biomaterial will be developed
to coat the catheter and resist colonisation and encrustation, while
at the same time a microsystem will control the filling and emptying
cycle. If successful, patient care will be improved and NHS costs
reduced.
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Proteus Mirabilis
Catheter Encrustation
Clean Catheter
To find out
more, or for more information on using our technology Translation
services in your industry, contact us.
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Copyright BHR Group Limited 2003. All rights reserved.