ES1241839U - A maximum voiding flow meter (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A maximum voiding flow meter (1), characterized in that it comprises - a collection container (2) of urine, with an upper opening (3) for receiving urine (9) urinated by a user and with a lower drain (4), the collection container (2) being intended to accumulate a urine column of varying height according to the difference between the rate of entry and exit of urine from the collection vessel through the upper opening and the drain, respectively; and - a measuring pipe (6), removably attachable in hydraulic connection with the drain (4) of the collecting container (2) at an angle to the collecting container (2), so that the distal end (6b) of the measuring pipe (6)) may be at a level higher than that of its proximal end (6a) coupled to the collecting vessel (2) in use of the meter, the measuring pipe (6) being provided on its face facing downwards with a series of holes (7.1 to 7.10) along its length and consequently at a different level with respect to the drain (4) in use of the meter, so that the urine will be evacuated by more or less holes, in ascending order, depending on the instantaneous hydrostatic pressure created by the urine column accumulated in the collection vessel (2). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

A maximum voiding flow meter

Technical sector of the invention

The invention relates to a maximum urinary flow meter suitable for the practice of a non-invasive urinary flow analysis test and to diagnose, for example, an obstruction of the lower urinary tract of a patient.

Background of the invention

Clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in elderly men and the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

The prevalence of BPH increases markedly with increasing age. Autopsy studies have observed a histological prevalence of 8%, 50% and 80% in the 4th, 6th and 9th decades of life, respectively.

Observational studies of Europe, USA and Asia have also shown that advanced age is a risk factor for the onset and progression of BPH. In addition, prostate volume increases with age according to data from Krimpen and Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, suggesting a prostate growth rate of 2.0% to 2.5% per year in older men. Continuous prostate growth is a risk factor for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Progression and larger prostates are associated with an increased risk of progression of clinical BPH, decreased urinary flow, urinary retention, need for prostate surgery and derived complications.

With a changing demographic profile and an increasingly aging population in almost every society, it is inevitable that this disorder will become even more frequent and a major challenge for all healthcare systems in the future.

There are other diseases that can cause a lower urinary obstruction. For example, in both sexes urethral stricture is a relatively frequent cause of lower urinary obstruction.

A decreased urinary flow can also be caused by a bladder with little contractile capacity, either due to illness or as a cause of aging.

A useful tool in the detection of these diseases is the study of urinary flow. Urinary flow does not distinguish the various diseases from each other, for example, between a low urinary obstruction and a hypocontractable bladder, but it clearly distinguishes between patients with normal urinary flow and patients with decreased (abnormal) urinary flow.

The study of urinary flow, also known as flowmetry, is the recording of urinary flow during urination. Urinary flow is expressed in volume (milliliters) per unit of time (seconds). The flow data offers a maximum value referred to as Qmax and an average flow.

The maximum flow is especially useful, since it can identify patients with lower urinary obstruction.

Several studies have shown that the maximum flow rate in healthy men with an emptying volume of 200 ml is greater than 15 ml / sec. These studies have also shown that, with the same emptying volume of 200 ml, a maximum flow equal to or less than 11 ml / sec is indicative of urinary obstruction or hypo-contractile bladder in 97% of patients. Therefore, the maximum flow is an important tool in the diagnosis of these diseases.

Patent documents US5176148; US4683748; and US4732160 illustrate different devices for measuring urinary flow. The study of urinary flow requires a medical consultation with a doctor to perform this study. The doctor will provide the patient with these expensive and complex devices that will allow obtaining the flowmeter data.

These devices for measuring urinary flow have several drawbacks. On the one hand, the patient has to go to the doctor's office to conduct the study. This means spending money and needing time for it. In addition, this study represents a single measurement at a given time and a single urinary flow may not be representative of the true voiding model of the patient. On the other hand, having to perform urination in an uncomfortable and strange environment can result in a poorly representative flow of reality. In these circumstances, it is very common to use the abdominal musculature to perform urination, which would cause an intermittent flow, which would lead us wrongly to a certain pathology.

Less complex devices to study urinary flow also exist, being suitable for use by patients at home. However, said devices suffer from certain drawbacks.

Thus, for example, the measurement of the apparatus described in patent documents NL1015080 and DE2623557 is based on the relationship between the inlet flow and the outflow (drainage) of the urinated urine in a container. Specifically, a voided flow greater than the drainage capacity causes the accumulation of urine in the container until it reaches a maximum level. In both devices the container has a series of aligned evacuation holes superimposed on different levels and as the maximum flow of urine urinated in the container increases, urine will be evacuated through more holes. The observation of the orifice arranged at a higher level through which urine is evacuated makes it possible to determine the maximum flow reached.

When these evacuation holes are formed in the same container that collects the urinated urine, the evacuation of this through the holes can be affected by turbulence, splashes, foaming ... etc, in the same container that can cause urine evacuation through an evacuation hole set at a level that does not actually reach the accumulated urine in the container, falsifying the measurements.

In addition, the vertical aligned arrangement of the evacuation holes causes the evacuated urine to slide out of control outside the container, affecting the hygiene of the test.

The apparatus described in patent document EP0038783 is based on the instantaneous hydrostatic pressure produced by a column of urine accumulated in a container provided with a drain comprising a narrow duct inclined through whose mouth, as a parabolic shot, urine is projected drained reaching said urine a maximum distance depending on the height of the urine column accumulated in the container. The apparatus comprises a compartmentalized collecting bathtub, with compartments arranged successively further away from the container, but in the path of the projected urine. The observation of the compartment furthest from the duct into which projected urine has fallen makes it possible to determine the maximum flow reached. Obviously, this device does not improve but worsens the hygiene conditions of the versions explained above. Nor does it contribute to the inclusion of narrow ducts that are difficult to clean and where urine remains remain after the device is used.

Similar disadvantages are associated with the device according to patent document US4753249, which includes narrow ducts that put into a common collector with no outlet, drain or drain, which forces the device to be emptied for emptying, leaving bags and urine residues after the use of the apparatus.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an alternative meter to known devices.

This meter has to be simple but effective at the same time. The meter may be incorporated into an apparatus or device according to the use or typology of the user or completed with accessories according to such uses, such as collection funnels, holding handles, a urine collection tray, an adapter for its use. attach to a toilet or similar, etc.

In any case, it is sought to obtain a meter that with or without such accessories can be used by the patient at home. This meter should be low cost and simple to use and should allow the study of urinary flow repeatedly over time, so that the voiding model obtained can be representative.

Explanation of the invention.

The maximum voiding flow meter that is the subject of the present invention comprises - a urine collection vessel with an upper opening, to receive urine urinated by a user, and with a lower drain, the collection vessel intended to accumulate a urine column of variable height according to the difference between the rate of entry and exit of urine from the collection vessel through the upper opening and the drain, respectively; Y

- a measuring pipe that is removably attachable in hydraulic connection with the drain of the collecting container at an angle with said collecting container, so that the distal end of the measuring pipe can be at a level higher than its proximal end coupled to the collecting container when said collecting vessel is oriented essentially vertically during its use, the measuring spout being provided on its face facing downwards with a series of holes along its length and consequently at a different level with respect to the drain in use of the meter, so that the urine will be evacuated through more or less holes, in ascending order, depending on the instantaneous hydrostatic pressure created by the column of urine accumulated in the collecting container.

This particular arrangement, as will be explained later, allows to overcome drawbacks associated with known embodiments. In particular, it ensures priming of the degasser and prevents fluctuations, turbulence, foams or other effects of the urine introduced into the container from affecting the veracity or accuracy of the measurements obtained, as it does in known embodiments in which it is the same container collector which presents, at different heights, the urine evacuation holes.

In a variant of interest, the drain is arranged in a side wall of the collecting vessel, which contributes to the compactness of the meter.

Preferably, the measuring spout forms an angle between 75 ° to 90 ° with the collection vessel.

In a variant of interest, the collection vessel internally has a series of curved deflector surfaces suitable for attenuating the velocity of the urine introduced into the collecting container and preventing, even more if possible, the formation of foam or turbulence at the level of the drain.

It is envisaged that in a zone close to the upper opening the collecting container comprises at least one deflector flap suitable for diverting a flow of urine introduced into said collecting container in one direction forming an angle of incidence with a receiving area of one of the aforementioned curved surfaces

As will be explained below, in a variant of interest one of said curved surfaces determines an essentially convex front wall, with respect to the urine column that will accumulate in the collecting container.

According to another characteristic of interest, in a variant of the meter the upper opening of the collecting container is formed in a top closure removably attachable, as a cover, to the body of the collecting container, which performs the function of adapter for the fitting of various accessories, such as a funnel.

This feature, together with the removable coupling between the measuring pipe and the collection vessel, contributes to better hygiene and cleaning of the meter after use.

Possible pockets or deposits of urine in elbows, recesses or cavities are eliminated.

Preferably, the at least one deflector fin is part of the upper closure.

The measuring pipe may comprise means that control the level reached by the urine, that is, indicators of the evacuation orifice at a higher level through which urine has been evacuated from the measuring pipe.

In a simple and economical variant, the measuring spout is provided on two opposite sides of two opposing longitudinal grooves, which determine a guide for the insertion and retention in the measuring spout, in sliding mode, of the control means, which are formed by a replaceable strip that moistens or reacts chemically or thermally on contact with urine.

Naturally, other forms of coupling or fixing are, however, possible if the essence of the invention is altered.

The collection container is preferably provided, in the vicinity of its upper opening, of an overflow, where urine from the accumulated urine column can be overflowed in said collection container.

The overflow can be formed both in the body of the collecting container and in the upper closure if the collecting container is formed in two parts.

In any case, the overflow is preferably formed by one or more holes in which they are located, where appropriate, below the at least one deflector fin.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the parts of a meter that exemplifies the invention; Fig. 2 is a view according to a longitudinal sectional plane of the meter of Fig. 1; and Figs. 3a and 3b, are side bullets of the meter of Fig. 1 to illustrate the principle of operation thereof.

Detailed description of an embodiment

The meter 1 exemplifying the invention comprises a urine collection container 2 of External configuration in a general prismatic manner and a measuring pipe 6 angled with the collecting vessel 2, giving the assembly a general shape in L.

The collecting container 2, in the example formed in two parts, has a removable upper closure 2.1 removably attachable, as a cover, to the body 2.2 of the collecting container 2. This upper closure 2.1 has an upper opening 3 for receiving urine 9 (see Figs 3a and 3b) voided by a user. This upper closure 2.1 performs the function of adapter for the fitting of various accessories, such as a funnel, in the upper opening 3. In the example, the upper opening 3 is formed at the end of a tubular formation 3a of short length, in angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the collecting vessel 2.

The collection vessel 2 has a drain 4 near its blind bottom, which it embeds laterally.

The collection container 2 is intended to accumulate a urine column of varying height according to the difference between the rate of entry and exit of urine from the collection container 2 through the upper opening 3 and the drain 4, respectively.

The measuring pipe 6 is removably attachable in hydraulic connection with the drain 4 of the collecting vessel 2. This coupling can be a pressure coupling.

The measuring pipe 6 is oblong and in the correct position of coupling the measuring pipe 6 forms an angle D with the collecting vessel 2 of approximately 90 °. In use, the tubular formation 3 must be oriented essentially vertically so that the meter 6 will then be slightly inclined upwards, with its distal end 6b at a level higher than that of its proximal end 6a coupled to the collecting vessel 2, all as illustrated by the Fig. 2.

In the example the measuring pipe 6 is straight and is provided on its face facing downwards with a series of holes 7.1 to 7.10 along its length and consequently at a different level with respect to the drain 4, so that the urine will be evacuated by more or less holes, in ascending order, depending on the instantaneous hydrostatic pressure created by the urine column accumulated in the collection vessel 2. Unlike in known devices, the L-arrangement of the meter makes the holes in use 7.1 to 7.10 are not vertically aligned and the urine that is evacuated from the holes will not slip out of control by the outer surface of the collecting container. Also, urine evacuated through a hole at a higher level It will not mix or impede the evacuation of urine through the orifice of an immediately lower level.

The passage section of the drain 4 as well as the distance and passage section of these holes 7.1 to 7.10 is calibrated to know the maximum urine flow value measured according to the hole 7.1 to 7.10 at a higher level through which urine is evacuated when urination 9 is introduced into the collection vessel 2.

The number, distance from each other and passage section of holes 7.1 to 7.10 may vary. A non-arbitrary selection of these parameters, which results in obtaining particularly precise results, is that consisting of having 7 to 12 holes, for example ten holes, of an approximate pitch section of 36-42 mm2; equidistant from each other at a rate of approximately 8 mm apart.

In combination with the above, in the example, the collection vessel 2 may have a capacity of approximately 10-15 ml and its configuration be such that it can accumulate a urine column of approximately 50-75 mm. In fact, the manufacture of meters of different capacity is contemplated.

It is of interest that the collection vessel 2 internally has a series of curved deflector surfaces 22 (see Figs. 2 and 3) suitable to attenuate the speed of the urine introduced into the collection vessel 2 and prevent the formation of foam or turbulence at the level of the drain 4. Thus, advantageously drain 4 will be fully primed and this improves the quality and accuracy of the measurements.

In the example, the body 2.2 of the collecting container 2 comprises a surface that determines a convex front wall, seen from the urine column that would accumulate in said body 2.2, which extends along the length of said body 2.2. In addition, the collecting vessel 2 comprises a baffle fin 5 whose purpose is to direct the inlet flow at an angle to the front wall indicated above, especially with a receiving area 22a thereof.

Note that, in the example, this baffle fin 5 is part of the closure 2.1. Note also that the orientation of this deflector fin 5 forms an essentially right angle with the tubular formation 3a of the urine stream entering the recent collector 2. In turn, the Tubular formation 3a is slightly inclined forming an acute angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body 2.2. of the collecting vessel 2. As advanced above, an essentially vertical orientation of this tubular formation 3a in use of the meter 1 will ensure the correct inclination of the measuring pipe 6.

The meter pipe 6 can have visible markers, which by observation during the practice of the test allow to know the maximum flow value. These markers can be numerical and directly indicate maximum flow values in ml / sec. associated to the different holes 7.1 to 7.10.

However, and according to the exemplified embodiment, the measuring pipe 6 comprises control means 61 of the level reached by the urine, that is indicators of the evacuation hole 7.1 to 7.10 at a higher level through which urine has been evacuated of the measuring pipe 6. These witness means 61 may be in the form of a disposable strip. Specifically, in the example, the measuring pipe 6 is provided on two opposite sides of two longitudinal grooves 6c, opposed, which determine a guide for the insertion and retention in the measuring pipe 6, in sliding mode, of this disposable strip and easily Replaceable after use, which is of a suitable material or prepared to moisten or react chemically or thermally to contact with urine.

In this version of the meter 1, the maximum flow value obtained at the end of the test and the control means 61 of the measuring pipe 6 may be known.

Other options are possible, more advanced, in which the witness means 61 comprise electronic transducer means that, for example, detect changes in impedance, capacity or light absorption motivated by the presence of urine in different positions of the measuring pipe 6, with the possibility of transmission of data captured remotely.

The meter 1 is suitable for use in a domestic self-test to assess the normality or abnormality of voiding flow, as well as for a conventional diagnostic test in a medical center in order to detect a possible urinary obstruction early or to monitor the effect of certain treatments Medical / surgical

The example meter 1 can be completed with accessories or complements to form an apparatus or device more suitable for use. In this sense, it is possible to connect or connect Accessory parts to facilitate its use, for example: a funnel, holding handles, various supports to ensure the correct orientation of the meter in use, etc. In fact, the meter 1 is designed to be included as a central component in different final embodiments according to its final use: to be held by hand; take hold of the edges of a WC or toilet; to have a special design for women; etc.

The operation of the meter 1 is explained by the bullets of Figs. 3a and 3b.

Ensuring an inclined orientation of the measuring pipe 6, forming an angle B with respect to the horizontal between 5 ° to 15 °, it is measured so that the urine 9 penetrates superiorly into the collecting container 2 and a column of urine accumulates in it whose height will determine the instantaneous hydrostatic pressure that will force the urine that flows out of the drain 4 to reach a maximum level determined in the measuring pipe 6.

Depending on the magnitude of the inflow, the urine will drain through more or less holes 7.1 to 7.10 of said measuring pipe 6. Initially it will drain through hole 7.1 closest to its proximal end 6a, reaching to evacuate through more holes in ascending order as it increases the inflow and increases the hydrostatic pressure. Thus, the vignette in Fig. 3a would correspond to a test during which the maximum flow rate is lower compared to the test in Figure 3b, in which the maximum flow measured is higher.

From certain determined maximum flow values, close to 19 ml / sec., No urinary obstruction or hypo-contractile bladder would be attributable and consequently it may not be necessary to prepare the meter 1 for measurements of maximum voiding flow greater than this value . Accordingly, it is contemplated to provide the collecting container 2, in the vicinity of its upper opening 3 with an overflow 8, in the form of one or more holes, where urine can be controlled in a controlled manner from the urine column accumulated in said container collector 2 when the maximum flow rate of urination exceeds a certain threshold value. Advantageously, this allows dimensionally optimizing the meter 1 and especially the collecting vessel 2 according to the minimum volumes required for the test, which contributes to material savings and manufacturing costs.

In the meter 1 of the figures that exemplify the invention, the overflow 8 is located below the deflector fin 5 which, as a roof, prevents the flow of urine 9 directly reaches the overflow 8. In this way , only urine from the spine of Urine accumulated in the body 2.2 of the collection container 2 may flow out of said overflow 8.

Claims (11)

1. - A maximum voiding flow meter (1), characterized in that it comprises - a collection container (2) of urine, with an upper opening (3) for receiving urine (9) urinated by a user and with a lower drain (4), the collection container (2) being intended to accumulate a urine column of varying height according to the difference between the rate of entry and exit of urine from the collection vessel through the upper opening and the drain, respectively; Y - a measuring pipe (6), removably attachable in hydraulic connection with the drain (4) of the collecting container (2) at an angle to the collecting container (2), so that the distal end (6b) of the measuring pipe (6) ) may be at a level higher than that of its proximal end (6a) coupled to the collecting vessel (2) in use of the meter, the measuring pipe (6) being provided on its face facing downwards with a series of holes (7.1 to 7.10 ) along its length and consequently at a different level with respect to the drain (4) in use of the meter, so that the urine will be evacuated by more or less holes, in ascending order, depending on the instantaneous hydrostatic pressure created by the urine column accumulated in the collection vessel (2). 2. - A peak voiding flow meter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drain (4) is arranged in a side wall of the collecting vessel (2). 3. - A maximum voiding flow meter (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring pipe (6) forms an angle (D) of between 75 ° to 90 ° with the collection vessel (2). 4. - A peak voiding flow meter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection vessel (2) internally has a series of curved deflector surfaces (22) suitable to attenuate the speed of the urine introduced into the collecting container (2) and avoid foaming or turbulence at the drain level (4). 5. - A peak voiding flow meter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in a zone close to the upper opening (3) the collecting vessel (2) comprises at least one deflector fin (5), suitable for deflecting a urine flow (9) introduced into said collecting container (2) in one direction forming an angle of incidence with an area of reception (22a) of one of the aforementioned curved deflector surfaces (22). 6. - A maximum voiding flow meter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper opening (3) of the collecting vessel (2) is formed in a removable, removable upper closure (2.1), as a cover , to the body (2.2) of the collecting container (2), which acts as an adapter for the fitting of various accessories, such as a funnel. 7. - A maximum voiding flow meter (1) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the at least one deflector fin (5) forms part of the upper seal (2.1). 8. - A maximum voiding flow meter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring pipe (6) comprises control means (61) of the level reached by the urine, that is indicators of the evacuation hole ( 7.1 to 7.10) at a higher level through which urine has been evacuated from the measuring pipe (6). 9. - A maximum voiding flow meter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the measuring spout (6) is provided on two opposite sides of two opposed longitudinal slots (6c), which determine a guide for insertion and retention in the measuring pipe (6), in sliding mode, of the control means (61), which are formed by a replaceable strip that moistens or reacts chemically or thermally upon contact with urine. 10. - A maximum voiding flow meter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection vessel (2) is provided, in the vicinity of its upper opening (3), with an overflow (8), where Urine may overflow from the accumulated urine column in said collection container (2). 11. - A peak voiding flow meter (1) according to claims 5 and 10, characterized in that the overflow (8) is formed by one or more holes in the collection vessel (2), and that said holes are located below the at least one deflector fin (5).