Artificial bladder replacement: a new design concept [see comment].

An effectively functioning artificial bladder would be useful after cystectomy because of the ease of insertion and the availability to all patients. In this report, we describe a new design concept based on negative pressure drainage of the kidneys and active voiding, and we present the results of testing this device. Although previous prosthetic bladders have had difficulties with renal failure from hydronephrosis, infection from retention of urine, and encrustation of the luminal surface, the current artificial complete bladder system addresses these problems.