A Gel filled intravaginal transducer for extended measurements of intra-abdominal pressure.

Limitations of the standard urogynecological pressure transducers have not adequately provided reliable measurements of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during physical activities. A previous novel intravaginal pressure transducer (IVT) was developed in order to overcome the shortcomings in existing technology. The design of the IVT was validated though comparisons with existing pressure transducers in both the clinical and bench top settings. However, a number of improvements were needed to overcome limitations in the previous design. A larger elastomeric capsule with transducer was developed and filled with silicone gel to replace the existing saline filled capsule and to better integrate proposed wireless technology. Impulse response and frequency testing were compared between the saline filled IVT and the new gel filled sensor and were found to be equivalent. Additional testing was performed on the gel filled device including drift and temperature measurements of sensitivity and offset. Results show the temperature coefficient of offset and sensitivity within correctible limitations with our proposed signal conditioner circuits.