AJP - Renal Physiology, Vol 232, Issue 5 471-F475, Copyright © 1977 by American Physiological Society
A signal-processing system for real-time ultrasonic measurement of urine flow parameters
R. J. Albright and J. R. Peterson
An application of a signal-processing system to the urethra is described
which allows for real-time measurement of the average velocity of the urine
at a particular location along the urethra during voiding through
measurement of the average frequency in ultrasonic return from scatterers
in the flowing urine. In addition, this comparatively simple system
provides, without additional instrumentation, the relative urethral
cross-sectional area at this location and the relative urine flow rate as
functions of time throughout the voiding period. Tests indicate its
potential as a valuable transcutaneous diagnostic aid in the detection,
study, and treatment of various disorders and diseases of the lower urinary
system. The key element of the system is a circuit having a voltage
transfer function magnitude proportional to the square root frequency.
