Computational Fluid Dynamics Of Bladder Voiding Using 3D Dynamic MRI

Motivation: Catheter-based urodynamic studies to assess bladder dysfunction are invasive and provide inadequate biomechanical information. MRI-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has demonstrated potential to uncover these features not evident from catheterization. Goal(s): Develop and implement a computational methodology to non-invasively assess urodynamics. Approach: Acquire 3D dynamic MRI of bladder voiding. Use the images to execute subject-specific CFD simulations of the bladder and urethra. Calculate existing urological nomograms and energy expended to quantify bladder function using the MRI and CFD results. Results: The healthy subject showed unobstructed bladder outlet and normal contractility. We calculated the energy expended to void bladder for the first time. Impact: A method using MRI-based computational fluid dynamics was developed to simulate bladder voiding. Results show successful quantification of urine flow dynamics. This method shows potential to overcome limitations of current invasive catheter-based urodynamic studies.