Automated and Intuitive UTI and Blood Clot Prevention Device for Continuous Bladder Irrigation

Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) is a frequent postoperative urological procedure that continuously flushes the bladder with saline. Its main goal is to control gross hematuria (blood in urine) and prevent the formation of clots that can block urinary flow and extend hospital stays. Despite its widespread use, traditional CBI methods are flawed. Currently, there is no standardized or quantitative method to evaluate the severity of hematuria; instead, clinicians rely on subjective visual assessments, using imprecise color descriptors such as "rose" or "cherry red." Saline flow rates must also be adjusted manually, requiring frequent bedside monitoring to assess urine color, regulate inflow, and replace fluid bags. This labor-intensive and inconsistent process contributes to complications in roughly 50% of patients receiving CBI. While some research efforts have explored optical sensing or automated flow regulation, none have successfully delivered a comprehensive solution that combines measurement, automation, alerts, and a user interface in a system suitable for clinical use. To overcome these challenges, we created UroFlo: a smart, adaptive CBI platform designed to streamline and improve hematuria management. UroFlo integrates five essential features: 1) quantitative hematuria analysis; 2) automated inflow control; 3) real-time monitoring of supply and waste volumes; 4) automated caregiver notifications; and 5) an intuitive user interface. By combining objective data with automated decision-making and intel-ligent alerts, UroFlo reduces the need for constant supervision, ensures consistency across care teams, and improves patient outcomes. This system represents a significant advancement in CBI technology, setting a new benchmark for standardizing care and enhancing safety.