SmartFlow: A Semi-Automatic Bladder Irrigation System

Augmentation cystoplasty is a surgical treatment for neurogenic bladder dysfunction that results in lifelong mucus production, requiring routine bladder irrigation to prevent infection, obstruction, and bladder stone formation. Current irrigation methods rely on manual syringe flushing, which is physically demanding, technique-dependent, and often require caregiver assistance. Poor adherence to irrigation protocols has been reported in approximately 40% of patients and is associated with complications including bladder stone formation and graft perforations, with mortality rates approaching 25% in severe cases. These challenges highlight the need for a more consistent and accessible bladder irrigation procedure.
This project presents an early-stage semi-automatic bladder irrigation prototype designed to improve the consistency of post-operative bladder irrigation. The device integrates an Arduino-based control system, linear actuator, custom 3D-printed coupler, and prefilled medical-grade syringe to automate irrigation and replicates the clinically used barbotage technique. The system delivers programmable irrigation volumes of 60–240 mL with flow rates between 1.5-5.0 mL/s using pulse-width modulation (PWM)-controlled actuator speed. Key design constraints included closed-system integration, biocompatibility, and maintenance of bladder pressure below 40 cmH2O.
System-level verification testing evaluated prototype performance against design requirements. User-triggered testing confirmed successful execution of the programmed irrigation workflow, while gravimetric testing evaluated volume accuracy and flow rate consistency within a + 10% tolerance range. Results demonstrated repeatable and irrigation performance. While still an early-stage prototype requiring further development and clinical validation, the system aims to address an unmet need in the long-term management of patients undergoing augmentation cystoplasty.