Technical features of the system used to perform multichannel urethral pressure profilometry.

Multichannel Urethral Pressure Profilometry (MCUPP) is a method used to get more information on the pressure distribution within the female urethra. This information may be of value in the diagnostic work up of women with urinary incontinence. Different systems are used for this technique. The pump is an important part of such a system. The catheter is perfused with water pumped through the side hole of the catheter. Air bubbles inside one or more of the eight channels alter the elastic properties of the catheter making the results unreliable. In daily urodynamic practice it is important that the system is patient and user-friendly, is quick to set up, and the performance of measurements is easy. For this reason a new type of pump was developed that is able to produce a pressure stable continuous flow through the eight channels of the catheter. The problem of air bubbles has been solved and different measurements can be performed serially in a short time. The system currently used by us is described.