Ongoing Projects

In this project, using computational techniques, we set out to better understand the effects of different ureterovesical junction (UVJ) anatomical parameters on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). 

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One of the major challenges in urodynamic testing is the presence of an indwelling urethral catheter during voiding pressure evaluation. The space-occupying property of the catheter results in non-physiological conditions, which in turn, can cause misdiagnosis. In this study we hypothesize that ultrasound-based technique known as subharmonic-aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) can measure pressure in a bladder phantom.

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In this project, we are aiming at better understanding ureteral peristalsis, its normal function and how its abnormal function might cause urinary tract disorders. 

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Pelvic floor mobility is an important factor in urinary incontinence and transperineal ultrasound can clearly visualize this movement.  However, its quantification thus far has been largely a manual process, that focuses on only a small part of the visible movement.  In this study,  we address a need for an automated methodology to quantify pelvic floor mobility during real-time ultrasound imaging.

In this study, we propose evaulate urethral functionality by assessing its tissue microenvironmental changes with multiparametric ultrasound imaging techniques.

The current standard method to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is by imaging tests such as voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG) utilizing intravesical infusion of radiographic dye.  In such tests VUR is graded based on the visualized degree of dilation and extent to which the contrast flows back up to kidneys.  The major limitation of these test is that they ignore ureteral refluxing pressures and volumetric flow rates, which we hypothesize to be crucial for objectivity of these tests and their ability to distinguish between primary and secondary VUR, all important in managing VUR.  In this project, we are aiming to develop a new objective methodology to evaluate VUR grade using these biomarkers.

The amount and timing of different pelvic floor structure movements during various tasks offer important information about pelvic floor motor function. Transperineal ultrasound can clearly visualize this movement in healthy women and those with pelvic organ prolapse. In this study, we address the feasibility of using real-time transperineal ultrasound imaging to perform detailed functional assessments of pelvic floor motor function.

Often injuries during a difficult vaginal delivery result in stretch-related damage to the active and passive tissue of the pelvic floor, resulting in an enlarged urogenital hiatus. However, mechanisms of hiatal closure are poorly understood. In this project, we aim to quantify motor control of hiatal closure in healthy women and women with pelvic organ prolapse using transperineal ultrasound, pressure sensors and surface electromyography.