Development of Biomedical Devices for the Treatment of Urethral Stricture

Urethral stenosis is a condition characterized by narrowing of the urethral canal in some section of its length, typically resulting from trauma. In most cases, this abnormal phenomenon can partially or completely disrupt bladder emptying, leading to complications such as bladder distension and urinary tract infections, among others. The purpose of this applied research project is to design a unique biomedical device, composed of one or more components, that, through an appropriate design with micro-mechanical features and materials perfectly compatible with the human body, allows for the remote and manual dilation of the urethra without the need for multiple dilator elements (sounds), a procedure still in use today. The dilation session involves gradually introducing each of the dilators into the urethra, from smaller to larger, and having them pass beyond the site of stenosis. With the development of a biomedical device, the aim is to make the procedure significantly less painful and traumatic for the patient. This is achieved by eliminating the need for multiple dilators and, in turn, reducing the considerable risks of complications such as urethral bleeding, injury to healthy urethra tissue, and false passages, among the most significant concerns.