Reductions in bladder compliance are common in spinal cord injured patients with neurogenic bladder and are associated with multiple adverse outcomes ranging from bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms to dangerously high detrusor storage pressures with the potential for renal failure. Cystometry is the current gold standard for assessing bladder compliance, but this test is invasive, expensive, time intensive, can be extremely uncomfortable, and carry a risk of clinical side effects. A noninvasive method for bladder compliance assessment is therefore of great interest. To address this problem, we have developed a new ultrasonic method based on acoustic radiation force to evaluate bladder compliance in neurogenic patients. This method is based on propagation of Lamb waves in the bladder wall. This method is noninvasive, quantitative, rapid, and requires minimal training. Here we will discuss theoretical, technical, and clinical aspects of this new method.
