Diagnostic urethral assembly & method

Abstract

A diagnostic urethral assembly is provided. The assembly includes an elongate body having a fluid passageway and an elongate support member selectively positionable within the fluid passageway of the elongate body. The elongate body has a radially responsive wall segment, the elongate body being positionable within a lower urinary tract such that the radially responsive wall segment is adjacent a prostatic urethra. The elongate body is adapted to be in fluid communication with a bladder. The assembly has a first operably selective condition wherein the elongate support member is translatable relative to the elongate body so as to permit sequential and incremental radial compression of the radially responsive wall segment by the prostatic urethra in furtherance of defining architecture associated with the prostatic urethra. The assembly further has a second operably selective condition wherein fluid distally introduced into the elongate body radially expands the radially responsive wall segment into conforming engagement with the prostatic urethra in furtherance of obtaining a mold of same.

1 - 29 . (canceled)  
     
     
         30 . A lower urinary tract symptoms diagnostic method comprising the steps of: 
 a. supporting a prostatic urethra;    b. sequentially and incrementally returning portions of the prostatic urethra to an unsupported condition during a bladder voiding event; and,    c. visually assessing fluid flow associated with said sequential and incremental return of portions of the prostatic urethra to an unsupported condition.    
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein linear relationships among the structures of the lower urinary tract are ascertained during said sequential and incremental return of portions of the prostatic urethra to an unsupported condition.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31  further comprising the step of ascertaining pressure corresponding to said fluid flow.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  further comprising the step of obtaining a casting of the prostatic urethra.  
     
     
         34 . A bladder outlet obstruction diagnostic methodology comprising the steps of: 
 a. positioning an indwelling device for selective support of a prostatic urethra; and,    b. manipulating a portion of said indwelling device so as to permit a prostate to physiologically act upon a prostatic responsive segment of said indwelling device.    
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34  wherein said manipulating permits sequential assessment of prostatic urethra patency.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein said manipulating permits incremental assessment of prostatic urethra patency.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34  wherein said indwelling device is adapted to receive a casting agent in furtherance of obtaining a casting of a prostatic urethra.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37  further comprising obtaining a casting of the prostatic urethra.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 34  further comprising monitoring urine flow during said manipulating.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39  wherein said monitoring comprises visual assessment of said urine flow character.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39  wherein said monitoring comprises pressure indication.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39  wherein said monitoring comprises pressure indication and recording.