Biomechanical Integrity Score of the Female Pelvic Floor for Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Introduction And Hypothesis: This study is aimed at developing and validating a new integral parameter, the Biomechanical Integrity score (BI-score) of the female pelvic floor for stress urinary incontinence conditions.

Methods: A total of 130 subjects were included in the observational cohort study; 70 subjects had normal pelvic floor conditions, and 60 subjects had stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) was used to acquire and automatically calculate 52 biomechanical parameters for eight VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in two planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction).

A novel anchoring system for pelvic organ prolapse repair: an observational study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Sacrospinous ligament (SSL) fixation is an effective and widely used vaginal procedure for correcting apical prolapse. The Saffron Fixation System (Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a new anchoring device aimed at facilitating a durable, easy, and short procedure for SSL fixation with the goal of minimizing operative complications.

Tactile and Ultrasound Image Fusion for Functional Assessment of the Female Pelvic Floor.

Introduction: The true etiology of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence and variations observed among individuals are not entirely understood. Tactile (stress) and ultrasound (anatomy, strain) image fusion may furnish new insights into the female pelvic floor conditions. This study aimed to explore imaging performance and clinical value of vaginal tactile and ultrasound image fusion for characterization of the female pelvic floor.

Biomechanical integrity score of the female pelvic floor.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The aim of this study is to develop and validate a new integral parameter, the Biomechanical Integrity score (BI-score), for the characterization of the female pelvic floor.

Methods: A total of 253 subjects with normal and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) conditions were included in the multi-site observational, case-control study; 125 subjects had normal pelvic floor conditions, and 128 subjects had POP stage II or higher. A Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) was used to acquire and automatically calculate 52 biomechanical parameters for eight VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in two planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction).

Characterization of Perineum Elasticity and Pubic Bone-Perineal Critical Distance with a Novel Tactile Probe: Results of an Intraobserver Reproducibility Study.

Background: Tactile imaging provides biomechanical mapping of soft tissues. Objective biomechanical and anatomical assessment of critical structures within the vagina and pelvis may allow development and validation of a clinical tool that could assist with clinical decisions regarding obstetrical procedures and mode of delivery. Objective: To assess intraobserver reproducibility of measurements of perineal elasticity and pubic bone-perineal critical distance with a novel tactile probe in pregnant women.

Cervical Characterization with Tactile-Ultrasound Probe.

Background: Premature cervical softening and shortening may be considered an early mechanical failure that predisposes to preterm birth. Preliminary clinical studies demonstrate that cervical elastography may be able to quantify this phenomenon and predict spontaneous preterm delivery.

Objective: To explore a new approach for cervix elasticity and length measurements with tactile-ultrasound probe.

Predictive Value of Biomechanical Mapping for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery.

Objective: This study examined biomechanical changes in pelvic floor after urogynecological surgery.

Methods: This multisite clinical study was designed to explore changes in tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and certain functions (contractive strength, muscle relaxation speed, muscle motility) after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. A biomechanical mapping of the pelvic floor was performed before and 4 to 6 months after the surgery.

Biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor: changes with age, parity and weight.

Quantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into the pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse (POP). An innovative approach - vaginal tactile imaging - allows biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The objective of this study is to explore an extended set of 52 biomechanical parameters to characterize pelvic floor changes with age, parity, and subject weight for normal pelvic floor conditions.

Biomechanical Mapping of the Female Pelvic Floor: Uterine Prolapse Versus Normal Conditions.

Introduction: Quantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Vaginal tactile imaging is an innovative approach to the biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records high definition pressure patterns through the vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions.

Biomechanical Mapping of the Female Pelvic Floor: Prolapse versus Normal Conditions.

Background: Quantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions is thought to provide insight into pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). An innovative approach-vaginal tactile imaging-allows biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records high definition pressure patterns from vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions.

Quantitative Assessment and Interpretation of Vaginal Conditions.

Introduction: Few means exist to provide quantitative and reproducible assessment of vaginal conditions from biomechanical and functional standpoints.

Aim: To develop a new approach for quantitative biomechanical characterization of the vagina.

Methods: Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) allows biomechanical assessment of soft tissue and function along the entire length of the anterior, posterior, and lateral vaginal walls.

Tactile Imaging Markers to Characterize Female Pelvic Floor Conditions.

The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records pressure patterns from vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions. The objective of this study is to validate tactile imaging and muscle contraction parameters (markers) sensitive to the female pelvic floor conditions. Twenty-two women with normal and prolapse conditions were examined by a vaginal tactile imaging probe.

Characterizing female pelvic floor conditions by tactile imaging.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Tactile imaging (TI) is the high-definition pressure mapping technology which allows recording pressure patterns from vaginal walls under applied load and during pelvic floor muscle contraction. The objective of this study was to identify new tactile imaging and muscle contraction markers to characterize female pelvic floor conditions.

Methods: The study subjects included 22 women with normal and prolapse conditions.

Time to rethink: an evidence-based response from pelvic surgeons to the FDA Safety Communication: "UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse".

In July of 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety communication entitled "UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Quantifying vaginal tissue elasticity under normal and prolapse conditions by tactile imaging.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) is based on principles similar to those of manual palpation. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical suitability of new approach for imaging and tissue elasticity quantification under normal and prolapse conditions.

Methods: The study subjects included 31 women with normal and prolapse conditions.

Vaginal hysterectomy at the time of transvaginal mesh placement.

Introduction: : Previous investigations have shown an increased risk of mesh erosion when concomitant vaginal hysterectomy is performed at the time of transvaginal reconstruction with mesh. We hypothesize that vaginal hysterectomy can be performed without a high risk of erosion.

Methods: : This is a retrospective, repeated-measures study of women with uterovaginal prolapse who underwent vaginal hysterectomy and pelvic reconstruction with a transvaginal mesh technique using the Prolift system.

Vaginal tactile imaging.

Changes in the elasticity of the vaginal walls, connective support tissues, and muscles are thought to be significant factors in the development of pelvic organ prolapse, a highly prevalent condition affecting at least 50% of women in the United States during their lifetimes. It creates two predominant concerns specific to the biomechanical properties of pelvic support tissues: how does tissue elasticity affect the development of pelvic organ prolapse and how can functional elasticity be maintained through reconstructive surgery. We designed a prototype of vaginal tactile imager (VTI) for visualization and assessment of elastic properties of pelvic floor tissues.

Changes in sexual function after treatment for prolapse are related to the improvement in body image perception.

Introduction: In a previous study, sexual function was related to a woman's self-perceived body image and degree of bother from pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Aims: To evaluate sexual function, prolapse symptoms, and self-perceived body image 6 months following treatment for POP and to explore differences in body image perception and sexual function following conservative and surgical treatment for POP.

Methods: After institutional review board approval, consecutive women with > or = stage II POP were invited to participate.

Sexual function is related to body image perception in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Introduction: A previous study demonstrated that women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapsed (POP) reported decreased self-perceived body image and decreased quality of life.

Aims: To determine the relationship between: (i) sexual function and POP, (ii) self-perceived body image and POP; and (iii) sexual function and self-perceived body image in women with prolapse.

Methods: After IRB approval, consecutive women with POP stage II or greater presenting for urogynecologic care at one of eight academic medical centers in the United States were invited to participate.

One-year anatomic and quality-of-life outcomes after the Prolift procedure for treatment of posthysterectomy prolapse.

Objective: To evaluate anatomic and quality-of-life outcomes at 1-year or greater after treatment of posthysterectomy prolapse with the Prolift procedure.

Study Design: A retrospective repeated measures study comparing preoperative and 1-year or greater postoperative outcomes, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements, Urogenital Distress Inventory, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores.

Results: Ninety-seven patients were included, with a median follow-up of 19.

Quality of life and surgical satisfaction after vaginal reconstructive vs obliterative surgery for the treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

Objective: We sought to compare quality of life and patient satisfaction after obliterative vs reconstructive surgery.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study of women who met the following inclusion criteria: age 65 years or older, leading edge of prolapse 4 cm or greater beyond the hymen, and vaginal reconstructive or obliterative surgery. Preoperative responses to the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) were collected retrospectively.

Incontinence-related quality of life and sexual function following the tension-free vaginal tape versus the "inside-out" tension-free vaginal tape obturator.

The objective of this cohort study was to compare morbidity, quality of life, and sexual function in stress-incontinent women treated with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) versus tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) in a group of 329. Preoperative scores of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) were compared to those from a mailed, postoperative questionnaire. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and three additional questions were also included in the mailing.