BladderScan BVI 9400 3D portable ultrasound scanner for measuring bladder volume

NICE has developed a medtech innovation briefing (MIB) on the BladderScan BVI 9400 3D portable ultrasound scanner for measuring bladder volume.

BladderScan BVI 9400 is a portable 3D ultrasound device that measures bladder volume non invasively to help assess urinary retention and post-void residual bladder volume. Four published prospective cohort studies (3 full papers, 1 abstract) were identified, involving 239 children and young people in secondary or tertiary care settings. These studies showed heterogeneity in the outcome measures and statistical analyses. The reproducibility and accuracy of the results were also varied. The study reported in the abstract contained several limitations and potential biases. The average cost of a BladderScan BVI 9400 system is between £6000 and £8000, excluding VAT.

Medtech innovation briefings provide a description of the medical technology, including its likely place in therapy, the costs of using the technology and a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses of the relevant published evidence.

Their purpose is to provide objective information on device and diagnostic technologies to aid local decision-making by clinicians, managers and procurement professionals. By making this information available, NICE helps to avoid the need for NHS organisations to produce similar information for local use.

Medtech innovation briefings are not NICE guidance. They differ in format, contain no judgement on the value of the technology and do not constitute a guidance recommendation.

MIBs are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of the NHS 5 Year Forward View, specifically as one of a number of steps which will accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics.