Method, system and device for treating disorders of the pelvic floor by electrical stimulation of and the delivery of drugs to the left and right pudendal nerves

Abstract

Described are devices and methods for treating various disorders of the pelvic floor by means of electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerves, and means for delivering one or more drugs in association with such electrical stimulation therapies. One or more electrical stimulation signals are applied, and one or more drugs are infused, injected or otherwise administered, to appropriate portions of a patient's pelvic floor and the pudendal nerves or portions thereof in an amount and manner effective to treat a number of disorders, including, but not limited to, urinary voiding dysfunction, fecal voiding dysfunction, constipation, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, urinary retention disorder, sexual dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, prostatitis, prostatalgia and prostatodynia.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of each of the following U.S. Patent Applications, and claims priority and other benefits from each such Application: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 236,578 to Gerber et al. entitled “Electrical and / or Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for the Treatment of Prostatitis and Prostatodynia” filed Sep. 6, 2002 and having Attorney Docket No. P-10974; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 723,316 to Gerber et al. entitled “Method, System and Device for Treating Disorders of the Pelvic Floor by Electrical Stimulation of the Pudendal Nerves and Associated Nerves, and the Optional Delivery of Drugs in Association Therewith” to Spinelli et al. filed Nov. 26, 2003 and having Attorney Docket No. P-11358.00; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 723,903 to Gerber entitled “Method, System and Device for Treating Various Disorders of the Pelvic Floor by Electrical Stimulation of the Pudendal Nerves and the Sacral Nerves ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0051] Various embodiments of the present invention are capable of providing one or more advantages, which may include, but are not necessarily limited to: (a) targeting the delivery of therapies with a high degree of specificity; (b) having the ability to change the therapy delivered on-demand or instantaneously; (c) lowering medical care costs in respect of pharmaceutical products; (d) having the potential t...

Problems solved by technology

Although the majority of patients receiving sacral nerve stimulation obtain satisfactory relief of their voiding dysfunction, some patients (less than 50%) do not experience adequate relief from sacral nerve stimulation techniques or desire to obtain better results from the therapy.

Although such stim...

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