Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are ineffective in treating underactive bladder (UAB), urinary retention, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia after spinal cord injury, constipation, and infrequent bowel movements, with a lack of effective therapeutic options for these conditions.
Innovation Solution
Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves, including the superficial peroneal, deep peroneal, tibial, medial plantar, lateral plantar, saphenous, sural, and femoral cutaneous nerves, using transcutaneous or surgically implanted electrodes, with specific parameters such as pulsewidth, frequency, and intensity to elicit bladder and bowel contractions and sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to treat underactive bladder and urinary retention, then bladder sensation and voiding function are improved, but device complexity and treatment protocol complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single peripheral nerve stimulation system to treat multiple conditions including underactive bladder, urinary retention, and bowel dysfunction. The same stimulation device and electrode configurations can be adapted for different therapeutic targets, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining treatment effectiveness across various urological and gastrointestinal conditions.
2Ease of operation
If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is used, then ease of operation is improved, but treatment effectiveness may be reduced compared to invasive methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically optimizing stimulation settings including pulse duration (20-500 microseconds), frequency (1-100 Hz), and intensity (threshold to 5x threshold) to achieve effective bladder contractions through transcutaneous application. These parameter adjustments compensate for the reduced direct nerve contact compared to invasive methods, maintaining treatment efficacy while preserving the advantages of non-invasive application.
3Productivity
If high intensity stimulation is applied to elicit strong bladder contractions, then voiding efficiency is improved, but patient comfort and tolerance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent stimulation protocols with specific pulse frequencies (1-100 Hz) and duty cycles, rather than continuous high-intensity stimulation. This periodic approach allows effective bladder muscle contraction during stimulation phases while providing rest periods that reduce cumulative discomfort and improve patient tolerance, thereby maintaining voiding efficiency without excessive discomfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electrical stimulation methods effectively increase bladder sensation, facilitate voiding, and treat urinary retention and constipation by modulating bladder and bowel functions, providing relief from symptoms without causing pain, thus addressing the therapeutic challenges of UAB and other conditions.
Implementation Method 1
electrical stimulation of the superficial peroneal nerve
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods for treating underactive bladder, urinary retention, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia after spinal cord injury, constipation, and/or infrequent bowel movements including the step of applying electrical stimulation to one or more peripheral nerves.