Proximal Urethra Electrical Stimulation for Underactive Bladder Voiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underactive bladder (DU) has few effective treatment options, with catheterization leading to complications and sacral neuromodulation mechanisms being poorly understood, and existing electrical stimulation methods may cause somatomotor responses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrical pulse generator and electrodes placed on the proximal urethra to deliver pulses at specific frequencies and voltages, inducing bladder voiding contractions without somatomotor responses, and optionally combined with therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to treat underactive bladder, then bladder voiding contractions are induced, but somatomotor responses may occur causing unwanted muscle activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical stimulation specifically to the proximal urethra and associated nervous tissue rather than broader areas, creating a localized effect that targets bladder voiding contractions while avoiding activation of somatomotor muscles. The electrodes are positioned to deliver current to specific neural structures (pudendal nerve, pelvic splanchnic nerves) that control bladder function without affecting skeletal muscles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the nervous tissue and neural pathways as an intermediary between the electrical stimulation and the bladder muscle. By stimulating afferent and efferent neural pathways in the proximal urethra, the treatment indirectly induces bladder voiding contractions through physiological reflexes rather than direct muscle stimulation, thereby avoiding somatomotor responses.
2Productivity
If catheterization is used to manage underactive bladder, then bladder emptying is achieved, but infections and urethral trauma occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical catheterization system with an electrical stimulation system that activates physiological bladder voiding mechanisms. Instead of physically inserting a catheter to drain the bladder, the treatment uses electrical pulses to stimulate neural pathways that trigger natural detrusor muscle contractions, thereby achieving bladder emptying without mechanical intrusion and associated complications.
3Reliability
If sacral neuromodulation is applied for overactive bladder, then bladder control is improved, but the mechanisms are poorly understood and efficacy for underactive bladder is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional neuromodulation approach by targeting the proximal urethra and afferent neural pathways rather than the sacral outlet and efferent pathways. This reverse approach stimulates sensory afferents that naturally trigger voiding reflexes, providing a more intuitive mechanism for treating underactive bladder where the primary issue is insufficient voiding contraction rather than overactivity.
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 system effectively induces bladder voiding contractions, improving symptoms of underactive bladder without somatomotor responses, and can be adjusted for individual patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
the application of electrical stimulation to the proximal urethra and associated nervous tissue to elicit voiding contractions
Data Source
AI summary
This present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of conditions pertaining to bladder control. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods directed to the application of electrical stimulation to the proximal urethra and associated nervous tissue to elicit voiding contractions that normalize bladder function.