Implantable stimulator system and method for treatment of incontinence and pain
US6735474B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37205
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for treatment of incontinence and/or pelvic pain includes the injection or laparoscopic implantation of one or more battery- or radio frequency-powered microstimulators (10) beneath the skin of the perineum and/or adjacent the tibial nerve. The devices are programmed using radio-frequency control via an external controller (20, 30)) that can be used by a physician to produce patterns of output stimulation pulses judged to be efficacious by appropriate clinical testing to diminish symptoms. The stimulation program is retained in the microstimulator device (10) or external controller (20) and is transmitted when commanded to start and stop by a signal from the patient or caregiver. The system and method reduce the incidence of unintentional episodes of bladder emptying by stimulating nerve pathways (8) that diminish involuntary bladder contractions, improve closure of the bladder outlet, and/or improve the long-term health of the urinary system by increasing bladder capacity and period between emptying. The incidence of fecal incontinence is similarly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, the system and method reduce or eliminate the incidence of pelvic pain by chro…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.