Implantable stimulator methods for treatment of incontinence and pain
US6941171B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37205
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for treatment of incontinence, urgency, frequency, and/or pelvic pain includes implantation of electrodes on a lead or the discharge portion of a catheter adjacent the perineal nerve(s) or tissue(s) to be stimulated. Stimulation pulses, either electrical or drug infusion pulses, are supplied by a stimulator implanted remotely, and through the lead or catheter, which is tunneled subcutaneously between the stimulator and stimulation site. For instance, the system and method reduce or eliminate the incidence of unintentional episodes of bladder emptying by stimulating nerve pathways 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. Moreover, the system and method allow a patient to be taught to receive one or more patterns of neural stimulation that can be prescribed by a physician and administered without continuous oversight by a clinical practitioner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.