Case Western Reserve University

Kenneth J Gustafson

Warren M Grill

Graham Harold Creasey

Joseph W Boggs, Ii

Brian Jeffrey Wenzel

Narendra Bhadra

Jaime L McCoin

Tim Bruns

Timothy Y Mariano

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for electrical stimulation. A waveform generator can be configured to generate an electrical waveform. An electrode can be electrically coupled to the waveform generator and configured to deliver the electrical waveform to a nerve to reduce at least one reflex that affects a bodily function.

Systems and methods that provide electrical stimulation to a nerve to reduce a reflex that affects a bodily function

Systems and methods selectively stimulate components of the pudendal nerve away from the sacral root to evoke desired physiologic responses in persons who lack the ability to otherwise produce these responses&#x2014;e.g., maintain continence and/or produce micturition, and/or provide male/female sexuality responses, and/or provide bowel responses. The systems and methods use a multiple electrode array, or individual electrodes, placed on, in, or near the pudendal nerve. The electrode array, or individual electrodes, in association with a pulse generator, provide selective stimulation of individual fascicles within the pudendal nerve, to achieve different physiologic responses.

Systems and methods for selectively stimulating components in, on, or near the pudendal nerve or its branches to achieve selectively physiological responses

A method and system for bladder control are disclosed. In embodiments, a method for bladder control is provided that comprises coupling an electrode to an afferent nerve that is related to the bladder. Applying a plurality of pulse burst stimulations via the electrode causes voiding of urine from the bladder. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve reduces external urethral sphincter (EUS) contractions and evokes bladder contractions to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve evokes bladder contractions alone to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, a system for bladder control is provided that comprises an electrode for applying a pulse burst stimulus to an afferent nerve or dermatome to reduce reflex contractions and a signal generator for generating the pulse burst stimulus.

System and method of bladder and sphincter control

Systems and methods for selectively stimulating components in, on, or near the pudendal nerve or its branches to achieve selective physiologic responses

Apparatus to control physiological functions, including urinary track physiological functions are described. The apparatus includes an electrode(s) configured to be placed on or in a targeted component of a pudendal nerve and to stimulate the targeted pudendal nerve pudendal. The targeted component of the pudendal nerve includes a pudendal nerve urethral afferent, and afferent nerve fibers in the deep perineal nerve. The apparatus includes a controller coupled to the electrode to apply an electrical signal having an amplitude and a selected frequency chosen to stimulate the targeted component. The controller operates in a first mode to apply a first frequency without substantially changing the amplitude for achieving a first physiologic response and the controller operates in a second mode to apply a second frequency, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response.

Apparatus for stimulating components in, on, or near the pudendal nerve or its branches to achieve selective physiologic responses

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Methods for selectively stimulating components in, on, or near the pudendal nerve or its branches to achieve selective physiologic responses

Apparatus for control of physiological functions, including physiological functions of the urinary tract, using at least one electrode sized and configured to be located on, in, or near a targeted component of the pudendal nerve, and/or its branch(es), and/or its spinal root(s). The apparatus includes a controller coupled to the electrode to apply an electrical signal having an amplitude to the electrode at a selected frequency to stimulate the targeted component. The controller operates in a first mode to apply a first frequency or range of frequencies without substantially changing the amplitude for achieving a first physiologic response (e.g., controlling urinary continence) and the controller operates in a second mode to apply a second frequency or range of frequencies, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response (e.g., controlling micturition).

Systems and methods control physiological functions of the urinary tract using at least one electrode sized and configured to be located on, in, or near a targeted component of the pudendal nerve. The systems and methods apply an electrical signal to the electrode at a selected frequency to stimulate the targeted component. The selected frequency is a first frequency or range of frequencies for achieving a first physiologic response (e.g., controlling urinary continence) and a second frequency or range of frequencies, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response (e.g., controlling micturition).

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Shaker Heights, OH, United States of America

Kenneth J Gustafson