Bladder control device and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for conditioning the pelvic floor musculature of a living being to inhibit bladder contractility and relax the bladder so as to prevent involuntary urinary loss. The apparatus and method involve providing a pair of electrodes adapted for contact with tissue associated with the floor musculature. A steady, adjustable bias potential difference is applied to said electrodes, said potential difference having a value or amplitude which is less than a predetermined threshold value as the latter is established by a specific electrode orientation in or with relation to the tissue. Simultaneously with such application of bias voltage there is also applied to said electrodes a repeated adjustable intermittent potential, so as to cause resultant voltage values or peaks which are above the said threshold value. The sensory pathways to the spinal cord are thus uniquely stimulated, and also the motor pathways from the pelvic floor to the spinal cord, thereby to induce activity in another neutral pathway within the sacral spinal cord which is directly relaxing, or inhibitory to bladder contraction. Electronic means for carrying out the method comprises electrodes and solid state circuitry, the latter being adapted for battery energization. The apparatus is characterized by small size and light weight, and the adjustments allow for programming the applied energy to fit individual patient requirements.