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AssigneeCase Western Reserve University
InventorsWarren M Grill, Kenneth J Gustafson, Graham H Creasey
Estimating the term…
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—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.
A method comprising
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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Direction of the electrical field, e.g. with sleeve around stimulating electrode: selection of the electrode configuration
Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes: cuff electrodes
Alternating or intermittent currents: for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells
For stimulation: of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
Term ended 9 Sep 2024 (estimated)
This invention relates to systems and methods for stimulating nerves in animals, including humans.
The lower urinary tract comprises the bladder, urethra, periurethral muscles and sphincters, and accessory organs. The lower urinary tract has two primary functions: the accumulation and storage of urine (continence), and the elimination of urine at an appropriate time (micturition or urination).
In able-bodied individuals, continence is maintained by low-pressure urine storage in a highly compliant bladder, augmented by tonic activity in the internal and external urethral sphincters. Micturition is achieved in such individuals by synergic relaxation of the urethral sphincter and contraction of the bladder.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the lower urinary tract and the pudendal nerve that innervates the organs and muscles of the lower urinary tract;
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the pudendal nerve, showing the peripherally separated fascicles that occupy the main nerve trunk, comprising different efferent and afferent nerve branches;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the pudendal nerve, as shown in FIG. 2, in association with a multiple electrode cuff that embodied features of the invention positioned about the pudendal nerve trunk;
The various aspects of the invention will be described in connection with achieving the detection of nerve activity within and/or stimulation of targeted nerve components or fascicles within complex or compound nerve structures throughout the body. For the purpose of illustration, the invention will be disclosed in the context of the compound pudendal nerve trunk or its branches located away from the sacral root, to achieve desired physiological results in the lower urinary tract, and/or the lower bowel, and/or genital regions. That is because the features and advantages that arise due to the invention are well suited to this purpose. Still, it should be appreciated that the various aspects of the invention can be applied elsewhere in the body to achieve other objectives as well.
I. Anatomy of the Compound Pudendal Nerve Trunk
The pudendal nerve trunk (PNT) carries afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) nerve components that innervate muscles and organs in the lower urinary tract. FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form, the major branches of the pudendal nerve trunk (PNT). These major branches comprise the principal sensory (afferent) branch (SB) and the principal motor (efferent) branch (MB).