Methods and systems for achieving a physiological response by pudendal nerve stimulation and blockade
AssigneeUniversity of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
InventorsMichael B. Chancellor, Changfeng Tai
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are therefore provided herein for stimulating a desired physiological effect. The methods and apparatus can be used to control micturition, defecation and/or ejaculation. The methods and apparatus also can be used to control pain in the lower pelvic region, for example and without limitation, interstitial cystitis. The methods and apparatus also can be used to increase sexual sensation.
Claims18
A method of controlling one or both of micturition and defecation in a subject, comprising:
- inducing one or both of micturition and defecation in the subject by applying an electrical signal to a pudendal nerve or a branch thereof of a subject at a first point on the pudendal nerve or branch thereof, the electrical signal having an amplitude and frequency able to create a reflex that results in one or both of bladder contractions and rectal contractions;
- and applying a blocking electrical signal distal to the first point on the pudendal nerve of the subject or a branch thereof and on a contralateral pudendal nerve or branch thereof, the blocking electrical signal having an amplitude and frequency able to block pudendal nerve conduction for inhibiting contraction of one or both of the external urethral sphincter and the anal sphincter of the subject.
A method of controlling one or both of micturition and defecation in a subject, comprising:
- inducing one or both of micturition and defecation in the subject by applying an electrical signal to a pudendal nerve or a branch thereof of a subject at a first point on the pudendal nerve or branch thereof, the electrical signal having an amplitude and frequency able to create a reflex that results in one or both of bladder contractions and rectal contractions;
- and applying a blocking electrical signal ipsilaterally to the pudendal nerve of the subject or a branch thereof distal to the first point, or ipsilaterally distal to the first point and on a contralateral pudendal nerve or branch thereof, the blocking electrical signal having an amplitude and frequency able to block pudendal nerve conduction for inhibiting contraction of one or both of the external urethral sphincter and the anal sphincter of the subject, wherein the frequency of the blocking electrical signal is about 4 kHz or higher.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.