Neurostimulation Strategy for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

We have developed a percutaneously implantable and wireless microstimulator (NuStim) to exercise the pelvic floor muscles for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. It produces a wide range of charge-regulated electrical stimulation pulses and trains of pulses using a simple electronic circuit that receives power and timing information from an externally generated RF magnetic field. The complete system was validated in vitro and in vivo in preclinical studies demonstrating that the NuStim can be successfully implanted into an effective, low threshold location, and the implant can be operated chronically to produce effective and well-tolerated contractions of skeletal muscle.

Leadless multisite pacing: A feasibility study using wireless power transfer based on Langendorff rodent heart models

“…In future studies, simple onchip telemetries can be used to control the timing and the strength of each pulse precisely. 26,27 Third, our results note that about 0.3 to 5 W of energy is required for the transmitter to power the pacing nodes. By further optimization, a tremendous reduction of the power can be anticipated.…”

“…This is evidenced by the different pacing frequencies in the multisite pacing study. In future studies, simple on‐chip telemetries can be used to control the timing and the strength of each pulse precisely . Third, our results note that about 0.3 to 5 W of energy is required for the transmitter to power the pacing nodes.…”

Neural Prosthetics:A Review of Empirical vs. Systems Engineering Strategies

“…Transcutaneous stimulation applied via intravaginal or intrarectal probes is effective but unpleasant [ 82 ]. An injectable microstimulator is under development for this application (NuStim in Figure 5 ) [ 83 ] Urge incontinence (overactive bladder) arises because the bladder starts to contract reflexively with even small volumes of urine, and the sphincter muscle soon fatigues from continuous use. It is particularly common in young women and is associated with bladder infections that leave scarred and hypersensitive bladder walls.…”

“…Transcutaneous stimulation applied via intravaginal or intrarectal probes is effective but unpleasant [ 82 ]. An injectable microstimulator is under development for this application (NuStim in Figure 5 ) [ 83 ]…”

A Wireless Power Transfer System for Biomedical Implants based on an isolated Class-E DC-DC Converter with Power Regulation Capability

“…First, there is a large body of literature that can be used to simplify the choice of design specifications. Second, the distance between the two coils is known to be in a certain range and stays fixed in time, as the coils are aligned with permanent magnets and the cochlear implant does not move with respect to the skin (unlike many other types of neurostimulators [4]- [6]). This makes the cochlear implant a simple case study since the coupling factor varies across a reasonably limited range.…”