A Sequential Stimulator for Electrical Restoration of the Micturition Reflex

Numerous attempts at electrical stimulation of the detrusor muscle of the urinary bladder to evoke contraction and evacuation have been carried out over the past decade. Problems encountered include pain and increased urethral resistance due to current spread to the surrounding pelvic structures and the sphincter of the bladder. The development of a three-channel vesical stimulator to realize sequential pulsing is described. The inductively coupled device is externally controlled and totally implantable. The successful trial of the stimulator in an animal and the good current restricting properties of the system indicate a feasible method for the treatment and control of urinary retention following paraplegia