Implantable stimulator system and method for treatment of urinary incontinence

摘要

A method and system for treatment of urinary incontinence includes the injection or laparoscopic implantation of one or more battery- or radiofrequency-powered microstimulators (10) beneath the skin of the perineum. The devices are programmed using radio-frequency control via an external controller (20, 30) that can be used by a physician to produce patterns of output stimulation pulses judged to be efficacious by appropriate clinical testing to diminish incontinence symptoms. The stimulation program is retained in the microstimulator device (10) or external controller (20) and is transmitted when commanded to start and stop by a signal from the patient or caregiver. The system and method reduce the incidence of unintentional episodes of bladder emptying by stimulating nerve pathways (8) that diminish involuntary bladder contractions, improve closure of the bladder outlet, and/or improve the long-term health of the urinary system by increasing bladder capacity and emptying. Further, the system and method allow a patient to be taught to receive one or more patterns of neural stimulation that can be prescribed by a physician and administered without continuous oversight by a clinical practitioner.