Selective Stimulation And Blocking Of Sacral Nerves: Research Setup And Preliminary Results

Abstract

1In this paper the setup and preliminary results of research regarding the use of selective stimulation and blocking techniques is described. In our department of Urology, the biomedical engineering group started basic research concerning selective stimulation and blocking of sacral nerves in cooperation with the Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Twente. The goal of the research is to use these methods for the improvement of the sacral root implants that are actually used. The project consists of a model study, experiments in animals and testing in patients having intradural implants. Preliminary results show a difference in the diameter of motor fibers towards the bladder and urethra. Therefore, selective stimulation of the bladder or urethral sphincter is theoretically possible.