New TENSI+ Device for Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation: A Prospective, Multicentre, Post-market Clinical Study.

Abstract

Background and objective: Our aim was to report the first clinical trial of TENSI+, a new device for transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) for treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods: A prospective, multicentre clinical trial was conducted in adults with OAB in seven French centres. The main exclusion criteria were prior percutaneous or transcutaneous TNS or invasive OAB treatment, current antimuscarinic use, 24-h polyuria, known bladder disease, postvoid residual volume >150 ml, and pelvic organ prolapse stage >2. Patients self-administered daily TTNS sessions of 20 min with TENSI+ at home after education by a specialized nurse. A bladder diary, Urinary Symptom Profile and OAB-q questionnaires, and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scores were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 mo. The primary endpoint was efficacy, based on PGI-I and variations in bladder diary parameters. Success was defined as a PGI-I score ≤3 and any improvement ≥30% in bladder diary parameters.

Key findings and limitations: The study included 78 patients (13 males). Nine patients had neurological disease, 21 had previously tried antimuscarinics, and 41 had wet OAB at baseline. At 3 mo, 65/78 patients had a full analysis set. Treatment was successful in 44/65 patients (67%), with 25/65 (38%) reporting both an objective improvement and high satisfaction. All OAB-related endpoints were significantly improved, except bladder capacity and total voided volume per 24 h. At 6 mo, only five of 44 patients had interrupted their treatment. No factor predictive of success was identified. Two adverse events (pain at stimulation site and/or pelvic pain) were reported and spontaneously resolved without treatment interruption.

Conclusions and clinical implications: TENSI+ is a safe and effective TTNS treatment option for OAB management.

Patient summary: TENSI+ is a new device for nerve stimulation in patients with overactive bladder. Patients use the device at home every day. In our short-term trial, TENSI+ use improved symptoms in 67% of patients. Further evaluation over a longer period of time is needed.