Effects of different pulse widths on acute tibial nerve stimulation for overactive bladder in cats.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of different pulse widths in suppressing bladder overactivity using tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) in cats.

Methods: Hook electrodes were implanted on the left tibial nerve. Cystometry was conducted by infusing either acetic acid (AA) or normal saline (NS). TNS was applied at intensities of 2-4 times the threshold (T) with pulse widths ranging from 60 to 624 µsec. Cystometrograms were used to evaluate the impact of different pulse widths on the micturition reflex.

Results: Bladder capacity (BC) was significantly reduced to 49.71% ± 6.76% of the NS control level (8.58 ± 1.70 mL) due to AA-induced bladder overactivity (P < 0.001). During AA infusion, TNS at pulse widths of 60, 210, 420, and 624 µsec significantly increased BC to 70.65% ± 9.06%, 73.22% ± 6.28%, 73.79% ± 8.56%, and 76.25% ± 7.95% of the NS control level, respectively (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among the four pulse widths (P > 0.05). The threshold intensity (T) was higher at 60 µsec than at 624 µsec (P < 0.01), while T at 210 µsec, 420 µsec, and 624 µsec showed no significant differences (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: All four pulse widths demonstrated inhibitory effects on bladder overactivity. However, no significant differences were observed among the four pulse widths.