Neuroprostheses to treat neurogenic bladder dysfunction: current status and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Neural prostheses utilize electrical nerve stimulation to restore function in individuals with neurological or sensory impairments.
• This review introduces neural prostheses, highlighting successful, implanted devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of neural prostheses.
• To discuss current treatments for neurogenic bladder dysfunction using implantable neural prostheses, with a focus on pediatric applications.
• To explore emerging technologies for next-generation bladder control prostheses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of successful neural prostheses.
• Focus on clinically available implantable devices for neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
• Discussion of new developments in neural prostheses for bladder control.

Main Results:

• Identified successful neural prostheses based on the number of implanted devices.
• Described two clinically available implantable neural prostheses for neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
• Highlighted the application of these prostheses in children.
• Presented three novel developments for future implantable bladder control prostheses.

Conclusions:

• Current neural prostheses offer treatment options for neurogenic bladder dysfunction, including in pediatric populations.
• Emerging technologies promise improved neural prostheses for bladder control, potentially benefiting a wider patient group.
• Advancements in neural prostheses aim to enhance existing treatments and expand patient eligibility for functional restoration.