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High-density spinal cord stimulation selectively activates lower urinary tract nerves.
Maria K Jantz1,2,3, Chaitanya Gopinath1,4, Ritesh Kumar1,2,3
1Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|November 7, 2022
Summary
Sacral spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can selectively activate nerves controlling the bladder and urethra. This research demonstrates a new method for potentially restoring lower urinary tract function after injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Urology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) shows promise for improving limb and autonomic functions.
- Previous research indicates lumbar SCS aids locomotion and thoracic SCS regulates blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if sacral SCS can target the lower urinary tract (LUT).
- To determine if a high-density epidural electrode array can selectively recruit LUT nerves.
Main Methods:
- A high-density epidural SCS array was placed on the sacral spinal cord and cauda equina of anesthetized cats.
- Stimulation-evoked activity was recorded from pelvic, pudendal, and sciatic nerves.
Main Results:
- Sacral SCS successfully evoked responses in nerves innervating the bladder and urethra.
- Selective recruitment of pelvic and pudendal nerves was achieved in most animals.
- Individual branches of the pudendal nerve were consistently recruited.
Conclusions:
- Sacral SCS offers a direct mechanism to modulate bladder and urethral function via reflex pathways.
- This approach holds potential for restoring LUT function following neurological injury or disease.
