Bladder Denervation For Treating Overactive Bladder

Brief Description

The device and method uses a technique through a vaginal probe to cause denervation of the overactive bladder. The vaginal probe denervates the pelvic nerve supply to the overactive bladder. Women with high urine frequency could be candidate for this simple procedure.

Full Description

Urology researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new way to treat overactive bladder in women. Overactive bladder is a common condition that affects about 16% of adult population, and its occurrence increases with age. Current medication treatment to treat overactive bladder not so effective. Compliance with medications is very poor with high drop-out (approximately 15-20% stay on medications). In addition, there are many adverse effects of medications that could be serious; and many patients do not tolerate medications (specifically the elderly that may develop confusion). The newly developed method would be more successful in treating overactive bladder by surgically eliminating the pelvic nerve supply to the overactive bladder through a technique delivered by a vaginal probe. This would be a simple 30-minute clinic procedure, and can be repeated upon regrowth of the pelvic nerve supply.

Suggested uses

This technology can be used to treat overactive bladder in women. It would be used in a clinical procedure room or hospital operating room setting. This treatment can be repeated, as the expected regrowth of the pelvic nerve is 6 to 12 months.

Advantages

This is a surgical alternative to the current medications that are only 60% successful. This procedure is simple, and can be done in a clinic setting in 30 minutes.

Patent Status