"Methods and Systems for Achieving a Physiological Response by Pudendal Nerve Stimulation and Blockade"

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are therefore provided herein for stimulating a desired physiological effect. The methods and apparatus can be used to control micturition, defecation and/or ejaculation. The methods and apparatus also can be used to control pain in the lower pelvic region, for example and without limitation, interstitial cystitis. The methods and apparatus also can be used to increase sexual sensation.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for controlling one or both of micturition and defecation in a subject, comprising: an implantable pulse generator having a first output channel adapted to produce biphasic electric pulses in a first stage at a frequency ranging from 0.5 Hz to 15 Hz, and in a second stage at a frequency ranging from 15 Hz to 50 Hz and a controller configured to send control instructions to the implantable pulse generator. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is a wireless controller comprising an input, a display and a first wireless communication system configured to send control instructions to the implantable pulse generator, and wherein the implantable pulse generator comprises a second wireless communication system for receiving control instructions from the wireless controller. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first wireless communication system also transmits status information for the implantable pulse generator to the wireless controller. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a lead wire and an electrode connected to the output channel. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the electrode connected to the output channel is configured to be placed on or near the pudendal nerve or a branch thereof of a subject. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pulses in the second stage are applied in two or more stimulation intervals of from 0.5 to 60 seconds with a rest period of no electrical stimulation able to cause bladder or rectal contractions between stimulation intervals. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the output of each channel is a constant output. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pulses in the first stage are constantly output at 5 Hz with a 0.2 ms pulse width and the pulses in the second stage are constantly output at 20 Hz with a 0.2 ms pulse width. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the biphasic electric pulses have a voltage of from 1 to 30 V. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the biphasic electric pulses have an amplitude of less than 15 mA.