Acute Effects on Bladder Capacity Using an Implantable Tibial Neuromodulation Device in the Fully Conscious Sheep

Hypothesis / aims of study Tibial neuromodulation (TNM) is a clinically used therapy for patients with refractory, idiopathic overactive bladder [1]. TNM is currently delivered percutaneous using a needle electrode. Therapy sessions are commonly 30 minutes of stimulation once per week. There are questions regarding how often therapy should be delivered as well as optimal clinical and patient scheduling for delivery of therapy. A fully implantable tibial neuromodulation device will allow patient convenience as well as additional flexibility in terms of therapy delivery sessions. In this preclinical feasibility study using a fully conscious sheep model [2], acute effects of an implanted TNM device on bladder capacity and motor thresholds were quantified over an eight week period.