Li Jun, Deng Guoxian, Li Xianping, Yin Lingxuan, Yuan Chunhui, Shao Wei, Xia Xiaowen, Yan Junan, Yao Jiwei
School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
Department of Urology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
Mater Today Bio. 2024 Sep 13;28:101233. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101233. eCollection 2024 Oct.
Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a prevalent condition characterized by symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, and difficulty in urination, which can significantly impair patient's quality of life and lead to severe physiological complications. Despite the availability of diverse treatment options, including pharmaceutical and behavioral therapies, these approaches are not without challenges. The objective of this study was to enhance treatment options for LUTD by developing a wireless, battery-free device for managing bladder contractions. We designed and validated a compact, fully implantable, battery-free pulse generator using the magnetic induction coupling mechanism of wireless power transmission. Weighing less than 0.2 g and with a volume of less than 0.1 cubic centimeters, this device enables precise stimulation of muscles or neurons at voltages ranging from 0 to 10 V. Wireless technology allows real-time adjustment of key stimulation parameters such as voltage, duration, frequency, pulse width, and pulse interval. Our findings demonstrate that the device effectively controlled bladder contractions in mice when used to stimulate the Major Pelvic Ganglion (MPG). Additionally, the device successfully managed micturition in mice with bilateral transection of the pudendal nerve. In conclusion, the development of this innovative wireless pulse generator provides a safer and more cost-effective alternative to conventional battery-powered neurostimulators for bladder control, addressing the limitations of such devices. We anticipate that this novel technology will play a pivotal role in the future of electrical stimulation therapies for voiding dysfunctions.
下尿路功能障碍（LUTD）是一种常见病症，其特征包括尿频、尿急、尿失禁和排尿困难等症状，这些症状会严重损害患者的生活质量并导致严重的生理并发症。尽管有多种治疗选择，包括药物治疗和行为疗法，但这些方法并非没有挑战。本研究的目的是通过开发一种用于管理膀胱收缩的无线、无电池设备来增加LUTD的治疗选择。我们利用无线电力传输的磁感应耦合机制设计并验证了一种紧凑、完全可植入、无电池的脉冲发生器。该设备重量不到0.2克，体积小于0.1立方厘米，能够在0至10伏的电压范围内精确刺激肌肉或神经元。无线技术允许实时调整关键刺激参数，如电压、持续时间、频率、脉冲宽度和脉冲间隔。我们的研究结果表明，该设备在用于刺激盆神经节（MPG）时能有效控制小鼠的膀胱收缩。此外，该设备成功地管理了双侧阴部神经横断小鼠的排尿。总之，这种创新的无线脉冲发生器的开发为传统电池供电的神经刺激器用于膀胱控制提供了一种更安全、更具成本效益的替代方案，解决了此类设备的局限性。我们预计这项新技术将在未来的排尿功能障碍电刺激疗法中发挥关键作用。
