Selective Detrusor Activation by Electrical Stimulation of the Human SacralNerve Roots

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of selectivedetrusor activation without activation of the urethral sphincter by sacral rootstimulation in patients. The sacral roots were stimulated using a tripolarelectrode. An anodal block was used to prevent the urethral sphincter fromcontraction. Using squarecurrent pulses (700 μs, 6–7 mA), no increase in intraurethral pressurewas measured, while a normal increase in intravesical pressure occurred. Theminimum pulse duration toobtain a complete block was 550 μs. The study shows that anodal blocking ofaction potentials is possible in humans and can result in selective detrusoractivation when used in sacral root stimulation.