Electrical Stimulation History

Rationale

Current is defined as the flow of electrical charge from one point to another. In the body, current is a low of ions, mainly Chloride (CL), Sodium (Na+), and Potassium (K+). During electrical stimulation, charge (ions) moves from one point to another. This transfer of charge (ions) causes physiologic changes to occur. In the case of the urinary system, the physiologic changes occur in the pelvic floor and bladder muscles.

Background

Electrical stimulation has been used for centuries to treat a variety of clinical conditions. In this method, electrical signals typically generated either consciously or subconsciously by the brain to accomplish functional tasks such as hand and leg motion, digestion and urination. When the human body is unable to produce and / or deliver electrical stimuli to a specific organ / limb, artificial stimulation can be generated and applied producing similar results. The principal idea of using artificially created electrical stimulation to improve bladder function is based on the fact that our body generates electrical stimuli that control bladder muscles. The bladder mechanism can be controlled with artificial electrical stimulation programs. Bladder stimulation has been a clinical research topic for more than a century. Researchers around the world have conducted multiple experimentation protocols for different conditions. Excellent results have been documented in various countries including treatment of normal bladder aging and other more serious conditions such as dysfunctional bladders in Paraplegic or Quadriplegic patients. This form of stimulation is termed IntraVesical Electrical Stimulation (IVES).

History chart

Chronology of Electrical Stimulation: