{"id":"02061","slug":"transcutaneous-foot--02061","source":{"id":"02061","dataset":"techtransfer","title":"Transcutaneous Foot Stimulation System for Neuromodulating Bladder, Bowel and Sexual Function","description_":"<p>This approach is distinguished by its fully non-invasive design and integration into everyday wear, eliminating the need for surgery or frequent clinical visits required by sacral or percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. Its charge-balanced waveform minimizes tissue irritation, and customizable pulse parameters enhance patient comfort and treatment efficacy. By targeting foot afferents rather than pelvic or perianal nerves, it offers a discreet, easily maintained system that supports extended use, high compliance and broad applicability across urological, gastrointestinal and sexual health indications.</p><p><h2>Description</h2>Surface electrodes embedded in a wearable garment such as a sock deliver transcutaneous electrical pulses to specific regions of the foot—metatarsal, calcaneus, talus, cuboid, cuneiform or navicular—to stimulate somatic afferent nerves non-invasively. These electrodes connect to a portable pulse generator that emits charge-balanced, biphasic rectangular pulses (0.1–3 ms duration, 1–50 Hz frequency, 1–50 V or 0.5–2× toe-twitch threshold) in user-defined on/off intervals (0.5–200 s on). Clinical targets include inhibition of bladder contractions and suppression of overactive bladder and fecal incontinence, improvement of irritable bowel symptoms and relief of constipation, as well as modulation of sexual function. A secure, wireless external transmitter authenticated via encrypted signals enables remote control and prevents unintended stimulation.</p><p><h2>Applications</h2>Overactive bladder therapy\r<br>Fecal incontinence treatment\r<br>Irritable bowel syndrome relief\r<br>Constipation management\r<br>Erectile dysfunction aid</p><p><h2>Advantages</h2>Non-invasive neuromodulation avoiding surgery and implants\r<br>Portable, wearable system (e.g., sock integration) for home use\r<br>Effective treatment across multiple conditions: overactive bladder, urinary/fecal incontinence, IBS, constipation, and sexual dysfunction\r<br>Enhanced patient comfort and compliance with extended electrode wear\r<br>Reduces clinical visits through self-administered therapy\r<br>Secure wireless control to prevent unintended stimulation</p><p></p><p><h2>IP Status</h2><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://patents.google.com/patent/US11191958B2\">https://patents.google.com/patent/US11191958B2</a></p><p></p>","tags":[],"file_number":"02061","collections":[],"meta_description":"Non-invasive wearable foot stimulation for neuromodulation of bladder, bowel, and sexual function; home-use, customizable, secure.","image_url":"","apriori_judge_output":"{\"scores\":{\"novelty\":3.0,\"potential_impact\":3.0,\"readiness\":2.0,\"scalability\":2.0,\"timeliness\":1.0},\"weighted_score\":2.04,\"risks\":[\"Outdated reference (2009) and patent stage; clinical validation limited\",\"Unclear regulatory pathway and reimbursement considerations\",\"Fabrication and user comfort vs. long-term wear in real-world use\",\"Limited data on efficacy and comparative advantage over existing therapies\"],\"one_sentence_take\":\"The concept shows moderate novelty and impact with low readiness and scalability due to aging reference, limited clinical validation, and uncertain regulatory path.\"}","lead_inventor_name":"Changfeng Tai","lead_inventor_dept":"Med-Urology","technology_type":"Medical Device","technology_subtype":"Therapeutic Medical Device","therapeutic_areas":["Urology"],"therapeutic_indications":["Overactive Bladder"],"custom_tags":[],"all_tech_innovators":["Changfeng Tai PhD"],"date_submitted":"2009-08-19"},"highlight":{},"matched_queries":null,"score":0.0}