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Article: Restoration of bladder function gets new 'pacing' approach.
- Article from:
- Medical Technology and Devices Week
- Article date:
- February 26, 2007
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 AHC Media LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Stem cells and biologic therapies and drugs might not be ready to restore spinal function in those with impaired neurological systems, but researchers at one academic center are working on a what they hope is a promising device strategy in this area: the use of small jolts of electricity to bring back a measure of independence for those dealing with incontinence due to damage to the lower spine.
Researchers at Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) have developed what they characterize as a "smart bladder pacemaker," designed to precisely mimic the nerve activity that the body uses to control the bladder sphincter muscle.
Warren Grill, PhD, a ...