Nocturia, Overactive Bladder Improved With PTNS

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) improves overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and decreases the number of nocturia episodes in patients who do not respond well to medication therapy, new study findings suggest. In a retrospective study of 183 female patients (mean age 74 years; 83% white) treated at a urogynecology center, 12 weeks of PTNS (30 minutes per week) reduced voiding frequency by 1 hour, nocturia episodes by 0.8, and urge incontinence by 10 episodes per week, Shilpa Iyer, MD, of the University of Chicago, and colleagues reported in International Urogynecology Journal. Previously, patients voided every 1.6 hours, awoke 2 to 3 times nightly to void, and averaged 3 urge incontinence episodes daily. Read more.

Source: Renal & Urology News, December 12, 2018

Nonpharmacologic Therapy Ups Sleep Quality in Women With Nocturia

Both tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can improve sleep quality in women with nocturia, according to new study findings. In a randomized trial, 40 women with self-reported nocturia were blindly assigned to transcutaneous electrical TNS or PFMT with behavioral therapy for 30 minutes each week for 3 months. PFMT inhibits detrusor contraction, and TNS eases lower urinary tract symptoms. Women with neurogenic bladder or on antimuscarinic or antidiuretic therapy were among the excluded patients. Read more.

Source: Renal and Urology News, April 11, 2018

Cogentix Announces Cahaba Extends Urgent PC Maintenance Coverage

Cogentix Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: CGNT), a global medical device company focused on providing the Urology, Uro/Gyn and Gynecology markets with innovative and proprietary products, today announced that Cahaba Government Benefit Administrators, LLC has modified their policy for Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) delivered via Cogentix Medical’s Urgent^® PC Neuromodulation System to allow for ongoing maintenance treatments for an indefinite period of time. “This policy update further reinforces the medical necessity of Urgent PC as a long-term solution for patients suffering with overactive bladder symptoms,” said Darin Hammers, President and CEO. “Additionally, the policy change to indefinite coverage allows the patient and physician to decide whether to continue ongoing treatment with Urgent PC to sustain their symptomatic improvements.” Read more.

Source: PRNewswire, September 13, 2017

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)

percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation female patient

A female patient is using Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) to help control her urinary incontinence. An electrode is placed only at the ankle area.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimuation (PTNS) is a low-risk, non-surgical treatment. PTNS works by indirectly providing electrical stimulation to the nerves responsible for bladder and pelvic floor function. During PTNS treatment, the patient’s foot is comfortably elevated and supported. Also during treatment, a slim needle electrode is placed near the nerve at the ankle known as the tibial nerve. A device known as the Urgent PC Stimulator is connected to the electrode and sends mild electrical pulses to the tibial nerve. These impulses travel to the sacral nerve plexus, the group of nerves at the base of the spine responsible for bladder function. Continue reading→