Detecting Urinary Bladder Contractions: Methods and Devices

In patients suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity, continence can be regained by conditional stimulation of the dorsal genital nerve (DGN); that is applying electrical stimulation to the DGN at the onset of an involuntary contraction. For this scheme to work, a sensor capable of reliably detecting the onset of bladder contractions is needed. This article reviews the methods proposed for or associated with detection of bladder contractions, and their applicability to onset detection is assessed. Fourteen methods are described in this review; bladder pressure, urethral sphincter EMG and anal sphincter EMG are the most promising options for onset detection. For all three modalities, however, further research is needed before clinical application becomes viable.