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Aims: To collect feedback from subjects diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB) on its impact on their quality of life, their satisfaction with current treatment options, and to assess nonsurgical, tibial nerve stimulation as a treatment option. Methods: Subjects were asked a variety of questions about the impact of OAB on their lives, their satisfaction with current and previous treatment approaches. Subjects evaluated the comfort of a nonworking prototype garment and were given electrical stimulation over their posterior tibial nerve to assess comfort and tolerability. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded. Results: A total of 40 subjects with OAB symptoms were evaluated in the study. Urgency (55%), frequency (47.5%), nocturia (40%), and incontinence (30%) were the most bothersome symptoms. At the time of the study only 32.5% of the subjects were treating their OAB symptoms. Of those that had tried and discontinued treatments, most had failed medications (n = 14) due to no improvements or side effects. Only 2 subjects found stimulation to be uncomfortable before an EMG signal could be detected. The most common word used to describe the feeling of stimulation was "constant," followed by "tingling," "vibrating," and "comfortable." Conclusions: Most subjects who had tried OAB treatments were dissatisfied and discontinued their use. A new patient‐friendly approach to OAB therapy that delivers efficacy but overcomes drawbacks associated with currently available treatments is needed. Subjects found electrical stimulation over the tibial nerve to be comfortable and tolerable and this should be considered as an alternative treatment approach for OAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents research conducted on the biocompatibility of an implantable electrical muscle stimulator. Overview of electrical stimulation to muscles; Examination of the long-term performance and tissue response of active and passive miniature stimulators; Description of research methods utilized; Analysis of the cellular reaction and tissue response to the stimulators.

Focuses on the electrical stimulation of muscles, exploring the hypothesis that the intramuscular locus of muscle stimulation has a significant effect upon the distribution of active motor units, and the strength of muscle contraction. Description of research methods utilized; Overview on the use of neural prostheses to reanimate muscles.

Describes the design, fabrication, and output capabilities of a microminiature electrical stimulator, which can be injected in or near nerves and muscles. Description of the design of microstimulators; Successful use of microstimulators for chronic stimulation in the hindlimb muscles of cats; Additional information on micromodular implants.