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Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for testing the efficacy of nerve stimulation therapy to treat patients who have urinary dysfunction prior to the implantation of an apparatus to treat the dysfunction. The apparatus and methods provide means to selectively stimulate the pudendal nerve with high and low frequency current to produce a physiologic response involved in the urination process (e.g., relaxation of the urinary sphincter and contraction of the bladder) and then measure information relating to the response. Particular embodiments involve the introduction of a urethral catheter configured to both fill the bladder and test the ability to control bladder voiding by applying stimulation current to the pudendal nerve and then measure the response information such as bladder pressure, urinary sphincter pressure and urinary flow rate. The catheter can include at least two electrodes and separate pressure sensors positioned for measuring the urinary sphincter and bladder pressure.

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First Claim