Sacral nerve modulation for the treatment of functional anorectal disorders
This technology is a potential treatment for functional anorectal and pelvic floor disorders that uses FDA-approved modulation of the sacral nerve.
Unmet Need: Efficacious treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction and functional anorectal pain for patients resistant to conventional therapy
Current standard-of-care treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction—such as biofeedback therapy, electrogalvanic stimulation, and other conservative interventions—aim to retrain pelvic floor muscle function/coordination in order to alleviate symptoms. However, a large subset of patients fails to respond adequately to these approaches. This lack of efficacy is often due to the complex, multifactorial nature of the disorder, which may involve neuromuscular dysfunction, central nervous system sensitization, and psychological comorbidities. As a result, these individuals continue to experience debilitating symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.
The Technology: Modulation of the sacral nerve to alleviate symptoms of pelvic floor disorders
This technology is a potential treatment for pelvic floor and functional anorectal disorders, such as chronic proctalgia and dyssynergic defecation, that utilizes sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). SNS is an FDA-approved modality for treating fecal incontinence and overactive bladder; patients with these indications who have been treated with SNS have been shown to experience significant improvements in associated pelvic floor conditions when present. By modulating the activity of the sacral nerve using a surgically implanted device, physicians can address symptoms related not only to fecal and urinary incontinence, but also chronic pain, and other symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction and functional anorectal disorders.
Applications:
- Treatment of chronic pelvic pain
- Treatment of chronic constipation
- Treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction
- Treatment of obstructive defecation
- Treatment of chronic anorectal pain
- Treatment of dyssynergic defecation
Advantages:
- Existing FDA approval for fecal incontinence
- May address treatment-resistant pelvic floor disorders
- Alleviates a variety of symptoms
- Proven efficacy against multiple related disorders of the lower gastrointestinal and urinary tract
- Known safety profile
Lead Inventor:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU25190
Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik