Hospital pioneers wireless control for incontinence

 

Millions of patients with incontinence caused by an overactive
bladder can now use a new wireless device that could solve the
embarrassing condition at the click of a button - without drugs, needles
or surgery.

The VERV system, which involves a small patch placed on the lower back and a remote control, is the first device to halt the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome from outside the body via the wireless technology.

The condition, which occurs when the bladder muscles contract suddenly or when the bladder is not full, causes sufferers to pass small amounts of urine before they can reach a toilet, or feel a frequent and urgent desire to urinate.

Using VERV, patients can send high frequency signals from the patch through the skin to stimulate the nerves at the base of the spine and control their bladder contractions.

The system's use is being pioneered at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton in a successful clinical trial that was described as a "breakthrough moment".

"Between three and six million people in the UK are affected by incontinence and many treatment options are either unsuccessful, such as pelvic floor exercises, behavioural therapy and medications, or involve surgical intervention with its associated risks," said Ash Monga, a consultant urogynaecologist at the Princess Anne Hospital.

"Now, for the first time, patients have a non-surgical, drug-free, discreet and effective option which allows them to get their lives back without having to face an operating theatre or make regular trips for hospital treatment."

The waterproof patch, which is self-applied using a placement tool, is worn continuously for seven days before being replaced and enables users to continue with normal activities, including swimming, showering and general exercise.

Mr Monga explained: "Not only does the patch allow people to get on with their daily lives without the worry of incontinence, once they have been instructed on how to fit and use the system, they are put in full control."

Results of a four-week clinical trial with 64 patients, presented at the International Continence Society, showed that 63% of patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in incontinence, while around the same number (66%) reported better quality of life.

"These initial results are extremely promising and we are now launching VERV as a pilot to ensure the manufacturer is able to provide the appropriate level of care and support to patients using the therapy," added Mr Monga, who has been working on the development in collaboration with engineers for eight years.

"This device could improve the quality of life for millions of people while also removing the disappointment that comes with unsuccessful treatments and the fear associated with invasive procedures - it is a breakthrough moment."

PA

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
News in pictures
World news in pictures
Life & Style blogs

Your chance to live in Winnie the Pooh’s home

Plus London's buy-to-let hotspots and a new property portal

How can the mortgage market recovery be helped?

Guest post by Richard Sexton, business development director of e.surv chartered surveyors

Where do most millionaires live in the UK?

Plus lateral thinking and living on London's waterways

       

ES Rentals

    Independent Dating
    and  

    By clicking 'Search' you
    are agreeing to our
    Terms of Use.

    Day In a Page

    James Pembroke: The man who's eaten everywhere

    The man who's eaten everywhere

    Few people know more about restaurants than James Pembroke, who only spent five mealtimes at home during his entire childhood.
    A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

    A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

    The young JFK praised 'superior' Nordic races during visits to Germany
    Banned Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof to attend Cannes Film Festival 2013, his first public appearance since prison

    Banned Iranian director to attend Cannes Film Festival

    Mohammad Rasoulof to make his first public appearance since being imprisoned three years ago
    Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

    Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

    An exhibition explores images how photography has shaped astronomy
    Eat Spam and carry on: Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating

    Eat Spam and carry on

    Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating
    Facial hair: Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence

    Facial hair

    Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence
    The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

    The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

    Whether they're for everyday use or to make your dining table look just right, it's worth getting a stylish shaker...
    Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

    Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

    Chief executive says trophies will come if a 'core' of suitable players is in place
    Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

    Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

    The Bayern Munich forward tells Tim Rich his side have to shed chokers' tag after two recent final defeats
    Giro d'Italia: The Stelvio Pass - cycling's killer climb

    The Stelvio Pass - cycling's killer climb

    As the Giro d'Italia tackles the brutal climb, Simon Usborne takes on the snow and switchbacks – and soon realises what the fuss is about
    National archives: Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them

    Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them

    Newly unearthed papers reveal a shocking extra dimension to the constitutional crisis over monarch’s abdication
    Sent down at the Old Bailey: A tour of the world's most famous court

    Sent down at the Old Bailey

    A tour of the world's most famous court
    Hollywood's random acts of red-carpet kindness

    Hollywood's random acts of red-carpet kindness

    The Hangover actor Zach Galifianakis’s date for his movie premieres isn’t arm candy  – it’s his 87-year-old friend who he saved from homelessness
    British football scores an own goal

    British football scores an own goal

    Many managers barely survive a year in post. Martin Baker talks to experts who make a case for clubs using forensic business skills to find the best staff
    James Lawton: Sergio Garcia cracks as major fault line opens up again

    James Lawton

    Sergio Garcia cracks as major fault line opens up again