# An Injectable Electrode to Better Isolate the Posterior Tibial Nerve to Treat OAB

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2024 · $628,012

## Abstract

Abstract
Urinary urgency, with or without incontinence, greatly affects the quality of life in individuals suffering from
Overactive Bladder (OAB). A sudden and often overwhelming desire to pass urine occurs frequently (8 times
and more) throughout the day, often coinciding with nocturia. More prevalent in females, the overall prevalence
in U.S. studies is 14%. Lifestyle modifications, bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercise and antimuscarinic OAB
therapies are initial treatments for OAB. Although these can provide some relief, complete relief is rare, and
treatment is entirely unsuccessful in 25-40% of women (refractory OAB) due to lack of initial effect, developed
tolerance, or intolerable side effects leading to discontinuation.
Both implantable and non-invasive posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) devices have been FDA approved
to treat refractory OAB. These existing PTNS devices are placed many millimeters or even centimeters from the
nerve, and have significant issues with inconsistent targeting/migration, with stimulation induced side-effects
putatively limiting engagement with intended A-beta sensory fibers within the tibial nerve. Implantable PTNS
devices are also costly and complex, leading to significant device related complications. To address these
issues, we will use a rational engineering approach to develop, validate and optimize a novel minimally invasive
electrode strategy consisting of only 2 implanted passive materials, and an associated surgical tool that allows
for direct targeting of the nerve via injection. We anticipate this will yield dramatically improved nerve engagement
while reducing complications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10943254
- **Project number:** 1R01NS138422-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Kip A Ludwig
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $628,012
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-18 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10943254

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10943254, An Injectable Electrode to Better Isolate the Posterior Tibial Nerve to Treat OAB (1R01NS138422-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10943254. Licensed CC0.

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