Neuroprostheses to treat neurogenic bladder dysfunction: current status and future perspectives

Background. Neural prostheses are a technology that uses electrical activation of the nervous system to restore function to individuals with neurological or sensory impairment. <LF>Introduction. This article provides an introduction to neural prostheses and lists the most successful neural prostheses (in terms of implanted devices). Current treatment. The article then focuses on neurogenic bladder dysfunction and describes two clinically available implantable neural prostheses for treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Special attention is given to the usage of these neural prostheses in children. <LF>Future treatment. Finally, three new developments that may lead to a new generation of implantable neural prostheses for bladder control are described. They may improve the neural prostheses currently available and expand further the population of patients who can benefit from a neural prosthesis.