Injectable electrode to better target the posterior tibial nerve for overactive bladder
Official title: An Injectable Electrode to Better Isolate the Posterior Tibial Nerve to Treat OAB
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11361709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new minimally invasive electrode strategy will be developed to more precisely stimulate the posterior tibial nerve to help adults with overactive bladder feel fewer urges and less leakage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $586,387 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS138422-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with overactive bladder, especially those who have not responded well to existing therapies, could be candidates for this approach.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a condition related to the posterior tibial nerve or who cannot undergo implantable procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve treatment for people with overactive bladder by designing a simple, implantable electrode that targets the posterior tibial nerve more accurately. Researchers will use engineering methods to create and test a two-material, minimally invasive device and a corresponding surgical approach. The goal is to achieve steady nerve stimulation with fewer side effects and better symptom control for patients who have not gotten relief from current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with overactive bladder may experience fewer urgent bathroom trips and reduced leakage with a safer, less burdensome treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Existing PTNS devices show some benefit but have targeting and tolerability issues; this project aims to address those gaps with a more precise implantable solution.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ludwig, Kip a — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Ludwig, Kip a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.