With the system, a small stimulator is implanted in a person's lower abdomen. Electrodes are attached to nerves that run from the spine to the bladder and bowel. An external device, about the size of a transistor radio, can be engaged when the person wants to empty his or her bladder or bowel. Benefits can include decreased frequency of bladder infections, an eliminated need for a catheter, diminished autonomic dysreflexia, and in some cases the elimination of bladder medications. The best candidates for the system are adults and fully grown teens who are at least one year post injury, and whose bladders have reflex contractions.
Physicians can perform a urodynamic test to determine if a person's bladder responds appropriately.
Craig recently helped a woman eight years post injury receive the Vocare system, and she is ecstatic with the results. Back to Research Information Free Hand Systems Craig Hospital is collaborating with Neurocontrol of Cleveland, Ohio on the use of the Free Hand System, which is a neuroprosthetic device that includes surgically implanted components and an externally worn controller. This system, aimed to restore hand grasp function in some people with spinal cord injury, received FDA approval in 1997. The system consists of a pacemaker-sized stimulator, implanted in the person's chest, and eight small electrodes attached to paralyzed muscles in the person's forearm and hand. These are controlled by a small, external joy stick taped onto the shoulder.