Computational model of SNS using tractography
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Computational model of SNS (sacral nerve stimulation) induced electrical current flow using tractography imaging
IRAS ID
202959
Contact name
Carolynne J. Vaizey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for faecal incontinence. It involves implanting a lead around a nerve root which contains nerves that travel to anus and anal sphincters and nerves that carry signals from these structures to brain. The lead is connected to a stimulator implanted in buttock. It is an effective treatment for 70-80% of patients in short term and around half of the patients will continue to benefit from this therapy beyond 5 years.
However, some patients experience loss of efficacy over time and adverse stimulation effects such as pain and discomfort. Currently little is known about the spread of the electric current from the lead and its effect on adjacent tissues. The aim of this study is to obtain finer details of tissues surrounding a lead in the pelvis using a combination of high resolution anatomical MRI sequences and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). DTI is a non-invasive technique sometimes described as fibre tractography that enables visualization of the pathways and integrity of nerves. In this feasibility study we plan to use DTI to assess the sacral plexus and its peripheral nerves. A computational model will be constructed by superimposing SNS lead from a CT scan onto the DTI imaging to map out the electrode position. It is hoped that this study will lead to better understanding of both therapeutic and adverse stimulation effects and enable patient-specific adjustments of stimulation parameters.REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1724
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion