Charles Powell, MD, highlights Neuspera System’s 12-month UUI outcomes

In the following interview, Charles R. Powell, MD, discusses 12-month data on the Neuspera System,¹ highlighting its potential to expand sacral neuromodulation (SNM) options for patients with urinary urge incontinence (UUI). Powell is an associate professor of urology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.

Powell explained that ideal candidates for the device largely mirror those eligible for traditional SNM. He emphasized the system’s key differentiator: its ultra-miniaturized, battery-free design, which significantly reduces implant bulk. The device’s neurostimulator “is implanted in a single procedure and wirelessly powered via an external transmitter.”¹ According to Powell, its ultraminiaturized design may mean that patients won’t sense it as much, making it particularly appealing for those concerned about implant size. However, appropriate candidates must be willing to adhere to daily external power application, which currently consists of 2 hours per day.

A notable innovation is the system’s intermittent stimulation paradigm. Unlike conventional SNM devices that deliver continuous stimulation, Powell highlighted that data from the device’s pivotal trial showed that “just 2 hours a day was enough to give [patients] the same benefit for 24 hours.” He added that this challenges longstanding assumptions in the field, suggesting that “the nerves seem to have some kind of memory,” maintaining therapeutic benefit well beyond the stimulation period.

Twelve-month data on the device were presented at SUFU 2026 Winter Meeting, showing an 88% response rate, with a 43% complete dryness rate among the 130 patients enrolled in the study. The trial also reported significant improvements in quality of life (P < .0001) and urinary frequency (P < .0001). Importantly, no device-related serious adverse events or infections were observed.¹

REFERENCE

1. Pezzella A, Padron O, Choi K, et al. NEUSPERA’S ULTRA-MINIATURIZED SACRAL NEUROMODULATION (SNM) SYSTEM FOR URINARY URGE INCONTINENCE (UUI): 12-MONTH OUTCOMES FROM THE SANS-UUI PHASE II STUDY. Presented at: SUFU 2026 Winter Meeting. February 25-28, 2026. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Abstract 22