Gustafson, Ken, PhD

Bladder dysfunction resulting from neurological disease or spinal cord injury can have a devastating clinical impact.

Our goal is to understand the complex interactions involved in the systems-level neural organization and control of bladder and urethral function. We use this information to develop neural prostheses or rehabilitative techniques that interface with the nervous system and restore genito-urinary function at the earliest opportunity.

AREAS OF INTEREST

• Basic neurophysiology studies to discover and characterize the neural pathways involved in bladder and urethral function.
• Translational research projects to develop methods to conduct investigations in humans and lead to clinical implementation.
• Clinical studies in individuals with and without neural dysfunction.
• Neural engineering studies to design and develop neural prostheses appropriate for the expected clinical applications.
• Teaching and Training in Fundamentals of Neural Stimulation for Neuromodulation Applications

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

• Electrical Stimulation and Recording of Afferent Nerves to Restore Pelvic Functions and Develop Diagnostics
• Long Term Genital Nerve Stimulation to Improve Urinary Continence

CO-INVESTIGATOR PROGRAMS

• Translational Education and Mentoring (VA-TEAM) Center
• Preclinical development of novel approach to improve bladder function after SCI
• Neuroanatomical mapping and neural interfacing of neuromodulation applications
• Development and translation of device to treat bladder overactivity
• Electrical rectal stimulation to promote bowel emptying after spinal cord injury