A doctor at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center became the first in central Texas to use a new medical device that treats urgent bladder leaks, according to a news release.

What happened

Dr. Grady Bruce, a urologist at the hospital, conducted the procedure to insert the FDA-approved device, which includes a paperclip sized implant and wearable power supply.

Through a single outpatient procedure, the implant is inserted near the patient’s ankle, which sends signals to their bladder through the tibial nerve after activation. These signals calm overactive nerves that cause bladder urge.

The context

Urge incontinence causes an uncontrollable need to urinate throughout the day and night as well as bladder leakage. Over 200 million people experience urge urinary incontinence, according to Bruce.

What they’re saying

“This new implant may provide relief to patients who suffer from both the physical and psychological effects of this condition in their daily lives,” Bruce said in the news release.