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the InterStimTM Systems

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy

Evidence suggests that breakdowns in the bladder-brain communication pathway may be a root cause of OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention.1,2,3 That’s why conventional treatments may not produce the results you want – they don’t directly target this miscommunication. Unlike conventional treatments, the Medtronic InterStim systems gently stimulate the sacral nerves in the pelvic area that control the bladder.4,5 This may help restore* bladder-brain communication and reduce symptoms.

 

Get more control with the InterStim Systems6,7
  • 84% satisfaction among those who use InterStim
  • 3X greater improvements in OAB quality of life
  • 82% of people achieved success at 5 years
  • Only therapy that lets you see if it works before you and your doctor decide
  • More than 375,000 people worldwide have chosen the Medtronic InterStim systems for more control and long-lasting relief
  • Recharge-free and rechargeable options let you choose the right device for your lifestyle

In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling). Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.

 

Is InterStim Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim systems if:

  • You have significant OAB symptoms or non-obstructive urinary retention
  • You’ve tried lifestyle changes and oral medications
  • These therapies haven’t given you the relief you want
Contact Us Today

 

frequently asked questions

InterStim™ Systems

You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later. And unlike injections, it doesn’t require self catheterization or repeated treatment visits.

It may significantly reduce symptoms in people who have frequent urges to urinate or related frequent leaks or are unable to fully empty their bladder.10

No. It can be effective, but it’s not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.

Most people describe the stimulation sensation as a tingling, flutter, or vibration in the pelvic area. It should not be painful. Stimulation settings can be adjusted, and sensations will vary from person to person.

People with an InterStim™ system can have a full-body‡ MRI scan under certain conditions. Your doctor will determine whether you meet those conditions.

Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your insurance coverage.

Sources

†Numbers reflect completers analysis defined as patients with diary data at baseline and 12 months (n=220). Clinical success was 82% at 12 months using the modified completers analysis (subjects who either had a baseline and 12-month evaluation or withdrew early due to device-related reasons and are considered failures). Success defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.

‡Under certain conditions; see approved labeling for details. Patients with InterStim™ SureScan™ MRI Leads only.

1. Dasgupta R. Critchley HD, Dolan RJ, Fowler CJ. Changes in brain activity following sacral neuromodulation for urinary retention. J Urol. 2005; 174:2268-2272

2. Griffiths D, Derbyshire S, Stenger A, Resnick N. Brain control of normal and overactive bladder. J Urol. 2005; 174:1862-1867.

3. Griffiths D, Tadic SD. Bladder control, urgency, and urge incontinence: evidence from functional brain imaging. Neurourol Urodyn. 2008;27(6):466-474.

4. Kenefick NJ, Emmanuel A, Nicholls RJ. Effect of sacral nerve stimulation on autonomic nerve function. British Journal of Surgery. 2003;90:1256-1260.

5. Patton V, Wiklendt L, Arkwright JW, Lubowski DZ, Dinning PG. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013;100:959-968.

6. Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Five-year follow-up results of a prospective, multicenter study of patients with overactive bladder treated with sacral neuromodulation. J Urol. 2018; 199(1), 229-236. 

7. Medtronic InterStim Therapy Clinical Summary (2018).

8. Foster RT Sr, Anoia EJ, Webster GD, Amundsen CL. In patients undergoing neuromodulation for intractable urge incontinence a reduction in 24-hr pad weight after the initial test stimulation best predicts long-term patient satisfaction. Neurourol Urodyn. 2007; 26:213-217.

9. Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating sacral neuromodulation with InterStim® Therapy compared to standard medical therapy at 6-months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015; 34:224-230. 

10. Foster RT Sr, Anoia EJ, Webster GD, Amundsen CL. In patients undergoing neuromodulation for intractable urge incontinence a reduction in 24-hr pad weight after the initial test stimulation best predicts long-term patient satisfaction. Neurourol Urodyn. 2007; 26:213-217.