Interstim Therapy

Conditions treated: overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, non-obstructive urinary retention, and fecal incontinence

If you suffer from bladder control issues, you know just how much they can interrupt your life. But you’re not alone. Bladder control problems like overactive bladder (OAB) and non-obstructive urinary retention affect millions of Americans. You may have tried diet changes, Kegel exercises, physical therapy, or medications — but the results just aren’t what you hoped. Don’t give up. Get more treatment options tailored for your needs.

Evidence suggests that breakdowns in the bladder brain communication pathway are a root cause of OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention.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™ system gently stimulates the sacral nerves in your pelvic area that control your bladder. This may help restore bladder-brain communication and reduce your symptoms.

When it comes to bladder control therapy, the InterStim™ system is the most proven. Doctors have been using it to treat patients for 25 years. Also called sacral neuromodulation (SNM), this therapy may help you experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, and more confidence living with OAB. If you have nonobstructive urinary retention, benefits may also include needing to catheterize less frequently and the ability to more fully empty your bladder.

Unlike other bladder control treatments, this therapy lets you try it first with an evaluation — like a test run, not a long-term commitment. The simple test starts at your doctor’s office or an outpatient center. A lead (thin wire) is inserted in the upper part of your buttock. The lead attaches to a small external device worn discreetly under your clothes. You can stop, start, or adjust the therapy settings, with an easy-to-use programmer that resembles a smartphone. You'll be able to go about most of your regular activities for 3 to 7 days while tracking your symptoms to see if they improve

After your test, talk to your doctor about the results. Together, you can choose a powerful and personalized solution for your long-term care. Your evaluation device can be replaced with an implantable device called a neurostimulator during a short, outpatient procedure.

Interstim has 84% satisfaction among those who use it and patients report 3X greater improvement in quality of life compared to medications. More than 350,000 people have trusted Medtronic for more control. Learn from their experiences.

Say yes to the test. Schedule an appointment for an evaluation, so you and your doctor can make a decision based on your results.

Say Yes to the Test

The PNE or Peripheral Nerve Evaluation is a way for us to diagnose your bladder symptoms as a nerve problem and not a muscle problem.

Very often, bladder dysfunction is a result of overactive or incorrect nerve signaling. PNE is a diagnostic test is much different than other tests we perform because it can actually improve your symptoms. In fact, you will know if your test is successful within 24-48 hours.

This test is usually performed in the office. The PNE consists of placing two small leads (thin wires) in the upper part of your buttock. The lead attaches to a small external device worn discreetly under your clothes. You can start, stop, and adjust the therapy with an easy-to-use controller and track your symptoms to see if they improve.

If the evaluation is successful, patients will notice improvements in their bladder symptoms. This improvement is usually dramatic. In fact, 84% of patients have at least a 50% reduction in symptoms!

After about 3 days of testing, the tiny leads are removed in the office. The evaluation is completely reversible and safe. If you experience an improvement in your bladder symptoms, your doctor will talk to you about maintaining that benefit long term with Interstim Therapy. If you have an inconclusive evaluation, a more accurate test can be performed in a hospital or surgery center.

Please keep a Voiding Diary for 3 days prior to your PNE test as a reference to measure symptomatic relief.

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Real Life Results

Talk to someone who is using an InterStim™ system to treat similar symptoms by visiting InterStimAmbassadors.com or calling (800) 664-5111.

Watch a patient testimonial at medtronic.com/bladderstories.