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The InterStim™ Systems

There are many ways to manage bladder control problems. Remember, if conservative treatments do not deliver the results you need, you have more options.

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy Delivered By

The InterStim™ Systems

 

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

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Get More Control with the InterStim™ Systems

  • 84% satisfaction among those who use it

  • 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 400,000 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

 

 

Is InterStim™ Right for You?

 

You may be a good candidate if:

  • You have significant OAB symptoms or non-obstructive urinary retention

  • You have tried lifestyle changes and oral medications, but they have not provided the desired results

Trial Phase

Unlike other bladder control treatments, this therapy includes a trial phase—allowing you to evaluate its effectiveness before committing to long-term treatment.

The Process:

  • 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

  • Stop, start, or adjust the therapy settings with an easy-to-use programmer that resembles a smartphone

  • Go about most of your regular activities for 3 to 14 days

  • Track your symptoms to see if they improve

Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the system and inform you of any activity restrictions and other precautions related to the evaluation.

After the Trial Phase

After your trial phase, talk to your doctor about the results. Together, you can choose a personalized and effective solution for your long-term care. If the trial is successful, your evaluation device can be replaced with a permanent implantable device called a neurostimulator during a brief outpatient procedure.

 

Potential Risks

 

Bladder control therapy has risks similar to any surgical procedure. The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies include pain at implant sites, new pain, lead migration, infection, technical or device problems, adverse change in bowel or voiding function, and undesirable stimulation or sensations. Any of these may require additional surgery or cause a return of symptoms. Discuss these potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

Download Brochure

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More Control Starts with Our Smart Programmer

 

The smart programmer allows you and your healthcare provider to manage your therapy as needed. Unlike previous iterations of our technology that resembled a key fob without a display screen, our Smart Programmer allows you to:

  • Check your stimulation level on a clear, easy-to-read screen 

  • Adjust your stimulation 

  • Turn stimulation on or off 

  • Change therapy programs (as directed by your healthcare provider)

  • Activate MRI mode and check MRI eligibility (see more information below)

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smart-programmer-therapy-program

MRI Confidence

 

Medtronic’s proprietary SureScan™ MRI technology is what enables patients to get full-body‡ 1.5 and 3T MRI scans. It is the only sacral neuromodulation system with this SureScan™ technology. This means: 

  • Full-body‡ 1.5 and 3T scans

  • No impedance checks required prior to MRI scans

  • Scans allowed even if you have had out-of-range impedances 

  • MRI mode is easy to activate or deactivate on Medtronic’s smart programmer without clinician or Medtronic interaction 

  • Digital display for clear confirmation of MRI mode activation

Access the Medtronic InterStim™ MRI Brochure to learn about our MRI Center of Excellence and MRI testing lab and for information on how to activate MRI mode on your smart programmer.

mri-mode-image

*Restored function defined as a 50% or greater reduction in dysfunctional voiding symptoms from baseline.

†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. 

Tulane Multispecialty Clinic / EJGH

4224 Houma Blvd., Suite 300

Metairie, LA 70006

Tel: 504-503-7500

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