InterStim

MedTronic InterStimTM Therapy for Overactive Bladder

When exercises, lifestyle changes, and medications disappoint, you may be ready for a more advanced option. InterStim Therapy is an implantable device that targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again. It works by modulating the nerves to the bladder and improving urinary urgency, frequency, and waking up at night to urinate. InterStim Therapy expands options for patients with urge incontinence, urgency-frequency, or non-obstructive urinary retention.

How Does InterStim Therapy Work?

Communication between your brain and bladder is critical. That’s why conventional treatments may not produce the results you want - they don’t target the miscommunication between your bladder and brain.

Medtronic Bladder and Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system restore bladder and bowel function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves. It’s sometimes called sacral neuromodulation (SNM). With this therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents and more confidence as you get back to the activities you enjoy.

InterStim is safe, FDA-approved and minimally invasive.

It’s been helping people improve their quality of life for more than 20 years.

  • 84% satisfaction among those who use it.

  • 3x greater improvements in quality of life compared to medications.

  • 82% of people achieve success at 5 years with InterStim therapy.

  • 45% of people achieve complete continence at 5 years with In InterStim therapy.

  • Only therapy that lets you see if it works before you and your doctor decide

  • Recharge-free and rechargeable options let you choose the right device for your lifestyle

  • More than 400,000 people worldwide have chosen the Medtronic InterStim™ systems for more control and long-lasting relief

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

Take back control with an evaluation for an InterStim™ system

Unlike other bladder control treatments, this therapy lets you try it first with an evaluation – like a test run, not a long-term commitment.

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.

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.

Related Conditions & Services

Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Axonics