About Medtronic InterStim Therapy for Urinary Control

If you've tried other treatments but are still suffering from bladder control problems, you might be relieved to hear about another option: InterStim Therapy.

What Is InterStim Therapy?

InterStim Therapy is a proven neuromodulation therapy that targets the communication problem between the brain and the nerves that control the bladder. If those nerves are not communicating correctly, the bladder will not function properly.

After talking with your doctor to see if InterStim therapy is right for you, you may decide to try InterStim Therapy by going through an evaluation. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, you and your doctor will determine the next steps for your treatment.

InterStim Therapy was created by Medtronic, and over 100,000 people worldwide have received InterStim Therapy. It has been FDA-approved since 1997 for urge incontinence and since 1999 for urinary retention and urgency-frequency. InterStim Therapy is not intended for patients with a urinary blockage.

Medicare and many other private insurance companies cover InterStim Therapy.

How Does InterStim Therapy Work?

InterStim Therapy works with the sacral nerves, located near the tailbone. The sacral nerves control the bladder and muscles related to urinary function.

Watch how InterStim Therapy works with the sacral nerves to reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder.

It is believed that one possible cause of overactive bladder is miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves; when the brain and sacral nerves don't communicate correctly, the nerves will not tell the bladder to function correctly, which can cause bladder control problems.

The theory behind InterStim Therapy is that stimulation of the sacral nerves with mild electrical pulses reduces the signals to the nervous system which may be causing bladder control symptoms such as leaks, the sudden urge to go, or going too often.

How Effective Is InterStim Therapy?

In a long -term clinical study, it was found that 59% of patients with urge incontinence who received InterStim Therapy and completed follow-up with their doctors, had at least 50% fewer leaks per day when compared to the number of leaks before therapy.¹

It is important to know that individual results may vary and that not every patient who receives InterStim Therapy will receive the same benefits or experience the same adverse events as the patients in the clinical study. In addition to risks related to a surgical procedure, complications from this therapy can occur and may require surgery or cause return of symptoms. Refer to the Important Safety Information for more information on possible adverse events associated with InterStim Therapy.

How Can I Find Out If InterStim Therapy Will Work for Me?

During an evaluation, you'll have the opportunity to test InterStim Therapy without making a long-term commitment. The evaluation generally lasts several days. Before and during the evaluation, you'll be asked to track your symptoms to help determine how well InterStim Therapy works for you.

Learn how the evaluation works

If you experience a significant reduction in your bladder control symptoms, you can decide whether or not to go on to long-term InterStim Therapy. 

Learn how long-term therapy works

Ask Your Doctor

Talk with your doctor about your individual situation to find out if InterStim Therapy may be right for you. If your doctor is not familiar with InterStim Therapy, we can help you find a specialist who is. 

References:

1. Medtronic-sponsored research. InterStim Therapy Clinical Summary 2011.

Next: Step 1: InterStim Therapy Evaluation