Discover Interstim

For relief from your OAB

Advanced Therapies

If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you want, you have more options.
Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy Delivered by the InterStim™ Systems
• Try it during an evaluation
• Proven long-term relief3
Implanting an InterStim™ system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks. 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 provide you with the information regarding how to operate the test device and inform you of other precautions related to the evaluation and activity restrictions.

Learn More About Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy Delivered by the InterStim System

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*Medtronic Bladder Control Therapies do not treat obstructive urinary retention.
1. Gray S, Anderson M, Dublin S et al. Cumulative use of strong anticholinergics and incident dementia. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(3):401-407.
2. Yeaw J, Benner J, Walt JG et al. Comparing adherence and persistence across 6 chronic medication classes. J Manag Care Pharm. 2009:15(9): 724-736.
3. Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Five year follow-up results of a prospective, multicenter study in overactive bladder subjects treated with sacral neuromodulation. 2018; 199(1), 229-236

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy Delivered by The InterStimTM Systems

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 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 350,000 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

Say yes to the test

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.

Here’s how it works:
• 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.

Get more personalized treatment options

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 return of symptoms. Discuss these potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

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*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.

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. The Journal of Urology 2018; Volume 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. DOI: 10.1002/nau.22544.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this therapy different?
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.

What can this therapy do for me?
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.1

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

What does the stimulation feel like?
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.

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

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

1. 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.

Patient Stories

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Additional Resources

Bladder Symptom Diary
Record your symptoms to help your doctor understand your condition.

Care Pathway for Bladder Control
Understand all of your treatment options for dealing with bladder control issues.

Doctor Discussion Guide
Starting the conversation can be hard. This guide can help you talk to your doctor.

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapies
Understand your options and decide if a Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is right for you.

Patient Therapy Guide – iCon™ Programmer (.pdf)
A handy guide to living with Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system, and to using your hand-held Medtronic iCon programmer.

Patient Therapy Guide – Smart Programmer (.pdf)
A handy guide to living with Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system, and to using your Samsung Smart Programmer device.