Questions and Answers - InterStim Therapy
What is InterStim Therapy?
InterStim Therapy uses an implantable device to send mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, located near the tailbone. The sacral nerves control the bladder and the muscles related to urination. If the brain and sacral nerves don’t communicate correctly, the nerves can’t tell the bladder to function properly.
The mild electrical pulses from InterStim Therapy regulate the sacral nerves. This helps the brain and the nerves to communicate so the bladder and related muscles can function properly.
InterStim Therapy is an option for managing symptoms of urinary retention for people who have not found success with more conservative treatments, and whose urinary retention is not caused by a blockage such as cancer or an enlarged prostate.
InterStim Therapy is reversible and can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device.
InterStim Therapy may help you resume normal activities, and help you avoid frustrating experiences associated with urinary retention.
What do nerves have to do with urination?
The sacral nerves control the bladder and muscles related to urination. A breakdown of communication between the sacral nerves and the brain can lead to problems with voiding urine.
What are the benefits and potential side effects or complications of sacral neuromodulation?
Sacral neuromodulation may reduce symptoms for many people who suffer from urinary retention. InterStim Therapy is reversible and can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device. Unlike other surgical treatment options for urinary retention, InterStim Therapy starts with an evaluation. During this evaluation you can experience how it feels and how it works, prior to going forward with the implant procedure.
Implanting an InterStim Therapy system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.
Sacral neuromodulation might cause you to experience some of these side effects:
- Pain at the implant site or new pain
- Infection or skin irritation
- Lead (thin wire) movement/migration
- Device problems
- Interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment
- Undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function
- Uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling)
Problems may be resolved with surgery, medication, or programming. These events may also resolve over time. There is a possibility that some may remain unresolved. See Important Safety Information for possible adverse events. Please consult your doctor. This therapy is not for everyone. A prescription is required.
How long has sacral neuromodulation been around?
InterStim Therapy was FDA-approved in 1999 for urinary retention. More than 100,000 people worldwide have received InterStim Therapy. It's a proven treatment option for people who have not had success with more conservative urinary retention treatments.
Can I get an MRI when I have an InterStim system?
Getting an MRI head scan may be possible under specific conditions. For more information, talk with your InterStim doctor.
Where can I learn more about InterStim Therapy?
For more information about InterStim Therapy, visit www.everyday-freedom.com. If you are considering InterStim Therapy as a treatment option, you can also contact a Medtronic Education Specialist at (800) 664-5111. If you are currently receiving InterStim Therapy, contact Medtronic Patient Services at (800) 510-6735.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
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