Discover Altaviva™ Therapy

A bladder control implant may help you find relief 2 to live life on your terms without your bladder holding you back.

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Treatment pathway

See the typical steps taken to treat bladder symptoms.

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Perspectives from real users

Explore the journeys of people who have benefited from the Altaviva™ implant.

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Take the Survey

Discover if the Altaviva™ implant is right for you with a short quiz.

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FAQ about Altaviva™ therapy

Get answers to your questions.

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Explore what makes the Altaviva™ bladder control implant different

Unlike medications or injections that target bladder muscles, the Altaviva™ implant targets the tibial nerve that helps control normal bladder function.3,4

In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant site, lower leg pain, infection, wound complications, nerve injury, movement of the implant, undesirable change in bowel or bladder function, uncomfortable or unintended stimulation sensations, loss of therapeutic effect, discomfort when recharging, or technical or device problems. Please see Important Safety Information for more details. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.

Improved quality of life could be a single procedure away with Altaviva™ therapy

No sedation required

The Altaviva™ bladder control implant for UUI is placed near your ankle with a minimally invasive procedure that does not require general anesthesia or sedation.5

Technology for every day

The implant has a long-lasting battery expected to deliver 15 years of therapy,‡,6 and you can walk out the same day with therapy activated.6

Clinical outcomes

In the pivotal clinical trial, after 12 months of therapy 80% of patients reported their condition improved§,2 and 61% of patients had a 50% or greater reduction in UUI episodes.2

‡ Based on clinical and bench testing for expected therapy settings.

§ As assessed by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI I).

Adverse events related to the device, procedure, and/or therapy occurred in 20% of implanted subjects through 12-month follow-up. The most common types of related AEs were implant-related infections at the implant site (7%) and implant site pain (3%).

How does the Altaviva™ bladder control for UUI implant work?

 

  • A small device is placed under the skin near the ankle and sends electrical pulses to the tibial nerve that is important in maintaining normal bladder function.3,4

  • These pulses may help to restore the communication pathways between the bladder and brain,3,4 which may help reduce urgency with leaks.2

  • This treatment uses tibial neuromodulation a proven therapy for reducing bladder control symptoms.2,7-11

Treatment pathway

Everyone experiences symptoms differently, and there are many ways to manage bladder control issues.12 There are many urge urinary incontinence (UUI) treatment options that you can try, either in isolation or in combination with each other, that may help you take back control and enjoy life with confidence. The steps below show the path people usually take to find an option that works.

For stimulation devices, common risks may include surgical infection, pain, and undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).

These treatments must be prescribed by a doctor who should review all potential risks and benefits with you. Please see Important Safety information.

Perspectives from people living with urge urinary incontinence

“No one wants to talk [about UUI]. But since getting the Altaviva™ implant, I feel like a new person.”

Individual results may vary.

Anthony, living with UUI.

“The Altaviva™ implant helped me build up the confidence that I had lost.”

Individual results may vary.

Roschelle, living with UUI.

Join the journey: consider the Altaviva™ implant

Anthony and Roschelle’s stories may provide hope for many who are battling similar challenges. While their results are uniquely theirs, they inspire a message of hope and potential for others.

Why wait? Explore your options today

The Altaviva™ implant has the potential to improve quality of life1 — just like it did for Anthony and Roschelle. If you are seeking another option to treat your bladder symptoms, talk to your doctor about the Altaviva™ implant for UUI to see if it could provide the relief that you have been looking for.

Altaviva™ therapy ambassador program

Talk to people who understand

If you’re considering the Altaviva™ tibial implant for urge urinary incontinence, you might wonder:

  • How will I feel after the procedure?
  • What should I expect during recovery?
  • How will my life be different with this therapy?

The Ambassador Program connects you with someone who has experienced similar symptoms and found relief with a Medtronic tibial implant. They can openly discuss the procedure and how the implant has helped them regain control.

Who are the ambassadors?

  • Ambassadors are volunteers, not Medtronic employees.
  • Ambassador comments relate to their individual experience only.

The Ambassador Program does not provide medical advice, technical support, or replace discussions with your healthcare provider. Individual results vary; consult your healthcare provider to determine if the Altaviva™ system is right for you.

How to request a call.

  1. Click the link or call 800-503-4110.
  2. Answer a few questions about your symptoms.
  3. Provide your contact details. Medtronic will ask an ambassador to call you at a scheduled time. The call usually lasts about 20 minutes. There is no cost to participate.

Doctor discussion guide

Are you planning to talk to your doctor about Altaviva™ implant for UUI?
This guide will help you organize your thoughts to help maximize your appointment, and with the help of your doctor decide if this therapy is suitable for you.

Download a printable PDF (open in new window)

Preparing to talk to your doctor about Altaviva™ implant for UUI:

Before your appointment

Gather information that will help your doctor understand your situation.

Consider your answers to these questions:

  • Do bladder control issues occupy your thoughts?
  • Are you afraid of being too far away from a restroom?
  • Do you turn down invitations from friends or family because you’re afraid you’ll experience incontinence?
  • If you’re already receiving treatment, is it helping you find the relief you need?

During your appointment

Talk with your doctor about your condition, the treatment options available to you, and the pros and cons of each. Ask your doctor these questions:

  • Is what I’m experiencing common?
  • How many people with this condition have you treated?
  • What treatment options are available, and which of those have you found to be most successful?

For each urge urinary incontinence treatment option, ask:

  • What results could I expect?
  • How long do the results last?
  • Does it lose effectiveness over time?
  • What are the risks and benefits?
  • What is the cost and will my insurance cover it?
  • If that treatment is not successful, what is my next option?

When discussing the Altaviva™ system with your doctor, consider mentioning:

  1. Your current bladder symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
  2. Previous urge urinary incontinence treatments you’ve tried and their effectiveness.
  3. Your interest in exploring a Altaviva™ bladder implant as a new option for managing your UUI symptoms.

Trusted care for the journey ahead:

The Altaviva™ implant is the latest innovation from Medtronic, the leader in neuromodulation for bladder and bowel control. We pioneered the first neuromodulation device for the bladder over three decades ago and continue to innovate, delivering products that are safe, effective, and may help improve your quality of life.1,6,11-13 When you get a device from Medtronic, you are getting the backing of a company whose therapies improve the lives of two patients every second of every hour of every day — and counting.

Frequently asked questions

The Altaviva™ implant for UUI involves placing a small device under the skin near your ankle, which sends electrical pulses to the tibial nerve that helps maintain normal bladder function.3,4 These pulses may help restore the communication pathway between your brain and bladder which may help urgency with leaks.5 This treatment is called tibial neuromodulation is a proven therapy for reducing bladder control symptoms.2–7,11

Altaviva™ implant works by sending electrical pulses to the tibial nerve, which is linked to the nerves that control your bladder. These pulses may help restore the communication pathway between your brain and bladder,3,4 which may help reduce urgency, frequency, and leaks.5

Bladder control issues often stem from miscommunication between the brain and the nerves controlling bladder function.13,14 By targeting the tibial nerve, the therapy may help restore normal bladder function.3,4

The device only needs to be charged 1–2 times per year under standard therapy settings and charging only takes about 30 minutes with proper placement and default recharge speed.

In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant site, lower leg pain, infection, technical or device problems, movement of the implant, undesirable change in bowel or bladder function, or uncomfortable or unintended stimulation sensations. Please see Important Safety Information for more details. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.

Urge urinary incontinence is a chronic condition. Altaviva™ therapy can help manage the symptoms but does not cure the condition.

The implant has a long-lasting battery5 expected to deliver 15 years of therapy.‡

‡ Based on clinical and bench testing for expected therapy settings.

The procedure is minimally invasive,12 requiring a 2 cm incision.

You can have a full-body MRI scan if certain conditions are met.15 Your clinician can provide more details about these conditions, as well as safety information.

Talk to your doctor and your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.

Prospective patients, reach an education specialist: (800) 664-5111
Existing patients, reach a service specialist: (800) 510-6735.

Do you already have the Altaviva™ device and need instructions? Go to the site for current users.