How InterStim™
therapy works

For bladder and bowel control

More than another pill. More than temporary relief.

Learn how InterStim™ system targets the sacral nerves that control bladder and bowel function, which may help you get your life back.

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Relief from bladder and bowel symptoms delivered by the InterStim™ system

At Medtronic, we believe you deserve more from your bladder and bowel control therapy. 

If you've tried medication and lifestyle changes and haven't gotten the relief that you need, there is another option.

Our therapies work differently

When more conservative treatments fail, the InterStim™ system offers discreet, personalized relief that lets you get back to the activities you love.

Don’t just take it
from us

Hear stories from patients who suffered from bladder and bowel symptoms and see how they found lasting relief with the InterStim™ system.

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Answer a few short questions

And find out if InterStim™ therapy may be a fit.

Regain a life without limits with the InterStim™ system

Long lasting*1

3X

greater quality of life than medications among bladder patients.4

Small and powerful

84%

satisfaction among those who use InterStim.*,‡,5

Safe and proven1-3

375K+

Patients implanted over 25 years.

This is how the urinary system connects with the InterStim X™ device

How the InterStim™ system works

Where more conservative treatments target the bladder and bowel muscles, the InterStim™ system targets the sacral nerves that control bladder and bowel function.6,7 Targeting this communication may help restore* proper function.

InterStim™ therapy:

  • Is clinically proven to reduce accidents1-3
  • Is reported to significantly improve quality of life (lifestyle, ability to cope, embarrassment, and depression)1-3
  • Allows you to get full-body§ MRI scans if you need them
  • Has been used to treat more than 375,000 patients worldwide
  • Is safe and minimally invasive1-3

Are you looking for a nonsurgical therapy for bladder control?

The NURO™ system for
overactive bladder (OAB)

The NURO™ device administers a therapy called percutaneous tibial neurostimulation (PTNM). Rather than a long-term implant, this device uses acupuncture-like needle to stimulate the nerves that control bladder function. 

NURO system device

Are you a candidate for InterStim™ therapy?

Answer a few short questions and find out if sacral neuromodulation may be a fit.

Find a doctor
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*

The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies included 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.

Defined as a 50 percent or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder or bowel symptoms

Reflects OAB patients

§

Under certain conditions; see approved labeling for details. Patients with InterStim™ SureScan™ MRI leads only

1

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. J Urol. 2018;199(1), 229–236.

2

Medtronic InterStim Therapy Clinical Summary (2018).

3

Hull T, Giese C, Wexner SD, et al. Long-term durability of sacral nerve stimulation therapy for chronic fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2013; 56(2):234–245.

4

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.

5

Foster RT, 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(2):213–217.

6

Patton V, Wiklendt L, Arkwright JW, et al. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013;100(7):959–968.

7

Leng WW, Morrisroe SN. Sacral nerve stimulation for the overactive bladder. Urol Clin N Am. 2006;33:491–501.

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.