Evaluation systems
InterStim™ basic evaluation system
<p>The InterStim™ basic evaluation system is an external neurostimulator that tests a patient’s eligibility for long-term sacral neuromodulation.</p>
How it works
The basic evaluation (also referred to as peripheral nerve evaluation or PNE) is typically used to evaluate patients with bladder control problems.
The InterStim™ basic evaluation starts with a minimally invasive procedure. During this procedure, a thin wire is inserted in the patient’s upper buttock and attached to an external neurostimulator. Over the following three to seven days, the patient tracks his/her symptoms. After the evaluation, the results are reviewed, and the clinician can determine the best treatment option with the patient. If the test is inconclusive, testing can continue using the InterStim™ advanced evaluation.
InterStim™ basic evaluation procedure animation. (07:32)
Leading innovation
The reengineered InterStim™ basic evaluation lead is designed to minimise electrode movement during daily activities.† High-contrast insertion depth markers make it easy to position the needle tip accurately. Clinicians can use the same familiar procedures for placing the lead and removing it at the end of the trial.
See how the Medtronic basic evaluation lead compares to the competition. (02:43)
Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Patients should be instructed on operating the test device and given other precautions related to the evaluation as well as activity restrictions.
† Based on computational modeling and experimental data.