Questions and Answers - Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy
Urinary Retention
- What is Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy?
- What do nerves have to do with urination?
- What are the benefits and potential side effects or complications of Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy?
- How long has sacral neuromodulation been around?
- Can I get an MRI when I have an InterStim system?
- Where can I learn more about Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy?
What is Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy?
Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy (Sacral Neuromodulation), delivered by the InterStim® System, uses an implantable device that sents gentle electrical stimulation 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 gentle electrical stimulation from the InterStim System corrects this miscommunication.
Medtronic Bladder Control 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.
Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is reversible and can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device.
Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy may help you resume normal activities, and help you avoid frustrating experiences associated with urinary retention.
What are the benefits and potential side effects or complications of Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy?
Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy may reduce symptoms for many people who suffer from urinary retention. It can also significantly improve quality of life. Medtronic Bladder Control 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, Medtronic Bladder Control 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 the 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.
Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy 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?
The InterStim System was FDA-approved in 1997 for urge incontinence and in 1999 for urinary retention and urgency-frequency. More than 150,000 people worldwide have received the InterStim System. It's a proven treatment option for people who have not had success with more conservative urinary retention treatments.
Where can I learn more about Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy?
For more information about Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy, visit www.everyday-freedom.com. treatment option, you can also contact a Medtronic Education Specialist at (800) 664-5111. If you currently have an InterStim System, 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.