Benefits and Risks

If you’ve tried other treatments without success, or you’ve experienced intolerable side effects from medications, Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy (Sacral Neuromodulation), delivered by the InterStim™ System, may provide you relief from urinary retention. The InterStim™ System is not intended for patients with urinary retention caused by an obstruction.

Benefits

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy may reduce symptoms for many people who suffer from urinary retention. 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, where you can experience how it feels and see if it will help reduce your symptoms, prior to going forward with the implant procedure.

Risks

Implanting an InterStim™ System has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimise 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 reprogramming. These events may also resolve over time. There is a possibility that some may remain unresolved. See Important Safety Information for possible adverse events. This therapy is not for everyone. Please consult your doctor. A prescription is required.

Next: Questions and Answers