Interstim for OAB
InterStim for Overactive Bladder (OAB)
New Jersey Urology offers new solutions to patients who suffer from incontinence thanks to technology advancements in sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy from Medtronic.
The FDA recently approved the new InterStim™ Micro neurostimulator and InterStim SureScan™ MRI leads. InterStim Micro — the market’s smallest rechargeable sacral neuromodulation therapy device — treats overactive bladder (OAB), fecal incontinence (FI) and non-obstructive urinary retention. The InterStim SureScan MRI leads are used with InterStim Micro and with the recharge-free InterStim II, and allow conditional full-body 1.5 and 3 Tesla MRI scans*.
Patients and physicians now have a choice in InterStim systems — both with conditional full-body MRI — to match the patient’s preferences, lifestyle and treatment goals. The InterStim™ II recharge-free system offers patients freedom from a recharging routine, the hassle of recharging components, and a reminder they have a disease. The new rechargeable InterStim™ Micro system may be preferred by patients who want a smaller, longer lasting device.
The new InterStim™ Micro
Is 50% smaller (2.8 cm3) than the market’s other rechargeable SNM device and is 80% smaller than InterStim II.
Can be recharged once a week, or as infrequent as once per month, depending on the patient’s preference or device settings.
Does not require impedance checks prior to an MRI scan.
Can recharge from zero to 100% in less than an hour§.
Reduces the need for battery replacement surgeries due to its life of 15 years.
Hear Sarah’s Story
Sarah talks about her experience with overactive bladder and Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the Interstim system.
If you’ve tried other treatments but are still suffering from urge incontinence or overactive bladder (OAB), there is another option: the InterStim system.
Important Safety Information
Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system treats urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder) and the symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary urge incontinence (leakage) and significant symptoms of urgency-frequency. It should be used after you have tried other treatments such as medications and behavioral therapy and they have not worked, or you could not tolerate them.
You must demonstrate an appropriate response to the evaluation to be a candidate. You cannot have diathermy (deep heat treatment from electromagnetic energy) if you have an InterStim™ device.
This therapy is not intended for patients with a urinary blockage. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pregnancy and delivery; patients under the age of 16; or for patients with neurological disease origins.
In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment such as MRI, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).
InterStim Urologists
InterStim FAQs
This therapy is an implantable device that targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again.
Both are designed to deliver effective symptom relief through sacral neuromodulation. The InterStim™ II system is a recharge-free device, while the InterStim™ Micro system is rechargeable.
Medtronic bladder control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ systems restores bladder function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.*
Doctors believe that bladder control problems are caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, which are located in the lower back and control the bladder.1
With this therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, and more confidence as you get back to living your way.2
Choosing to have an InterStim™ system implanted has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.†
No. It can be effective, but it’s not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.
Everyone’s experience of relief is different, so it is difficult to generalize. What we can say is that in a clinical study, our therapy significantly reduced symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and non-obstructive urinary retention in people treated for five years.†,3,4
Most people describe it as a slight pulling, tingling, or fluttering sensation in the pelvic area. The stimulation is always adjustable, and should not be painful.
You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later. The InterStim™ II system is clinically superior to oral medication and the InterStim™ Micro system is designed to deliver the same results.†,5 And unlike injections, this therapy doesn’t require self-catheterization or repeated treatment visits.
Since its approval in 1997, the InterStim™ system has been used to treat bladder control problems in hundreds of thousands of patients around the world.
Yes, you can have a full-body MRI scan under certain conditions. Your clinician can provide more details about these conditions, as well as safety information.‡
* With the InterStim™ systems, restored bladder function is defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.
† In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.
‡ Under certain conditions.
1 Leng WW, Morrisroe SN. Sacral nerve stimulation for the overactive bladder. Urol Clin N Am. 2006;33:491–501.
2 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. DOI: 10.1002/nau.22544
3 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. The Journal of Urology 2018;Volume 199(1), 229–236.
4 Van Kerrebroeck P, et al. Results of sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary voiding dysfunction: outcomes of a prospective, worldwide clinical study. Journal of Urology. 2007;178:2029-2034.
5 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.