What Is InterStim™ Therapy?

The InterStim II neurostimulator for
overactive bladder, urinary retention,
faecal incontinence and constipation.

With sacral neuromodulation InterStim II, a small device, just a little bit bigger than a 2 euro coin, is surgically implanted to stimulate your sacral nerves with mild electrical pulses. The sacral nerves control your bladder and bowel. InterStim therapy is used to treat overactive bladder, urinary retention, faecal incontinence and constipation. If you have not experienced success with more standard treatments, this reversible treatment may be a good option for you.

How it works

The sacral nerves control your bladder, your bowel, your rectum and the muscles related to urinary and anal functions. By stimulating these nerves with a mild electric current, the neurostimulator helps your bowel, rectum and bladder to work as they should.

About the InterStim Therapy system

The InterStim Therapy system consists of:

The implantable neurostimulator, which is like a pacemaker, implanted under the skin
A thin wire that carries the mild electrical pulses to the nerves controlling the pelvic floor, including the bowel and the bladder
A hand-held patient programmer that allows you to adjust the strength of the stimulation and to turn the system on or off.

Sacral neuromodulation may help you to regain control and avoid the embarrassment and frustration of bladder and bowel problems.

Our products

Medtronic offers the InterStim neurostimulator to treat overactive bladder, urinary retention, faecal incontinence and constipation. If you think you would like to try InterStim Therapy, ask your doctor about a trial assessment.

Next: Benefits and Risks

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.

Last updated: 22 Sep 2010