Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, announced the India launch of the InterStim X™ Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) system for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), chronic fecal incontinence (FI), and non-obstructive urinary retention. The InterStim X™ system offers personalized sacral nerve stimulation therapy.

Sacral neuromodulation is an advanced therapy for people with bladder and bowel control issues that are not responding to other non-invasive therapies. The system works by targeting nerve signals that regulate bladder functions, which may reduce symptoms of incontinence – such as frequent trips to the bathroom and accidents. Patients can try the InterStim™ X system with an evaluation phase before they decide to have the system implanted, and it’s reversible if they change their Sacral neuromodulation procedure is performed in two stages. During the first stage, the lead is implanted and connected to an external stimulator to check therapeutic response for a period of 3-5 days. In stage II, the lead is connected to a subcutaneous implantable pulse generator (IPG) which is like a pacemaker. The IPG sends electrical signals via the lead which then signals the brain for voiding and control.

The InterStim™ X device and systems features:

  • Proprietary 5th generation battery that offers more than 10 years of battery life without the need to recharge. With low energy settings, the device can last up to 15 years.
  • The smart programmer is a device that resembles a common smartphone and has the capability of allowing patients to discreetly and independently adjust their choice of 11 therapy settings at home or on-the-go.
  • SureScan™ technology that enables full body 1.5T and 3T MRI scans under certain conditions, which means that the latest imaging techniques can be availed when needed to diagnose disease, plan treatment, and monitor treatment progress. The MRI mode can be easily activated or deactivated by the patient using the smart programmer under the guidance of their physician.

“Medtronic is committed to advancing the standard of care of bladder and bowel control treatment and improving patient outcomes,” said Prateek Tiwari, Sr Director – Neuroscience & Specialty TherapiesMedtronic India. “With the introduction of the new recharge-free InterStim X, patients can get a decade or more of treatment for their bladder or bowel control issues from the only SNM system to be backed by over 90 clinical studies and over 1,000 clinical articles. It has been our endeavor to expand access to proven nerve stimulation therapies for the benefit of Indian patients with bladder and bowel control issues.”