Medtronic Introduces InterStim X Therapy for Bladder & Bowel Control in India

The system provides personalized sacral nerve stimulation therapy for patients whose conditions do not respond to non-invasive treatments.

Medtronic has launched the FDA-approved InterStim X Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) system in India to treat overactive bladder (OAB), chronic fecal incontinence (FI), and non-obstructive urinary retention. The system provides personalized sacral nerve stimulation therapy for patients whose conditions do not respond to non-invasive treatments.

Sacral neuromodulation uses electrical impulses to regulate nerve signals that control bladder and bowel functions. This can help reduce symptoms such as frequent bathroom trips and accidental leakage. The therapy includes a two-stage implantation process, allowing patients to assess its benefits before opting for permanent implantation.

The first stage involves implanting a lead connected to an external stimulator, which is used for three to five days to evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness. If successful, the second stage connects the lead to a subcutaneous implantable pulse generator (IPG), which functions like a pacemaker. The IPG sends electrical signals to stimulate the brain and nerves, supporting improved control over bladder and bowel functions.

Prateek Tiwari, Senior Director - Neuroscience & Specialty Therapies at Medtronic India, said, “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.”

The InterStim X system features a fifth-generation battery designed to last over ten years without recharging. Under low-energy settings, it can extend up to 15 years. The device is accompanied by a smart programmer, which resembles a smartphone and enables patients to manage up to 11 therapy settings independently at home or while traveling.

The system also includes SureScan MRI technology, which allows patients to undergo full-body MRI scans under specific conditions. This ensures that advanced imaging techniques can be utilized to diagnose and monitor other health concerns without compromising the device's function. Patients can activate or deactivate MRI mode using the smart programmer under their physician’s guidance.