The Bladder Pacemaker

There have been some items in the news recently about a "bladder pacemaker" that helps people who find themselves losing bladder control. Here's some information, culled from several news reports and websites. 

The so called "bladder implant" was developed by Medtronic, Inc. It's a device about the size of a stopwatch which, like a heart pacemaker, determines the rate of at which muscles in the pelvis fire. This can change the way the bladder and bowel behave.

One of the doctors who worked on the procedure has been quoted as saying

"This implant changes the way the bladder nerves work by influencing the rate that the nerves are firing, much like a cardiologist does with a pacemaker. Without this sort of advanced technology, patients with severe incontinence would have to endure major reconstructive surgical operations that could possibly create new problems for them."

Doctors who have performed this so-called "InterStim" procedure have been pleased with the results. According to urologist Niall Galloway, MD,

"The procedure's effectiveness has exceeded my expectations. Approximately 80 percent of my patients who undergo the procedure are experiencing a relief of symptoms."

The InterStim therapy is done in three-stages

• a test stimulation,
• surgical implant and
• post-implant follow-up.

The InterStim therapy is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies. For more information please call the Emory Healthconnection at 404-778-7777.

Dr. Galloway believes the number of incontinence sufferers who could benefit from the procedure is enormous.

Sources:

Harvard Medical School Better Bladder and Bowel Control by May M. Wakamatsu M.D., Joseph A. Grocela, Liliana Bordeianou, and Kathleen Cahill Allison (Paperback)

Questions & Answers About Overactive Bladder, Second Edition by Pamela Ellsworth and Alan Wein (Paperback)

Effective Management of Bladder and Bowel Problems in Children by Liz Bonner and Mandy Wells (Paperback)