• Cancer of the prostate, kidneys, bladder and male reproductive organs
• Urinary retention
• Urethral strictures
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Over-active bladder
• Interstitial cystitis 
• Enlarged prostate or BPH
• Kidney stones
• Erectile dysfunction
• Chronic urinary tract infection
• Prostatitis/prostadynia
• Female and male urinary incontinence
• Genital disorders or conditions
• Hypogonadism or low testosterone in men
• Male reproductive issues

• Cancer screening
• Diagnostic evaluation and work-up or all urologic conditions
• In-office diagnostics such as Urodynamics, Uro-cuff, prostate biopsy, bladder ultrasound, PCR-based infection detection, the latest gene-based cancer diagnostic tests
• In-office procedures including, cystoscopy, vasectomy, minimally invasive prostate procedures, injections, cancer treatments, circumcision, meatotomy, bladder instillations, bladder botox injection, tibial nerve stimulation for OAB, Percutaneous stim trials for sacral neuromodulation
• Referral to appropriate affiliated providers including pelvic floor PT, biofeedback, counseling, gynecology
• Full spectrum of Genito-urinary surgical care

• Scrotal surgery including hydrocelectomy, spermatocelectomy
• Vasectomy
• ESWL (extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy)
• Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy and stone extraction
• PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotripsy)
• Robotic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy
• Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
• Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
• Robotic-Assisted Pyeloplasty
• DVIU (direct vision internal urethrotomy)
• Circumcision
• Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy
• Interstim sacral neuromodulator implant
• Bladder Botox injection
• TURBT (resection of bladder tumors)
• Hydrodistension
• Cystolitholapaxy
• Repair vesico-vaginal fistula
• Bladder diverticulectomy
• Partial cystectomy
• Green Light Laser Vaporization of the Prostate
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. BPH is a very common condition that affects over 40 million Americans and over 500 million aging men worldwide. Over 40% of men in their 50s and over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man’s quality of life.

As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as:

• Frequent need to urinate both day and night
• Weak or slow urinary stream
• A sense that you cannot completely empty your bladder
• Difficulty or delay in starting urination
• Urgent feeling of needing to urinate
• A urinary stream that stops and starts

If you suffer from the above symptoms, you are not alone. BPH is the leading reason men visit a urologist. You can measure the severity of your BPH symptoms by taking the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire.

What is the UroLift System?

Treatment with the UroLift® System uses a minimally invasive approach that provides rapid relief and recovery of BPH symptoms. It is an earlier treatment option that can get men off BPH medications and avoid major surgery. The goal of the UroLift System treatment is to relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily activities.

The UroLift® System treatment has demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life for patients that is greater than reported for medications. The UroLift® System is the only BPH procedure shown not to cause new and lasting erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, while being a safe and effective treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH.

How Does The UroLift® System Work?

The UroLift® System uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only available BPH treatment performed by a urologist that does not require heating, cutting, or removal of the prostate tissue. The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center. Patients typically return home the same day without a catheter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for the UroLift® System treatment? You may be a good candidate if you are a male, 45 years of age or older, and have symptoms relating to BPH. Speak with your urologist to see if the UroLift® System treatment is right for you. If you have a known allergy to nickel, titanium or stainless steel, talk to your doctor about your allergy before getting a UroLift System treatment.

What should I expect during the treatment? Is it painful? How long does it take? If you and your doctor decide that the UroLift® System treatment is right for you, your doctor will provide you with more detailed information relating to the treatment. In general, the UroLift System is a minimally invasive treatment that entails minimal downtime. Your doctor will use the UroLift Delivery Device to deploy permanent implants to relieve obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate that is pressing on your urethra. The procedure, which usually takes about an hour, may be performed under local or general anesthesia and you may be given medication to feel comfortable during the treatment. This typically helps minimize discomfort during the procedure, though everyone’s definition for pain and discomfort varies greatly. Typically, no catheter and no overnight stay is required post-treatment.

What happens post-treatment, during the recovery period? Are meds required? After the treatment, patients typically go home the same day without a catheter. There is minimal downtime posttreatment and many patients experience symptom relief in as early as 2 weeks. Patients may experience some urinary discomfort during the recovery period. Most common side effects are mild to moderate and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate and/or the inability to control the urge. Most symptoms resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure.

Does the treatment affect my sexual function? Clinical studies have shown the UroLift® System treatment does not cause new, sustained instances of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction. The same cannot always be said of other BPH therapies such as TURP, laser, and even medication.

Does my insurance cover the treatment? The UroLift® System treatment is covered by Medicare and all major private insurers. Contact your insurance provider for your specific coverage information.

Talking to Your Doctor about BPH

BPH is a very common condition and is one of the leading reasons men visit a urologist. Whether you have just started experiencing symptoms or if you've tried various medications or even surgery, there are a range of treatment options available.

Before you visit the doctor's office, you can take this BPH Symptom Quiz, designed by the American Urological Association, to determine the severity of your symptoms. We will discuss your symptoms together to decide which treatment option is best for you. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your BPH symptoms with us.

Evidence suggests that breakdowns in the bladder-brain communication pathway may be a root cause of OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention.^1,2,3 That’s why conventional treatments may not produce the results you want – they don’t directly target this miscommunication. Unlike conventional treatments, the Medtronic InterStim systems gently stimulate the sacral nerves in the pelvic area that control the bladder.^4,5 This may help restore* bladder-brain communication and reduce symptoms.

Get more control with the InterStim Systems^6,7

• 84% satisfaction among those who use it⁸
• 3X greater improvements in OAB quality of life⁹
• 82% of people achieved success† at 5 years⁶
• Only therapy that lets you see if it works before you and your doctor decide
• More than 375,000 people worldwide have chosen the Medtronic InterStim systems for more control and long-lasting relief^6,7
• Recharge-free and rechargeable options let you choose the right device for your lifestyle

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.

Is InterStim Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim systems if:

• You have significant OAB symptoms or non-obstructive urinary retention
• You’ve tried lifestyle changes and oral medications
• These therapies haven’t given you the relief you want

Say yes to the test

Take back control with an evaluation for an InterStim system

Unlike other bladder control treatments, this therapy lets you try it first with an evaluation – like a test run, not a long-term commitment.

Here’s how it works:

• The simple test starts at your doctor’s office or an outpatient center.
• A lead (thin wire) is inserted in the upper part of your buttock.
• The lead attaches to a small external device worn discreetly under your clothes.
• Stop, start, or adjust the therapy settings, with an easy-to-use programmer that resembles a smartphone.
• Go about most of your regular activities for 3 to 14 days
• Track your symptoms to see if they improve

Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the system and inform you of any activity restrictions and other precautions related to the evaluation.

Get more personalized treatment options

After your test, talk to your doctor about the results. Together, you can choose a powerful and personalized solution for your long-term care. Your evaluation device can be replaced with an implantable device called a neurostimulator during a short, outpatient procedure.

Bladder control therapy has risks similar to any surgical procedure. The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies include pain at implant sites, new pain, lead migration, infection, technical or device problems, adverse change in bowel or voiding function, and undesirable stimulation or sensations. Any of these may require additional surgery or cause return of symptoms. Discuss these potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

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More control starts with our smart programmer

The smart programmer allows you and your healthcare provider to manage your therapy as needed. Unlike previous iterations of our technology that resembled a key fob without a display screen, our Smart Programmer allows you:

• Visibility to check your stimulation level on a clear, easy-to-read screen
• Adjust your stimulation with confidence that its been changed to the setting you intended
• Turn stimulation on or off
• Change therapy programs (as directed by your healthcare provider)
• Activate MRI mode and check MRI eligibility (see more information below)

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MRI Confidence

Medtronic’s proprietary SureScan™ MRI technology is what enables patients to get full-body^‡ 1.5 and 3T MRI scans. It is the only sacral neuromodulation system with this SureScan technology. This means:

• Full-body^‡ 1.5 and 3T scans
• No impedance checks required prior to MRI scans
• Scans allowed even if you have had out-of-range impedances
• MRI mode is easy to activate or deactivate on Medtronic’s smart programmer without clinician or Medtronic interaction
• Digital display for clear confirmation of MRI mode activation

Access the Medtronic InterStim MRI Brochure to learn about our MRI Center of Excellence and MRI testing lab and for information on how to activate MRI mode on your smart programmer.

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*Restored function defined as a 50% or greater reduction in dysfunctional voiding symptoms from baseline

†Numbers reflect completers analysis defined as patients with diary data at baseline and 12 months (n=220). Clinical success was 82% at 12 months using the modified completers analysis (subjects who either had a baseline and 12-month evaluation or withdrew early due to device-related reasons and are considered failures). Success defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.

‡Under certain conditions; see approved labeling for details. Patients with InterStim™ SureScan™ MRI Leads only.

1. Dasgupta R. Critchley HD, Dolan RJ, Fowler CJ. Changes in brain activity following sacral neuromodulation for urinary retention. J Urol. 2005; 174:2268-2272

2. Griffiths D, Derbyshire S, Stenger A, Resnick N. Brain control of normal and overactive bladder. J Urol. 2005; 174:1862-1867.

3. Griffiths D, Tadic SD. Bladder control, urgency, and urge incontinence: evidence from functional brain imaging. Neurourol Urodyn. 2008;27(6):466-474.

4. Kenefick NJ, Emmanuel A, Nicholls RJ. Effect of sacral nerve stimulation on autonomic nerve function. British Journal of Surgery. 2003;90:1256-1260.

5. Patton V, Wiklendt L, Arkwright JW, Lubowski DZ, Dinning PG. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013;100:959-968.

6. 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. J Urol. 2018; 199(1), 229-236.

7. Medtronic InterStim Therapy Clinical Summary (2018).

8. Foster RT Sr, Anoia EJ, Webster GD, Amundsen CL. In patients undergoing neuromodulation for intractable urge incontinence a reduction in 24-hr pad weight after the initial test stimulation best predicts long-term patient satisfaction. Neurourol Urodyn. 2007; 26:213-217.

9. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this therapy different?

You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later. And unlike injections, it doesn’t require self-catheterization or repeated treatment visits.

What can this therapy do for me?

It may significantly reduce symptoms in people who have frequent urges to urinate or related frequent leaks or are unable to fully empty their bladder.¹

Will it cure my condition?

No. It can be effective, but it’s not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.

What does the stimulation feel like?

Most people describe the stimulation sensation as a tingling, flutter, or vibration in the pelvic area. It should not be painful. Stimulation settings can be adjusted, and sensations will vary from person to person.

Can I have an MRI?

People with an InterStim™ system can have a full-body^‡ MRI scan under certain conditions. Your doctor will determine whether you meet those conditions.

Will insurance cover the costs?

Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your insurance coverage.

6. Foster RT Sr, Anoia EJ, Webster GD, Amundsen CL. In patients undergoing neuromodulation for intractable urge incontinence a reduction in 24-hr pad weight after the initial test stimulation best predicts long-term patient satisfaction. Neurourol Urodyn. 2007; 26:213-217

Resources

Bladder Symptom Diary

Record your symptoms to help your doctor understand your condition.

Care Pathway for Bladder Control

Understand all of your treatment options for dealing with bladder control issues.

Doctor Discussion Guide

Starting the conversation can be hard. This guide can help you talk to your doctor.

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapies

Understand your options and decide if a Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is right for you.

Patient Therapy Guide – iCon™ Programmer (.pdf)

A handy guide to living with Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system, and to using your hand-held Medtronic iCon programmer.

Patient Therapy Guide – Smart Programmer (.pdf)

A handy guide to living with Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system, and to using your Samsung smart programmer device.