InterStim for Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Implant Procedure & Techniques

Test Stimulation

Prior to implant, the patient will receive a test stimulation to assess the effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation (InterStim® Therapy). Once the viability of the intervention is determined the patient can receive the InterStim neurostimulator.

  • Provides a minimally invasive way to assess the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation
  • Allows opportunity to access the viability of the intervention for a patient prior to the implant procedure
  • Offers 2 different ways to test

Two Ways to Conduct the Test Stimulation

In-office test: temporary lead

Test 1: Temporary Lead

Test stimulation with temporary lead

  1. Lead is placed into the sacrum via a minimally invasive procedure
  2. Lead is secured to the outside of the patient's sacral area
  3. If good results are acheived, the patient can proceed directly to long-term InterStim Therapy
  4. If test is inconclusive or unsuccessful, proceed to the chronic tined lead Stage 1 test

Stage 1 test: chronic tined lead

Test 2: Implanted Lead

Test stimulation with chronic tined lead

  • Tined lead is typically placed in the S3 foramen
  • Lead is connected via tunneling to a percutaneous extension through a small incision made at the prospective neurostimulator site and then contralaterally exits the skin
  • If chronic tined lead test is successful, proceed directly to the implant procedure for the InterStim neurostimulator1
  • If test is unsuccessful, the test may be repeated

References

  1. Janknegt RA, Weil EHJ, Eerdmans PHA. Improving neuromodulation technique for refractory voiding dysfunctions: two-stage implant. Urology. 1997; 49:358-362."

Implant Procedure

InterStim Neurostimulator

InterStim Neurostimulator

Implanted lead and neurostimulator

  1. The InterStim neurostimulator implant procedure directly follows a successful test stimulation.
  2. The InterStim neurostimulator is typically implanted in a pocket in the buttock1.
  3. After the lead, extentsion connector and InterStim neurostimulator are connected, the device is inserted in the pocket and the incision is closed.

References

  1. Scheepens WA, Weil EHJ, van Koeveringe GA, et al. Buttock placement of the implantable pulse generator: a new implantation technique for sacral neuromodulation—a multicenter study. Eur Urol. 2001;40:434-438."

Procedure Video

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Tined Lead Insertion Procedure

This video animation gives an overview of the tined lead implant procedure.