Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Medtronic provides comprehensive clinician education and training opportunities for sacral nerve stimulation (InterStim® Therapy).

Training Courses

Requirements for Training

The FDA specifies the following training requirements for sacral nerve stimulation:

  • The prescribing clinician must be experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract disorders. The clinician should also be trained in the use of the InterStim System
  • The implanting clinician (often the prescribing clinician) must be trained in the implant and use of the InterStim System

Initial Training Options

Title Description
One-day fulfillment

 
  • Option 1. Attend a "Theory and Technique" course at a leading institution to observe cases and experience an interactive lecture.
  • Option 2. Complete the InterStim Physician Education Program online course at www.training.interstim.com. Then complete product training with a simulator.
Register
Phased Fulfillment

Complete the online interactive program.

Register

At a later date, participate in one of the following options to fulfill the procedural training requirement:

  • Option 1. Observe sacral nerve stimulation chronic lead placement at an experienced clinician site
  • Option 2. Have an experienced clinician serve as a “coach” for the first implantation of a chronic lead. (The trainer provides verbal coaching only, and does not scrub in.)
  • Option 3. Train on sacral nerve stimulation products with a simulator

Medtronic training is designed for urologists, urogynecologists and gynecologists. Therapy Consultants provide follow-up product support to these clinicians.

Note: Training requirements for clinicians were revised in April 2003 due to advancements in the technology and procedure.

The use of a chronic tined lead offers sacral nerve stimulation through a minimally invasive implant procedure. The surgical incision to place the chronic tined lead is approximately 0.5 inch. Additionally, the chronic tined lead can be placed with monitored anesthesia care (MAC sedation) rather than general anesthesia.

Additional Training

Title Description
Simulator Training

Life-like simulation models can be used for practicing test stimulation and lead implant.
Training for Health Care Professionals

These programs help clinicians learn patient selection, programming, and patient management for sacral nerve stimulation including:

  • One-day introductory course on patient selection and system programming
  • One-day advanced course for experienced clinicians focused on patient selection and patient management

Web Training

Title Description
e-Learning Program

 

This Web-based program includes instruction on anatomy, surgical procedures, patient selection, and management related to sacral nerve stimulation. To register, visit www.training.interstim.com and obtain a username and password.

Register