FDA approves smart device for overactive bladder and bowel incontinence treatment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Medtronic’s InterStimsmart programmer for use with the InsterStim system which provides treatment for an overactive bladder (OAB), chronic faecal incontinence (FI) and non-obstructive urinary retention.

The programmer streamlines multiple devices into a single touch screen mobile device, aiming to personalise each patient’s care and to allow them to manage their therapy simply and discreetly.

Steven Siegel, from the Metro Urology Centers for Female Urogology and Continence Care in Minneapolis, said: "In addition to simplified programming and ongoing management of InterStim therapy, the smart programmer is discreet, which is meaningful to patients because OAB can greatly impact confidence, intimacy and activities. It takes courage to seek treatment and many struggle to find long-term relief. My goal is to address OAB symptoms and help restore my patients' quality of life, and I'm pleased to have a tool like the InterStim smart programmer for patients who may benefit from neuromodulation."

The programmer provides a single, intuitive app-based platform for implant and long-term therapy management. Physicians can check MRI eligibility and it also provides physicians with insights and access to a detailed view of the patient's therapy experience. To help optimise efficacy and tailor treatment based on patient needs, patients are able to adjust their therapy themselves, within clinician-defined limits in seven standard pre-set programs.

Linnea Burman, vice president and general manager of the Pelvic Health & Gastric Therapies business, part of the Restorative Therapies Group at Medtronic, said: "Medtronic pioneered sacral neuromodulation two decades ago and we continue to innovate to improve the patient and physician experience and make it easier for more patients to find effective relief from both OAB and FI with the InterStim system. The advanced technology of the smart programmer paves the way for future digital health solutions, like digital symptom tracking, and should give physicians and patients confidence that relief and restored quality of life are possible."