Medtronic receives CE Mark for neurostimulators for urology treatment

Medtronic has received the CE Mark for its InterStim Micro neurostimulator and InterStim SureScan MRI leads.

The availability of the new technologies full-body MRI scan eligible, lifestyle-friendly choices with either the InterStim Micro or InterStim II neurostimulators.

InterStim Micro is a rechargeable device that delivers sacral neuromodulation therapy to treat overactive bladder (OAB), faecal incontinence (FI) and non-obstructive urinary retention. It is 80% smaller than the existing recharge-free InterStim II neurostimulator and could reduce the need for battery replacement surgeries due to its life of 15 years.

It features Overdrive battery technology — a battery with virtually no loss in capacity over time — that provides simple and rapid recharging. The SureScan leads, which will be used in both the InterStim Micro system and in future implants of the existing recharge-free InterStim II, are designed to allow for full-body 1.5 and 3 Tesla MRI-conditional scans.

Brooke Story, vice president and general manager of the pelvic health and gastric therapies business at Medtronic, said: “We’re excited our most recent technology advances in sacral neuromodulation will allow physicians to treat more patients who need relief from their symptoms. We pioneered this therapy 25 years ago in partnership with physicians, and we have the only five-year data for all indications to demonstrate its safety and efficacy. We know from deep experience that it’s important the therapy accommodates the lifestyle of the patient to produce the best outcome, and our latest innovations will now offer them a lifestyle-friendly choice in Medtronic SNM systems.”

OAB can negatively affect social activities, exercise and intimacy. Many sufferers limit their lives socially, professionally, and personally. As many as 45% who suffer from symptoms do not seek treatment and as many as seven in 10 stop using medications within six months due to intolerable side effects or unsatisfying results.

Philip E.V. Van Kerrebroeck, professor of Urology, Maastricht University Medical Centre said: “Effective long-term bladder and bowel control is an under-met medical need for many who experience regular accidents and/or frequency issues associated with OAB and FI.

“The new capabilities offered by MRI-conditional InterStim II and InterStim Micro will give patients the ability to choose a system that is compatible with their lifestyle, and they can have an MRI without being explanted. I’m excited because it allows me to offer the trusted experience and support of Medtronic to help give my patients their lives back.”