Bladder and bowel control problems can be inconvenient and embarrassing for women. But new technology delivers better ways to care for incontinence.
Urogynecologist Luis Espaillat, MD, with Grand View Health OB/GYN, is using a newly approved device called the InterStim™ Micro System from Medtronic to treat overactive bladder, a leading cause of female incontinence.
Measuring just 2.8 cubic centimeters, the InterStim Micro System works like a pacemaker for the bladder. “It sends electrical pulses to an area near the sacral nerve,” says Dr. Espaillat. “These impulses stimulate pelvic floor muscles, allowing women to regain bladder control and improve their quality of life.”
The InterStim Micro System received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August, and Dr. Espaillat has already treated several patients with the device at Grand View Health.
The Micro System’s battery lasts up to 15 years and can be fully charged in less than one hour up to once a month. InterStim recommends recharging the battery for 20 minutes once each week. The device is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing. A non-rechargeable MRI-compatible device is also available.
As a urogynecologist, Dr. Espaillat specializes in minimally invasive treatments to help patients treat incontinence. He’s board-certified in obstetrics/gynecology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
He sees patients at Grand View Health OB/GYN locations in Lansdale (419 S. Broad Street) and Quakertown (99 N. West End Blvd., Suite 104).
Patients should call 267-429-2553 to make an appointment.