Implantation of the microballoons is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The most exciting development in treating urge incontinence, Westney says, may be a sacral nerve stimulator implanted in the spine at the third or fourth sacral nerve root. It overstimulates the nerve, overriding signals from the bladder and blunting bladder contraction. If incontinence decreases 50 per cent to 70 percent, a permanent device is implanted. A lead is implanted into the lower back, with the device and battery above the right hip.
Batteries last seven to ten years.
Right now the device is large enough so that it is not the first line of treatment, but this may change with innovations during further product development. When it is easier to implant, we will be willing to use it earlier.