Simple, minimally invasive treatment for bladder leaks


The Medtronic Altaviva™ implant is a small device placed under the skin near the ankle to gently stimulate the tibial nerve—a key pathway that helps the bladder and brain “talk” to each other. It’s designed to reduce sudden urges and leaks from overactive bladder (OAB). The device just received FDA approval for treating urge urinary incontinence (UUI).

New! A simple, minimally invasive treatment for bladder leaks (urge urinary incontinence)

Now offered by Bladder Boutique, the Altaviva™ implant is a small device placed under the skin near the ankle to gently stimulate the tibial nerve—a key pathway that helps the bladder and brain “talk” to each other. It’s designed to reduce sudden urges and leaks from overactive bladder (OAB). The device just received FDA approval for treating urge urinary incontinence (UUI).

Why patients are interested

Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure near the ankle; the approach doesn’t require sedation or imaging.

  1. Therapy is active when you go home (no waiting period to start stimulation).

  2. Long-lasting power: designed 15-year battery life under typical settings; brief recharge (up to ~30 minutes) when needed.

  3. MRI-compatible for future scans.

Is Altaviva right for me?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Have urgency and leaks (UUI) despite trying lifestyle changes and/or medications, or you cannot tolerate medication side effects.

  • Want a minimally invasive option that is not a daily therapy.

  • Prefer a treatment located near the ankle (no pelvic or spinal surgery).

How the therapy works

Small, gentle pulses are delivered to the tibial nerve just above your ankle. That nerve connects into the network that influences bladder activity. By modulating these signals, the therapy can reduce urgency and leakage episodes in appropriate patients.

 Answers to common questions about Altaviva

    • Yes. The Altaviva device received FDA approval for treating UUI using implantable tibial neuromodulation.

    • Most patients describe a light tapping/tingling; your clinician can adjust settings to comfort.

    • It’s designed for ~15 years under typical settings. Recharging is occasional and brief (up to ~30 minutes at default speed)—no daily charger routine.

    • Yes—Altaviva is MRI-compatible. Your imaging center will follow the device’s MRI conditions.

  • Coverage policies update after new FDA approvals. Our team will verify benefits and obtain any required prior authorization before scheduling.

How this compares to other options

  • Lifestyle & pelvic-floor PT – first-line for many patients.

  • Medications – can help but may have dry mouth/constipation or other side effects.

  • Office-based tibial stimulation (PTNM) – weekly sessions via a small ankle needle lead connected to an external stimulator. Effective, but requires recurring clinic visits.

  • Botox® – injections into the bladder muscle; repeated periodically.

  • Sacral neuromodulation – implant placed in the upper buttock area; effective for many with OAB but involves a different anatomic approach.

Altaviva gives another option: an ankle-area implant that activates at implant, with long service life and MRI compatibility—useful for patients who want an ongoing therapy without daily tasks.

What to expect

Before

  • Office visit to confirm candidacy and review your medical history and medications.

  • We’ll discuss alternatives and answer questions.

During the Altaviva implant

  • Outpatient procedure at the ankle using local anesthesia; no sedation or imaging is required for this technique.

  • The device sits just under the skin above the fascia.

After

  • You leave with therapy already on, so there’s no gap before treatment begins.

  • Most daily activities resume quickly per your doctor’s guidance.

  • The system is MRI-compatible for future scans.

  • Designed for long battery life (~15 years); brief recharging (up to ~30 minutes at the default speed) as needed—no daily charging routine.