eCoin Treatment
eCoin Treatment
Urge urinary incontinence (UUI), an unexpected, sudden need to urinate, is a symptom of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, affecting both men and women. The urge can lead to uncontrolled urine leakage, potentially causing discomfort and interfering with daily activities.
To help control or eliminate UUI, urologists at Franklin County Medical Center now offer a new treatment approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) called eCoin Peripheral Neurostimulator. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that can help patients avoid more invasive surgery to alleviate symptoms.
What is eCoin?
eCoin is a nickel-sized implant placed under the skin near the ankle. It’s inserted during a minimally invasive procedure using only local anesthetic. Our urologists program the neurostimulator to periodically send an electrical impulse to one of the nerves linked to bladder control.
The neurostimulator is a convenient treatment option for patients. It doesn’t require any wires running through the body, and patients don’t need to recharge the implant. Our urologists can program the eCoin device right in the office, so patients don’t need to manage it daily.
Who should use eCoin?
Lifestyle changes are the first-line treatment options for UUI, including:
- Limiting fluid intake
- Medication
- Pelvic exercises
- Scheduling bathroom breaks
Unfortunately, these treatments don’t always work. eCoin may help patients who can’t find symptom relief through lifestyle changes alone. Symptoms improve in approximately 80% of patients within a year. After two years, roughly 70% of people have cut their UUI episodes in half.
How does eCoin work?
Once implanted at the ankle, the eCoin device delivers automatic electrical impulses for 30 minutes twice a week. Using the remote control, our urologists can adjust the stimulation level based on the patient’s needs.
eCoin specifically targets the tibial nerve that runs down the back through the leg and into the foot. This nerve controls feeling and movement in those parts of the body. It also has some control over bladder function.
Who shouldn’t use eCoin?
While eCoin works well for most patients, it isn’t appropriate for everyone. Patients should talk with one of our urologists to determine if the neurostimulator is their best treatment option. Patients should avoid eCoin if they have:
- A history of surgery around the implant site on the ankle
- Prior infections or unhealed damage to the implant area
- Lower leg or foot conditions, such as:
- Open wounds or sores
- Inflammation or skin conditions
- Swelling from fluid build-up
- Vein or artery disease or insufficiency
Our expert team can help you determine if the eCoin Peripheral Neurostimulator is the right treatment for your UUI. Contact us at 208-852-1295 for the help you need.