Axonics Therapy | How Does Axonics Therapy Work

Aug 9

Axonics Therapy, a revolutionary approach in the realm of neuromodulation, has garnered significant attention for its remarkable success in treating bladder and bowel dysfunction. Understanding the working mechanism of this cutting-edge therapy is crucial to grasp its transformative impact on patient's lives. By modulating the sacral nerves, Axonics Therapy enables improved bladder and bowel control, offering renewed hope to those affected by neurological conditions. In this blog, we delve into the science behind neuromodulation, explore the intricate workings of the Axonics system, and shed light on the brain-nervous system connection. Join us as we uncover the fascinating aspects of how does axonics therapy works and its potential applications.

What is Axonics Therapy?

Bladder and bowel dysfunctions significantly impact an individual's quality of life, causing distress and discomfort. Axonics Therapy is a cutting-edge neuromodulation technique designed to address these conditions by targeting and stimulating the sacral nerves, which are crucial in regulating these systems. Unlike traditional treatments, Axonics Therapy utilizes a small implantable device to modulate nerve activity, offering effectiveness, long-term benefits, and a minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional neuromodulation techniques, Axonics Therapy features a rechargeable device, MRI compatibility, and long-term therapeutic benefits.

Key components of the Axonics system include an implantable neurostimulator, an external patient remote control, and a charging system. The rechargeable battery in Axonics devices can last up to 15 years or more, providing long-term therapeutic benefits for patients with minimal maintenance. By comparing Axonics Therapy with traditional techniques, patients can appreciate its numerous advantages and benefits, promising improved quality of life and a brighter future.

Process of Axonics Therapy

Axonics Therapy is a revolutionary neuromodulation technique for bladder and bowel dysfunction, offering hope and improved quality of life through a carefully orchestrated process from patient selection to post-implantation follow-up.

Patient Selection and Evaluation

Have not responded adequately to conservative treatments: Patients who have tried other conventional therapies like medication or behavioral interventions with limited success may be considered for Axonics Therapy.
Suffer from overactive bladder (OAB): Syndrome, urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, or fecal incontinence: Axonics Therapy is primarily indicated for these conditions.
Good general health: Overall health and medical history are evaluated to ensure the patient can undergo surgery.

Surgical Implantation of the Axonics Device

Anesthesia: The patient is administered anesthesia to ensure a pain-free and comfortable experience during the surgery.
Incision and Placement: A small incision is made in the upper buttock area, and the Axonics implantable neurostimulator is carefully placed under the skin and fat layer. The precise location ensures easy access to the device for future charging and adjustments.
Lead Placement: A lead with electrodes at its tip is guided to the sacral nerves through a minimally invasive technique. The lead electrodes are strategically positioned near the sacral nerves to facilitate targeted neuromodulation.
Closure: Once the neurostimulator and lead are correctly placed, the incision is closed with sutures or adhesive strips.

Post-implantation Follow-up and Adjustment Period

Regular Check-ups: Patients attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to assess progress and address any issues that may arise.
Lifestyle Recommendations: Patients may receive recommendations to complement Axonics Therapy, such as dietary changes or pelvic floor exercises.
Support and Education: The healthcare team provides ongoing support and education to the patient, ensuring they are well-informed and empowered throughout the treatment process.
Fine-tuning: Periodic adjustments may be made to the neurostimulator's settings based on the patient's response and evolving needs.

Axonics Therapy involves patient selection, surgical implantation, and post-implantation follow-up for tailored neuromodulation therapy, addressing bladder and bowel dysfunctions.

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How Axonics Therapy Influences Nerve Activity

Axonics Therapy has garnered immense attention as an innovative and effective treatment for bladder and bowel dysfunctions. At the core of its success lies a sophisticated mechanism of action involving electrical stimulation and precise targeting of sacral nerves. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating world of neuromodulation and how Axonics Therapy influences nerve activity to bring relief and restoration to those suffering from these distressing conditions.

Understanding Electrical Stimulation

Axonics Therapy involves electrical stimulation, which involves delivering mild pulses to specific nerves, altering their activity and signaling patterns. These pulses are strategically applied to sacral nerves, which control bladder and bowel function. The Axonics neurostimulator acts as "messages" to the nerves, encouraging coordinated and balanced function. By modulating nerve activity, Axonics Therapy aims to restore normal bladder and bowel function and alleviate symptoms associated with overactive bladder, urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, and fecal incontinence.

Targeting Sacral Nerves with Precise Stimulation

Axonics Therapy is a powerful method that precisely targets the sacral nerves in the lower spine, responsible for transmitting signals to the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscles. During surgical implantation, electrodes are guided near the sacral nerves, delivering electrical pulses for focused neuromodulation. This precision is crucial for the success of Axonics Therapy, as it effectively influences nerve activity and restores proper communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel, resulting in improved control and function.

Impact on Nerve Signals and Neuromodulation Effects

Enhanced Nerve Communication: The electrical pulses from the Axonics neurostimulator help enhance nerve communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel. This improved communication results in better coordination of muscle contractions and relaxation, improving urinary and bowel control.
Modulation of Nerve Signals: Axonics Therapy can modulate signals contributing to an overactive bladder or incontinence by influencing nerve activity. It can reduce abnormal nerve firing that causes urgency or involuntary bladder or bowel contractions, relieving troublesome symptoms.
Long-Term Neuromodulation: Axonics Therapy offers long-term neuromodulation effects due to its rechargeable system. The neurostimulator continues to provide precise electrical stimulation, maintaining its therapeutic benefits for up to 15 years or more.
Individualized Therapy: The ability to customize the neurostimulator's settings allows healthcare providers to tailor the therapy to each patient's needs. This individualization maximizes the treatment's effectiveness and ensures optimal outcomes.

Axonics Therapy uses neuromodulation to restore bladder and bowel function through targeted electrical stimulation of sacral nerves, revolutionizing urological and gastrointestinal treatments and providing hope for individuals struggling with bladder and bowel dysfunctions.

Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Axonics Therapy

Axonics Therapy is a promising treatment option for bladder and bowel dysfunctions, offering improved function, enhanced quality of life, and long-term efficacy. However, it is crucial to consider the safety and potential risks associated with Axonics Therapy. Common side effects include mild discomfort, temporary sensations, and skin irritation, which usually subside over time. Rare complications include infection, lead migration or malfunction, nerve damage, and allergic reactions.

To compare Axonics Therapy's risks with traditional treatments, patients should consider medication side effects, surgical complications, device explantation, and limited efficacy. Axonics Therapy's advantages lie in its minimally invasive approach, durability of results, and potential for improved long-term efficacy. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to understand the risks and make informed decisions that align with their health goals and preferences.

Safety and Risks Associated with Axonics Therapy

Axonics Therapy is a revolutionary treatment for bladder and bowel dysfunctions, relieving many. However, it's crucial to understand its safety profile and potential risks. This blog will discuss common side effects, rare complications, and comparisons with traditional treatments.

Common Side Effects and Their Management

Mild Discomfort: After the surgical implantation of the Axonics device, some patients may experience mild discomfort or tenderness around the incision site. This is a normal response to surgery and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications as recommended by the healthcare provider.
Temporary Sensations: During the initial activation of the neurostimulator, patients may experience temporary sensations like tingling, pulsations, or mild discomfort. These sensations are an expected part of the neuromodulation process and typically diminish as the patient adapts to the therapy.
Skin Irritation: Patients may sometimes experience minor skin irritation or redness around the incision or where the lead is placed. Proper wound care and following post-operative instructions can help manage and resolve these issues.

Rare Complications and Risk Factors

Infection: Infection at the surgical site is a possible risk, although it occurs infrequently. Patients are prescribed antibiotics during and after the procedure to mitigate this risk, and proper wound care is emphasized.
Lead Migration or Malfunction: There is a slight risk of lead migration, where the lead may shift from its intended position. However, this risk is minimized through precise surgical placement and secure lead fixation.
Nerve Damage: While rare, nerve damage can occur during surgical implantation. Skilled and experienced surgeons take great care to minimize this risk and ensure the patient's safety.
Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in the neurostimulator or leads. Healthcare providers carefully assess patients for any potential allergies before proceeding with the treatment.

Comparison of Risks with Traditional Treatments

Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat bladder and bowel dysfunctions can cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, or allergic reactions.
Surgical Complications: Invasive surgical procedures may involve risks such as bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related complications, and a more extended recovery period.
Device Explantation: In specific traditional treatments involving implanted devices, there may be a need for future device explantation or replacement surgeries.
Limited Efficacy: Not all patients respond well to traditional treatments, and the effectiveness may vary from person to person.

Axonics Therapy offers minimally invasive, long-term efficacy, and improved quality of life, with manageable risks and potentially life-changing benefits for many patients.

Suffering from bladder and bowel dysfunctions can severely impact your quality of life, leaving you feeling frustrated and restricted. Traditional treatments may offer temporary relief, but invasive surgeries and medications come with risks and limited efficacy, leaving you searching for a better solution.

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