TL;DR:
- The Axonics trial is a process of testing sacral nerve therapy to help bladder or bowel issues. It involves placement of tiny wires near the S3 nerve to improve brain-body communication, mainly aimed for people with overactive bladder, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence.
- During the trial, activities like bathing, heavy lifting and bending are restricted. Success is gauged by at least 50% improvement in symptoms.
- The process comprises of two stages. Stage 1 involves externally testing the therapy using soft wires placed near the sacral nerves. The effectiveness of therapy helps to decide the commencement of Stage 2, which includes implanting a pulse generator under the skin.
- Trials typically last 3 to 14 days, post which notes and results are reviewed and necessary adjustments conducted.
- A key aspect of the trial is its ability to check therapy effectiveness before major surgery. The trial's failure does not mark the end of options, but provides useful information about the patient's body reaction.
- Common Axonics issues include mild pain, skin irritation or no symptom relief, often due to misplaced wires or more damaged nerves. However, these can be addressed by the care team.
If you're dealing with fecal or urinary incontinence, finding relief can seem daunting. At the Continence Center at Nevada Surgical, we understand your concerns and are here to help. Today, I'm diving into the Axonics trial process and how it might ease your struggles. Is it easy to follow? Let's explore! With my guidance, you'll understand what the process involves, who it's for, and if it could be your pathway to a renewed sense of well-being.
What Is the Axonics Trial and Who Is It For?
What is the Axonics Trial?
The Axonics trial checks if sacral nerve therapy can help bladder or bowel issues. It uses tiny wires near the S3 nerve in your lower back. These wires send soft signals to help your brain and body communicate better. This can fix leaks, urges, or trouble going.
Axonics is part of sacral neuromodulation, called SNM. Axonics makes a system for long-term use inside your body. First, we try it outside your body with this trial. If it helps, we proceed to a full implant.
The trial shows if the therapy might work before surgery. It offers clear proof and confidence for you and your doctor.
This trial is for people with:
- Overactive bladder (strong urge, leaking, frequent bathroom trips)
- Urinary retention (trouble or unable to empty bladder)
- Fecal incontinence (trouble holding bowel movements)
If pills did not help, this may be right for you. Many prefer this therapy because it avoids drugs.
Trial eligibility includes:
- Feeling the test stimulation.
- Walking and noting symptoms.
- No major back issues affecting lead placement.
- No infections or wounds where leads go.
What Are the Restrictions for the Axonics Trial?
During the trial, you can’t take baths or soak. Showers must be cautious. Avoid lifting heavy or frequent bending. Keep the lead in place to see if the therapy helps. Track bathroom trips and note changes. Most trials last 3 to 14 days.
This process helps reduce long-term drug use. It can lead to better control and fewer leaks.
How Does the Stage 1 Axonics PNE Trial Work?
How Do They Conduct the Axonics Test?
For the Axonics PNE Trial, you lie on your stomach as a doctor puts a lead near your tailbone. This checks if sacral nerve help might work for bladder or bowel issues.
Stay awake during the test. We use numbing shots. We clean and mark the spot, then guide the wire through your skin. The wire does not cut muscle or bone.
We use a small device to find the best wire spot. You might feel a tap or twitch in your bottom or bladder.
Connect the wire to a box on your belt. It sends pulses to the nerve.
Wear this setup for 3 to 14 days. Keep a log of bathroom trips, leaks, and urgency.
What Sensations to Expect During the Trial:
Expect light tingling in your pelvis, bottom, or thigh. It should not hurt. If it feels sharp, call us to adjust settings.
Do not swim or take baths. Keep the lead dry. Walking is okay, but avoid sit-ups, big lifts, or running.
What Signals Success in the Axonics PNE Trial?
You must feel 50% or more improvement. This means fewer leaks, fewer trips, or better control. Your log and feelings help us decide.
If successful, move to stage 2. The full device is placed under your skin.
The Axonics PNE Trial is short, easy, and safe. It helps many when drugs fail or cause issues. Surgery offers more control without medication downsides.
What Are Stages 1 and 2 in the Axonics Implantation Process?
The Axonics trial uses two steps to check if therapy works for you.
What is the Axonics Stage 1 Procedure?
Stage 1 places wires near sacral nerves to test symptom relief.
Soft wires, or leads, are placed near a nerve in your lower back. This nerve helps control bladder or bowel functions. A small needle and live X-ray guide the lead. Stay awake and lie on your stomach. Feeling a tingle helps confirm wire placement.
Tape down and connect the lead to an external device. This sends pulses to repair nerve signals. Wear the device for 3 to 14 days, tracking bathroom trips and symptom changes.
What is the Axonics Stage 2 Procedure?
In Stage 2, we implant a small pulse generator under your skin if Stage 1 showed at least 50% improvement. Done in a surgery center or hospital, you receive light sleep medicine for calmness. The device goes under the skin in your upper buttock area, connecting with a new lead for continuous use.
Why Two Stages?
This plan lets you try treatment without major surgery first. Stage 1 ensures effectiveness before moving forward. It lets you feel how pulses affect daily life.
How Long Between Stages?
Most wait 1 to 3 weeks before moving to Stage 2. Notes and results are reviewed before planning the next step. Follow-up helps adjust settings.
What Can You Expect During and After the Axonics Trial Period?
How Long is the Trial Period for Axonics?
The trial lasts 3 to 14 days, giving enough time to observe symptom improvement. Many feel changes within days.
Record leaks, urges, or accidents daily. This data helps determine trial success. Track bathroom trips and sleep quality.
Slight tingling near the tailbone is normal, indicating nerve reach. Inform your doctor if it stops or moves. Movement could affect results.
Trial limits include no swimming or baths. Short showers require covering the trial wires. Avoid bending, lifting, or twisting to keep the wire stable.
A successful trial means at least 50% fewer symptoms. Fewer leaks, better control, or fewer urges are key signs. Most see close to full relief.
If successful, proceed to Stage 2—placement of the full Axonics device under the skin. Stay awake but numb during the process. Wires are secured, and pulse unit connected for long-term relief. Many patients are happy with results.
If the trial fails, leads are removed in-office. Other options can be discussed, yet the trial provides useful body reaction data.
Stay connected with your care team, sharing daily experiences. They assist and guide you throughout.
The Axonics trial is brief, safe, and straightforward. A few days could return life without meds or pads. Surgery offers more control and peace than daily medications.
What Are Common Patient Experiences and Concerns with Axonics?
What Are the Most Common Axonics Complaints?
Common complaints include mild pain, skin irritation, or no symptom relief. Mild soreness may arise near your lower back, often due to the small wire. Light pressure or tingling indicates nerve engagement.
Some see no symptom change. While hard to accept, it helps determine long-term therapy viability.
Why Do Some Trials Fail to Aid?
Leads might miss the nerve or shift. The sacral nerve needs precise targeting. Wire misplacement affects full signals. Some nerves, being more damaged, may not respond.
What If the Device Feels Odd or Painful?
Sharp or buzzing pain indicates setting changes or wire shifts. It doesn’t mean unsafe devices. The care team can adjust settings or reposition it.
How to Report Axonics Issues?
Contact your implant team or Axonics for worsening or odd symptoms. Share what, when, and if pain moves. Unresolved, the lead may be replaced or removed. Reporting issues ensures timely help.
Are Patients Happy Over Time?
Yes. Studies show 9 out of 10 are satisfied with results. Most experience reduced bladder issues and lessened medication reliance. Bowel leak patients often regain normal habits.
Is There Support Post-Procedure?
Yes. Axonics provides nurses and care managers for ongoing aid. Follow-up visits, symptom checks, and remote help are available. Call Axonics or your doctor’s office for setting adjustments or comfort issues. This lasting support encourages many to prefer this therapy over continuous medication use.
Conclusion
The Axonics trial offers hope for those with bladder and bowel issues. In this article, I explained the Axonics trial, its stages, and what you can expect. We looked at patient selection, procedural steps, and common concerns. This treatment can change lives by improving day-to-day health. If you struggle with incontinence, consider the Axonics trial. Trust our experts to guide you. Your comfort and health matter, and we are here to help. Let's find a solution together.
Are you or a loved one struggling with bladder or bowel issues and seeking a drug-free solution? Learn more about the Axonics Trial to see if it's right for you. Experience potential relief and improved quality of life without the need for continuous medication use. Take the first step towards lasting change by connecting with our expert team at The Continence Center at Nevada Surgical. Discover if you're eligible for the trial today!