Altaviva therapy helps regulate nerve signals between the bladder and brain. By improving how these signals communicate, the treatment may reduce urinary urgency and leakage episodes.
Our urology team offers Altaviva therapy for patients in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Conway, SC. It may help people who are struggling with urge urinary incontinence or overactive bladder.
What Is Altaviva Treatment?
Altaviva is a small device implanted near the ankle. It’s designed to stimulate the tibial nerve, which connects to the same nerve network that helps regulate bladder function.
Altaviva doesn’t block urine flow or involve bladder surgery. Instead, the device delivers gentle nerve stimulation on a regular schedule. This may help regulate bladder signals. Urgency episodes may become less intense and less frequent.
What Results Can Altaviva Therapy Provide?
Changes with Altaviva therapy tend to be gradual rather than sudden. With time, many people describe:
- Fewer urgent rushes to the bathroom
- Longer stretches between voids
- Reduced leakage episodes
- Less anxiety about leaving home
- Improved sleep due to fewer nighttime awakenings
Not everyone improves at the same pace. Nerve pathways need time to respond. Consistent stimulation may help regulate these signals. Some people notice improvement within a few weeks. Others see gradual changes over several months.
How Is the Device Placed?
The Altaviva procedure is minimally invasive. It’s typically performed in an outpatient setting and doesn’t require general anesthesia.
A small incision, usually about two centimeters (less than one inch), is made near the ankle where the tibial nerve is located. The device is placed just beneath the skin.
No large incisions, no deep pelvic surgery, and typically no imaging guidance are required. People return home shortly after the device is placed. Therapy is activated the same day, and you are able to resume light activity quickly.
Who is a Candidate for Altaviva Therapy?
Altaviva may be considered if you:
- Have urge urinary incontinence or overactive bladder symptoms
- Continue to have leakage despite medications or bladder training
- Prefer a longer-term therapy
- Wish to avoid or delay more invasive surgical options
Before recommending this treatment, your doctor will review your:
- Bladder history
- Prior treatments
- General health
Careful screening helps ensure the therapy is used safely and effectively. It may not be appropriate for people who:
- Have an untreated urinary blockage
- Have certain skin or circulation problems in the lower leg
- Cannot participate in follow-up care
What Is It Like to Live with an Altaviva Implant?
Once healed, the device works automatically and can provide therapy for many years. Under typical settings, it only needs to be recharged once or twice per year.
Some people notice a mild tingling sensation in the ankle or foot, but stimulation is designed to be gentle and comfortable. Many patients say they hardly notice the device once healing is complete.
Daily routines usually continue as normal. Walking, travel, and most activities aren’t affected. Exercise is often allowed once your doctor confirms healing.
The system is MRI-compatible under certain conditions. Because it’s an implanted device, always tell your doctor before imaging or other medical procedures.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits to monitor how the therapy is working. Adjustments can be made if needed. Altaviva therapy may help improve bladder control and reduce incontinence episodes. Some people also use bladder training, fluid timing, or medications to get the best results.
Our urology team provides evaluation and Altaviva therapy for patients in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Conway, SC. A consultation can help determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your symptoms. Call us at 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today.
Altaviva FAQs
Can Altaviva be used with other bladder treatments?
Yes. Some patients continue bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, or medications while using Altaviva therapy. Your doctor will decide if combining treatments may help improve symptom control.
Can the Altaviva implant be removed if needed?
Yes. The device can be removed if needed. Removal is usually a minor procedure performed by a trained specialist.
Will Altaviva therapy interfere with daily activities?
Most daily activities aren’t affected once healing is complete. Walking, travel, and exercise are usually safe. Your doctor may ask you to avoid certain activities during the early recovery period.
Will I still need other treatments for bladder symptoms?
Some people see strong improvement with Altaviva therapy alone. Others continue using medications or bladder training to help manage symptoms.
