Tennessee Hospital Offers Ankle Implant for Bladder Control

Millions of Americans living with urge urinary incontinence may have a new path to relief, thanks to a groundbreaking treatment now available at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Tennessee.

The hospital recently performed its first Altaviva implant procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that takes a completely different approach to bladder control. Instead of targeting the bladder with medications or injections, this tiny device works from an unexpected location: the ankle.

The implant sits just under the skin near the ankle and sends gentle electrical pulses to the tibial nerve. These signals help restore the communication pathway between the bladder and brain, potentially reducing urgency and leakage.

Dr. Brent Morris, the urologist who performed the hospital's first procedure, explains why this matters. "While medications can be effective for some patients, they are not always successful, well tolerated, or affordable," he said. "This therapy provides an important alternative for individuals who have not found relief through medication."

The procedure itself takes just one day. Patients go home the same day, and the therapy begins working immediately after implantation.

What makes this particularly promising is the device's longevity and convenience. The battery lasts up to 15 years, eliminating the need for repeat procedures or daily medication routines. The implant is also MRI-compatible, so patients can still receive necessary medical imaging.

The Ripple Effect

Urge urinary incontinence affects a significant portion of the population, often forcing people to limit their daily activities, social interactions, and quality of life. Many struggle quietly with a condition that feels embarrassing to discuss, even with their doctors.

By offering an alternative to medications that don't work for everyone, this new option could restore independence and confidence to countless individuals. The tibial neuromodulation approach has already proven successful in clinical studies, and now it's becoming more accessible to patients in West Tennessee and beyond.

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks including pain at the implant site, infection, or device issues. Results vary from patient to patient, making it important for anyone interested to discuss their individual situation with their doctor.

For people who have spent years managing an unpredictable condition, a single outpatient procedure offering 15 years of relief represents genuine hope.