Two‐year safety and efficacy outcomes for the treatment of overactive bladder using a long‐lived rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system

Aims Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy for overactive bladder (OAB) has proven long‐term safety and efficacy. Historically, the only commercially available SNM device was nonrechargeable requiring replacement surgery due to battery depletion. The Axonics System is the first rechargeable SNM device and is qualified to last a minimum of 15 years in the body. The study objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this rechargeable SNM system. This study reports 2‐year outcomes. Methods A total of 51 subjects were implanted with the Axonics System in a single nonstaged procedure. Subjects had OAB, confirmed on a 3‐day voiding diary (≥8 voids/day and/or ≥2 incontinence episodes over 72 hours). Test Responders were defined as subjects that were responders at 1 month postimplant. The efficacy analysis included therapy responder rates, change in the quality of life, and subject satisfaction reported in Test Responders (n = 30) and all implanted subjects (n = 37) that completed the follow‐up visits. Adverse events (AEs) are reported in all implanted subjects. Results At 2 years, 90% of the Test Responders continued to respond to the therapy based on voiding diary criteria. Satisfaction with therapy was reported by 93% of subjects and 86% found their charging experience acceptable. Of the urinary incontinence Test Responders, 88% continued to be responders at 2 years, and 28% were completely dry. There were no unanticipated (AEs) or serious device‐related AEs. Conclusions The Axonics System® provides sustained clinically meaningful improvements in OAB subjects at 2 years. There were no serious device‐related AEs. Subjects reported continued satisfaction with their therapy.