Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) affects millions of people—nearly 16 million in the United States alone. It causes sudden, intense urges to urinate that can be followed by involuntary leakage. Living with UUI can be disruptive and emotionally challenging, but effective treatment options are available. In this article, we’ll explore what UUI is, how it impacts daily life, and how Altaviva™ therapy offered by Dr. Neil Kocher at Premier Urology may help.
What Is Urge Urinary Incontinence?
Urge urinary incontinence is a type of bladder control condition marked by a sudden and powerful need to urinate, often making it difficult to reach a restroom in time. Common symptoms include:
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Difficulty holding urine
• Unexpected urine leakage
Research shows that people with UUI may experience a reduced quality of life, affecting social activities, emotional well-being, and sleep.
“Urge urinary incontinence can be frustrating and even embarrassing for many people,” said Dr. Kocher. “Too often, patients think it’s just something they must live with as they age. But that isn’t true. Although it’s common, it isn’t an inevitable part of getting older, and there are effective treatments that can significantly improve daily life.”
To encourage patients to seek care, Dr. Kocher is helping raise awareness about how common—and treatable—UUI truly is. He notes that while lifestyle changes and medications may help some patients, they do not work for everyone. That’s why he discusses advanced options such as the Altaviva™ device from Medtronic, an implantable tibial neuromodulation therapy designed to improve bladder control.
How Altaviva™ Therapy Works
Altaviva™ therapy involves placing a small device just beneath the skin near the ankle during a single in-office procedure that does not require sedation or imaging. The device delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the tibial nerve, which plays a role in bladder function. By helping restore communication between the brain and bladder, this therapy may reduce urgency and leakage episodes. Tibial neuromodulation is a proven approach for managing bladder control symptoms.
A Milestone in New York
In the fall of 2025, Dr. Kocher became the first physician in New York State to implant the Altaviva™ device, offering patients early access to this innovative treatment for urge urinary incontinence. This achievement reflects his commitment to advancing care through cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment strategies for individuals who have not found relief with traditional therapies. By bringing this option to the state, Dr. Kocher is helping patients move toward better symptom control and an improved quality of life.
“The Altaviva device has been a great addition to the therapies I can offer my patients,” said Dr. Kocher. “This minimally invasive treatment expands our options and supports a personalized approach, so we can work together to choose the solution that best fits each patient’s needs.”
To learn more about Altaviva™ therapy and discuss the best treatment option for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Neil Kocher at Premier Urology by calling 845-437-5000.