Frequently Asked Questions About ACT®
- How long does the patient have to wear this device?
- How does the patient empty the balloon in order to void?
- How long will the device last?
- How many patients have been implanted?
- Where are the balloons placed?
- How long will the pressure last before the balloons should be filled again?
How long does the patient have to wear this device?
ACT is a device that is permanently implanted and stays in place unless the treatment is not successful in which case removal can be performed easily.
How does the patient empty the balloon in order to void?
The ACT system is a passive system. Unlike with an artificial sphincter, the patient does not have to do anything to void. Regular detrusor pressure will be sufficient to override the co-aptation effect of the balloons.
How long will the device last?
The balloons are designed to have at least a 10 year life. As the therapy is relatively new, we do not have any patients that have reached and surpassed this milestone. There are however patients that have been implanted more than 6 years ago who are still benefiting from the therapy.
How many patients have been implanted?
More than 1200 women have been implanted with ACT.
Where are the balloons placed?
In women the balloons are placed at the bladder neck (vesico vaginal junction).
How long will the pressure last before the balloons should be filled again?
Balloons are filled over a period of time until the desired level of continence is achieved. Assuming that an isotonic solution was used. The balloons would not need to be re-filled unless anatomical changes affecting the tissues would cause a recurrence of incontinence. At that time, the balloons can again be filled using the regular filling method.
—This page last modified Tuesday February 12, 2008