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General Information

The Athena Pelvic Muscle Trainer™ (PMT) is an electrical vaginal stimulator that induces the pelvic muscles to contract and relax, similar to Kegel exercises.

The system consists of a vaginal trainer with a sealed battery and a wireless control to adjust the strength of the contractions while the trainer is in use. The trainer is housed in a cradle in the controller.

Pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES) is a simple, low-risk treatment for incontinence resulting from lax pelvic floor muscles or a hyperactive bladder. An electrical current activates sensory nerve fibers that can facilitate or inhibit a sensory-motor response.

Studies of other devices over the past 20 years have shown that pelvic floor stimulation and neuromuscular reeducation can be 60% to 90 % effective in reducing or eliminating urinary incontinence.

When used consistently, pelvic floor stimulation has been clinically documented to have the following prolonged therapeutic effects:

  • Strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles.
  • Inhibiting the detrusor muscle through reflexive mechanisms.
  • For best results the Athena Pelvic Muscle Trainer should be used twice a day. Other regimes may be appropriate for some patients.
  • More about the Athena PMT™

    • · Detailed specifications

Resources

· Physician's Manual (112k) Important clinical information and instructions for use.

· PMT Brochure (PDF) (744k)

· Letter of Medical Necessity Form (PDF)(10k) Required for reimbursement under Medicare and other insurers.  Word Document

· Prescription and Order Form (PDF)(17k) For use when ordering the PMT directly from Athena Feminine Technologies.

· Medicare
National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) for Non-Implantable Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulator

· Insurance Coverage and Codes

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Physicians may prefer to prescribe the use of 12.5 Hz for patients with urge incontinence, as some studies support the use of lower frequency for optimal inhibition of bladder contractions. Similarly, physicians may prefer to prescribe 50 Hz for patients with pure stress incontinence. Patients with mixed incontinence can alternate between the two channels from session to session (For example, 12.5 Hz in the morning and 50 Hz in the evening).

To receive maximum benefits, most patients should use the Athena PMT for 15 minutes, twice a day. Regular use of the PMT is necessary for improvement to occur. Encourage the patient to take an active part in the treatment and to try to be as consistent as possible in use.

When used consistently, patients with urge incontinence should show improvement in 2 to 4 weeks. Those with stress incontinence should show improvement in 12 to 14 weeks.

Assessing Success

To assess treatment success, we recommend that the patient keep a one week voiding diary prior to treatment and immediately following treatment. We also recommend a follow-up visit at week two of treatment to verify compliance and to address any concerns. The physician may wish to have the patient complete a voiding diary midway through treatment and evaluate progress with a patient visit between weeks six and eight of treatment.

Achieving Success

It is important to establish goals and guidelines for determining success with the patient. Frequently a patient's perception of success does not correlate with objective findings. By setting reasonable and mutually agreeable goals for "significant improvement" or "cure," physician and patient will establish an acceptable measure for success.

When used for the recommended twice daily 15 minute sessions, typically most patients suffering from urge incontinence will see improvement in two to four weeks. Patients with stress incontinence, or incontinence associated with sphincter weakness, usually see significant improvement in six to eight weeks. A standard treatment program for pelvic floor stimulation is 12 to 14 weeks.

If the problem is not resolved in the treatment period and the patient continues to show improvement, continue the therapy twice a day until there is no further improvement.

It is recommended that patients continue to use the Athena PMT on a periodic basis even after the goal is reached. This will ensure that the pelvic muscles stay strong and will help to eliminate any further problem.