By Simone Roberts

Published: Dec. 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) — A new, low-maintenance implant device is now available to residents facing incontinence issues, adding freedom back to the lives of patients.

A Lowcountry doctor has become the first in the region and second in the state to perform a new type of surgery that places a small implant in the ankle to help control bladder issues.

Dr. Cary Fishburne at East Cooper Medical Center performed the minimally invasive procedure using the Altaviva implant device. The surgery takes 10 minutes and involves placing a 4-centimeter battery implant in the ankle to stimulate the tibial nerve, which helps the brain control the bladder.

Fishburne said the technology is actually based off acupuncture techniques hospitals have been using for years but, with the new technology, they can give patients an easy low maintenance solution.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the device to help residents of any age with bladder issues. The battery requires charging with an ankle cuff only every 14 months and the device lasts for 15 years.

Patients see immediate results

Fishburne said his first patient experienced significant improvement in bladder control after the procedure. The patient and her family sent him a video of how the results have improved her life.

“Now all of a sudden she has such great control that she and her family independently sent me a video of her dancing to Christmas music to demonstrate her joy of how she felt in her life now,” Fishburne said. “It was very joyous. It’s been a huge impact for her.”

Procedure offers minimal downtime

The procedure requires only a yearly checkup and patients can fully resume activities after one month. Many residents struggle with urinary incontinence and weak pelvic floors after childbirth and as they age.

Fishburne said the procedure aims to change how patients view treatment options for bladder control issues.

“Part of what I love about what I do is to change the narrative and to let patients know that we have great options to deal with some of these problems and to get away from the narrative that these are just issues that women have to put up with as they get older,” Fishburne said. “Incontinence is really limiting to their quality of life. It’s limiting to the things that people do and the social events they engage in.”

Fishburne encouraged patients struggling with bladder control to talk to their doctors about available options.