Neuromodulation Business Overview

Leading the Way

In the 1970s Medtronic’s research teams pioneered the development and application of neuromodulation techniques.

Neuromodulation is the targeted and regulated delivery of electrical pulses, pharmaceuticals and biologics to specific sites in the nervous system.

Today, our Neuromodulation business leads the way in implantable neurostimulation and drug delivery systems.

These techniques help manage:

Movement disorders (including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia)
Obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD)
Chronic pain
Spasticity
Overactive bladder and urinary retention
Faecal incontinence and constipation
Gastroparesis

Deep Brain Stimulation

Activa^® RC: The first rechargeable neurostimulator for deep brain stimulation in the world

An innovative and proven technology that significantly improves motor function and reduces disability in patients suffering from the debilitating effects of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia. These therapies use an implanted neurostimulation system to stimulate targeted nuclei in the brain to reduce symptoms associated with these movement disorders. After the implant is in place, stimulation can be non-invasively adjusted to meet each patient's needs.

For patients with primary obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) who do not find relief after trying different treatments such as medication and cognitive behavior therapy, DBS therapy may be an option.

Pain Management Therapies

Rechargeable RestoreSensor^™ neurostimulator to treat chronic pain

Neurostimulation and Intrathecal Drug Delivery can be effective options for patients with chronic pain who are experiencing inadequate pain relief or uncomfortable side effects from their current pain treatments.

Spasticity

SynchroMed^® II drug pump for ITB and pain therapy

ITB Therapy^SM eases intractable severe non-focal spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke by delivering an injectable liquid drug directly into the intrathecal space in small, precisely controlled doses using a pump and catheter that is surgically placed just beneath the skin in the body.

Neurostimulation for Bladder Control and for Bowel Control

InterStim^® II neurostimulator to treat bladder and bowel control problems

This is the first implantable treatment to use electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves to manage overactive bladder (such as urinary urge incontinence, urgency frequency) and urinary retention. It is also used to manage faecal incontinence and constipation.

The therapy can improve the quality of life for many of the millions of people who suffer from the embarrassing and confining effects of incontinence.

Gastric Neurostimulation Therapy

Gastric neurostimulation therapy uses mild electrical pulses to stimulate the stomach. This electrical stimulation helps control the symptoms associated with gastroparesis including nausea and vomiting.

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