Medtronic launches new neurostimulation trial for heart patients

Medtronic has commenced a new clinical trial which aims to evaluate the potential of neurostimulation as a means of combating chronic heart failure.

The new Defeat-HF study is to be conducted at up to 15 centres worldwide and will see patients implanted with a Medtronic PrimeADVANCED neurostimulator and followed for a period of 12 months.

It is hoped that the study, the first of its kind, will deliver data on how spinal cord stimulation can affect the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, thereby improving blood flow and restoring heart functions.

Pat Mackin, president of the cardiac rhythm disease management business and senior vice-president at Medtronic, suggested that the trial could yield a new therapy option for physicians to employ.

He added: “Medtronic is proud to continue our leadership in the heart failure therapy and diagnostic market and is uniquely positioned to evaluate this disruptive technology.”

Last month, the company was granted EU CE Mark accreditation for the Ensura MRI SureScan pacing system, which allows pacemaker patients to undergo MRI scanning.