Medtronic commences clinical trial of neurostimulator

Medtronic has begun a new clinical trial of its RestoreSensor neurostimulator for sufferers of chronic pain.

The study will be conducted at ten different medical centres and is designed to investigate the efficacy of its AdaptiveStim technology, which senses the body position of the patient and changes the device settings accordingly.

RestoreSensor has already been granted CE Mark accreditation in Europe and is an implantable medical device which functions by stimulating the spinal cord.

Don Deyo, vice-president of product development and technology for Medtronic’s neuromodulation business, said it represents a “breakthrough technology” which will deliver better quality of life for patients.

He added: “We expect the RestoreSensor neurostimulator with cutting-edge AdaptiveStim technology will set a new precedent for using neurostimulation to manage chronic pain.”

Earlier this month, the company announced that it has agreed to purchase ATS Medical, a deal which will allow Medtronic to broaden its cardiovascular health portfolio.