Medtronic launches new study of opioid-induced respiratory depression

Medtronic has announced the launch of Prodigy, a 1,650-patient global study focused on a form of respiratory compromise called opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD).

The study aims to identify individuals at high risk for OIRD and assess the clinical and economic benefits derived from the use of pulse oximetry and capnography in patients receiving opioid medication in hospitals.

It is hoped that this will help to inform clinicians' understanding of the true incidence of respiratory compromise, which is believed to be underestimated. A risk assessment scoring tool will be used during the trial, with the aim of achieving wider adoption following completion of the study.

Vafa Jamali, senior vice-president and president of Medtronic's respiratory and monitoring solutions and early technologies businesses, said: "The Prodigy study is indicative of our commitment to bring attention to respiratory compromise – an under-recognised, serious health condition that's preventable."

OIRD is associated with a decrease in the effectiveness of ventilatory function after opioid administration, a problem that is common, dangerous and historically difficult to predict.

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