Medtronic studies demonstrate benefits of Solitaire device

Medtronic has announced the publication of new clinical data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of stent thrombectomy procedures conducted using its Solitaire device.

Two global trials published online in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference have shown the benefits of the device in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke.

It was found that the addition of Solitaire device-aided stent thrombectomy procedures to current pharmaceutical treatment significantly reduced disability in patients suffering stroke, particularly in terms of improving neurological outcomes.

These trials confirmed the findings of three previous studies also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Brett Wall, president of the neurovascular business within Medtronic's restorative therapies group, said: "Improving patient access to the proven Solitaire device stent thrombectomy procedure is an important objective for all of us who are committed to fighting stroke."

This comes after the firm earlier this month received European CE Mark approval for its newly-developed Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, the world's smallest pacemaker.