 |
 |
New to Market: Relief for Parkinson's sufferers October 4, 2004 PROD1004 Relief for Parkinson's sufferers Medtronic Inc. of Fridley recently introduced the StimPilot System, designed to make deep-brain stimulation surgery simpler and more efficient for medical providers and patients with Parkinson's disease, essential tremors and dystonia. StimPilot is the first integrated targeting and verification system designed specifically for deep-brain surgery. It can be set up quickly for each use and integrates magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans with Medtronic software to allow neurosurgeons to precisely target and verify the placement of electrodes in the brain. Once implanted, the electrodes deliver electrical stimulation from an implanted generator to relieve debilitating slowness, stiffness and shaking. SOURCE: Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/5011113.html Reference: First Of Its Kind Portable Surgical Technology By Medtronic To Optimize Revolutionary Treatment For Parkinson's And Other Common Movement Disorders StimPilot™ simplifies, increases access to deep brain stimulation surgery MINNEAPOLIS, September 27, 2004 – Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today introduced the Medtronic StimPilot™ System, designed to make deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery simpler and more efficient for medical providers and Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremor and dystonia patients. The new system offers a reduction in some capital costs and removes barriers for physicians and institutions offering life-changing therapy to these patients. It is also designed to ensure the precision of DBS surgical procedures and enable smooth and efficient surgeries. “Because this integrated system simplifies things from a cost and convenience standpoint, it brings advantages to both the surgeon and the patient,” said Ron L. Alterman, MD, Associate Professor, Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center. “It allows us to focus our efforts and complete surgery in a more timely fashion.” StimPilot is the first integrated targeting and verification system designed specifically for deep brain surgery. It can be set up quickly for each use and integrates magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) scans with Medtronic software to allow neurosurgeons to precisely target and verify the placement of electrodes in the brain. Once implanted, the electrodes deliver electrical stimulation from an implanted generator to relieve the debilitating slowness, stiffness and shaking that gradually rob movement disorder patients of their independence. “The StimPilot System is another example of how Medtronic continues to provide medical solutions to help restore our patients to full life,” said Jon Tremmel, President, Medtronic Neurological. “This unique system expands our integrated solution for DBS, the benefits of which impact hospitals, surgeons and patients amid today’s cost-conscious health care environment.” The StimPilot System is part of The DBS™ Solution by Medtronic – specialized medical technologies needed for delivery of neurostimulation therapy. The other key components of The DBS Solution include: Activa® Kinetra® Neurostimulator and DBS™ Leads with Access® Therapy Controller – The implantable pulse generator, electrodes and programmer used to deliver and adjust the therapy. Activa® Therapy Consultant – Single source expertise for consultation and assistance in business, training, technical and procedural aspects of the DBS practice. StimPilot™ Single Procedure Kit – All pre-sterilized single procedure products necessary for DBS, pre-packaged in one kit. Comparable in size to a briefcase, the StimPilot System replaces use of stand- alone, refrigerator-sized surgical navigation and microelectrode recording (MER) systems that represent significant upfront capital expenditures for the hospital. The system will be offered on a fee-for-use basis, along with Medtronic technical support and necessary single-use accessories. With these business aspects simplified, the risk of equipment obsolescence and maintenance costs to the hospital are eliminated, and providers can concentrate on therapy delivery. In major neurosurgical centers, expensive neurosurgical navigation instruments are freed for other procedures. The StimPilot System will be available for hands-on demonstrations at the Biannual Meeting of the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN), October 1-3, in Cleveland, OH, and at the 54th Annual Conference of the Congress of Neurosurgeons, October 16-21, in San Francisco, CA. Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is the world’s leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. The DBS Solution with the StimPilot System represent the convergence and leveraging of core technologies pioneered by Medtronic Neurological, Medtronic Surgical Navigation Technologies, and Medtronic Neurodiagnostics business units. The Medtronic Internet address is www.medtronic.com. Any statements made about the company’s anticipated financial results and regulatory approvals are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2004 Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Contact: Chris King, Investor Relations, 763-505-2695 Kyra Schmitt, Public Relations, 763-505-0237 SOURCE: Medtronic News Releases http://www.medtronics.com/newsroom/news_20040927a.html * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn