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Medtronic Defibrillator Lead Recall Attorneys

Medtronic News

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Editor: Marc Jay Bern
Profession: Defective Medical Device Lawyer

May 30, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Must Resolve FDA Issues To Launch New Devices

Category: Medtronic News

Before Medtronic can launch new defibrillators and pacemakers it needs two different clearances from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They hope to do so in the coming months.

Continue reading "Medtronic Must Resolve FDA Issues To Launch New Devices"

May 26, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Hard At Work On New Ideas

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has a wide range of new devices and technologies in the works for heart trouble, depression and various other conditions.

Continue reading "Medtronic Hard At Work On New Ideas"

May 25, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Study - Medtronic Stent Matches Abbott's

Category: Medtronic News

The new Resolute drug-coated stent, by Medtronic, has led to a similar number of heart attacks, deaths and repeat procedures as Abbott Laboratories' Xience stent, according to finding a large head-to-head study of high risk patients.

Continue reading "Study - Medtronic Stent Matches Abbott's"

May 14, 2010

By Marc Bern

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New Data from STOP AF Pivotal Trial Announced By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic released new STOP AF clinical data which shows the number of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients reporting AF symptoms declined by 80 percent after treatment with the Artic Front Cardiac CryoAblation Catheter System.

Continue reading "New Data from STOP AF Pivotal Trial Announced By Medtronic"

May 09, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Stents

Category: Medtronic News

Stents are metal tubes that keep clogged arteries in the heart open, a condition that can lead to heart disease and heart attacks. Heart disease claims the lives of hundreds of thousands each year in America.

Continue reading "Medtronic Stents"

May 07, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Six Medtronic Devices Have Software Bug

Category: Medtronic News

Health authorities have been notified by Medtronic regarding a software bug that affects some of its cardiac devices.

Continue reading "Six Medtronic Devices Have Software Bug"

May 06, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Announces Clinical Trial for Neurostimulation Therapy

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic plans to initiate a prospective, multi-center, randomized U.S. clinical trial for the RestoreSensor neurostimulator that adapts therapy to the changing needs of chronic pain patients.

Continue reading "Medtronic Announces Clinical Trial for Neurostimulation Therapy "

May 02, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Understanding Pacemaker Functions

Category: Medtronic News

Pacemakers monitor the patient's heart to treat a condition called bradycardia (a slow, irregular or interrupted heartbeat).

Continue reading "Understanding Pacemaker Functions"

April 29, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Buy ATS Medical

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced it will buy ATS Medical Inc. for $350 million. The company makes heart valves and other cardiac devices. In doing so, Medtronic will also take on $20 million of ATS Medical's debt.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Buy ATS Medical "

April 16, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medical Devices Open To Hacking

Category: Medtronic News

Researchers say hackers may be able to access and remotely control medical devices such as cardiac defibrillators, pacemakers and insulin pumps, all which emit wireless signals.

Continue reading "Medical Devices Open To Hacking"

April 09, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Teen Receives Revolutionary Pacemaker

Category: Medtronic News

Following a series of blackouts and dizzy spells, brought on by a slow heartbeat, Andrew, 17, was given a new pacemaker called an Advisa DR MRI SureScan which can be monitored remotely.

Continue reading "Teen Receives Revolutionary Pacemaker"

April 07, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Device For Sinus Irrigation System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has launched a new device for its sinus irrigation system that will make it easier for doctors to access hard-to-reach areas of the frontal sinus.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Device For Sinus Irrigation System"

April 05, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Begins Study On ITB Therapy

Category: Medtronic News

European stroke patients were recently enrolled in Medtronic's clinical trial for Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) therapy to treat spasticity.

Continue reading "Medtronic Begins Study On ITB Therapy"

April 03, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Loses Patent Dispute

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic lost a legal dispute regarding its CoreValve heart valve system when a jury found the company infringed on patents held by Edwards Lifesciences Inc.

Continue reading "Medtronic Loses Patent Dispute "

April 02, 2010

By Marc Bern

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FDA Panel Supports MRI-Safe Pacemaker

Category: Medtronic News

An FDA advisory panel supports approval of Medtronic's Revo MRI SureScan Pacing System - the first pacemaker safe for use with MRIs.

Continue reading "FDA Panel Supports MRI-Safe Pacemaker"

April 02, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic's Incontinence Therapy Shows Promise

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's new treatment for faecal incontinence showed promise based on published data from a clinical trial.

Continue reading "Medtronic's Incontinence Therapy Shows Promise"

March 31, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Working On Artificial Pancreas

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is known for developing devices (such as pacemakers and defibrillators) that zap irregular heartbeats back into rhythm without the patient having to do anything. Now, the company wants to apply the same approach to the pancreas.

Continue reading "Medtronic Working On Artificial Pancreas"

March 30, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Closer To Marketing MRI-Compatible Pacemakers

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is moving closer to marketing the first MRI-compatible pacemaker in the United States.

Earlier in the month, a committee of outside experts unanimously recommended that the FDA approve Medtronic's experimental device - Revo MRI SureScan Pacing System.

Continue reading "Medtronic Closer To Marketing MRI-Compatible Pacemakers"

March 15, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Study - Medtronic Device Failed To Reduce Seizures

Category: Medtronic News

A Medtronic nerve stimulating implant failed to reduce seizures in epilepsy patients, according to the FDA.

Continue reading "Study - Medtronic Device Failed To Reduce Seizures"

March 15, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Study Of Medtronic Atrial Fibrillation System Offers Promise

Category: Medtronic News

Conventional anti-arrhythmic drugs were not as successful as eliminating a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder compared to a noninvasive procedure that freezes and kills problem-causing heart tissue, according to researchers.

Continue reading "Study Of Medtronic Atrial Fibrillation System Offers Promise"

March 13, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Discloses Probe In Mass.

Category: Medtronic News

Federal prosecutors are investigating ties between cardiologist at a Massachusetts hospital and Medtronic, according to the company.

Continue reading "Medtronic Discloses Probe In Mass."

March 12, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Study of its CoreValve Heart Valve

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is preparing to launch a study involving a catheter-based system the company hopes will be a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for valve replacement.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Study of its CoreValve Heart Valve "

March 11, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Epilepsy Device Study Misses Goal

Category: Medtronic News

A Medtronic study failed to pass the main effectiveness goal in testing an approved brain device for the treatment of epilepsy, according to documents by an FDA advisory panel.

Continue reading "Epilepsy Device Study Misses Goal"

March 10, 2010

By Marc Bern

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US Attorneys Probe Medtronic Ties In Mass.

Category: Medtronic News

Federal prosecutors are investigating ties between Medtronic and cardiologists at a hospital in Massachusetts, according to the medical device giant.

Continue reading "US Attorneys Probe Medtronic Ties In Mass."

February 20, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Resume Shipping External Defibrillators After 2 Year Hiatus

Category: Medtronic News

Physio-Control, a subsidiary of Medtronic, has been granted the go-ahead to resume shipments of its external defibrillators nearly two years after federal regulators discovered quality problems at the company's facility.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Resume Shipping External Defibrillators After 2 Year Hiatus"

February 19, 2010

By Marc Bern

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FDA Plans Overhaul Of Medical Device Approvals

Category: Medtronic News

A safety overhaul is in the future for medical devices as FDA regulators examine the approval process for certain devices, such as pacemakers.

Continue reading "FDA Plans Overhaul Of Medical Device Approvals"

February 17, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Reports Battery-Related Issues In Certain Pacemakers

Category: Medtronic News

Physicians have been notified about battery-related issues in certain Medtronic pacemakers. While the issue does not put patients at risk, one issue has been linked to doctors unnecessarily removing and replacing the device.

Continue reading "Medtronic Reports Battery-Related Issues In Certain Pacemakers"

February 15, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Two Brain Stimulation Devices Launched By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has begun marketing two surgically implanted medical devices intended to help relieve symptoms from patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

Continue reading "Two Brain Stimulation Devices Launched By Medtronic"

February 12, 2010

By Marc Bern

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CoreValve Patent Verdict Upheld In Favor Of Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

A German court has ruled in favor of Medtronic's CoreValve devices finding it does not infringe upon patents held by Edwards LifeSciences.

Continue reading "CoreValve Patent Verdict Upheld In Favor Of Medtronic"

February 11, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Allegations Of Shocking Denied By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

A Morgantown woman alleges she was repeatedly shocked due to a faulty heart device, only Medtronic denies the allegation.

Continue reading "Allegations Of Shocking Denied By Medtronic"

February 10, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Video Contest For Diabetes Education

Category: Medtronic News

A video contest, aimed at diabetic kids and their parents, has been launched by Medtronic.

The adorable Lenny the Lion character is being introduced in the US. Lenny has already been used in diabetes education Europe.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Video Contest For Diabetes Education"

February 05, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Study Shows Medtronic Disposable Scope Covers Prevent Infection

Category: Medtronic News

A new study suggests Medtronic's disposable covers used with sinus-probing tools helps to prevent bacterial contamination.

Continue reading "Study Shows Medtronic Disposable Scope Covers Prevent Infection"

February 01, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Continues To Expand

Category: Medtronic News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a breakthrough approval - the first transcatheter heart valve. Designed to be delivered percutaneously (performed through the skin) via catheter-based technology, it is similar to the way coronary stents are placed - valve replacement without open heart surgery.

Continue reading "Medtronic Continues To Expand"

January 29, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medronic Pledges $1 Million To Haiti Earthqual Relief Fund

Category: Medtronic News

Medical device giant, Medtronic, has pledged $1 million through the Medtronic Foundation to support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Continue reading "Medronic Pledges $1 Million To Haiti Earthqual Relief Fund"

January 29, 2010

By Marc Bern

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FDA Panel To Meet In March To Discuss Eplilepsy Device

Category: Medtronic News

On March 12, the FDA Neurological Devices Panel will meet to discuss the pre-market approval of Medtronic's deep-brain stimulation for epilepsy.

Continue reading "FDA Panel To Meet In March To Discuss Eplilepsy Device"

January 28, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Late Breaking Clinical Trials Announced By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced today that pivotal data for the Medtronic Arctic Front® CryoAblation Catheter System will be presented at the 59th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology in March.

Continue reading "Late Breaking Clinical Trials Announced By Medtronic"

January 28, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Two Late Breaking Clinical Trials Announced By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced today that pivotal data for the Medtronic Arctic Front® CryoAblation Catheter System will be presented at the 59th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology in March.

Continue reading "Two Late Breaking Clinical Trials Announced By Medtronic"

January 26, 2010

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves Medtronic Melody Heart Valve

Category: Medtronic News

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a Medtronic heart valve that does not require major surgery for implantation.

Continue reading "FDA Approves Medtronic Melody Heart Valve"

January 25, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Buy Invatec

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic will spend $500 million or more to purchase Invatec, a private vascular-device company to help expand its offering of products aimed at clearing blocked arteries in and outside the heart.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Buy Invatec"

January 20, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Permanent Chief Of Devices Unit Named

Category: Medtronic News

Dr. Jeffrey Shuren has been named the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) permanent director of its medical devices division.

Continue reading "Permanent Chief Of Devices Unit Named"

January 07, 2010

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Investments in GI Dynamics

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic took a $15 million minority stake in GI Dynamics, a developer of non-surgical treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Continue reading "Medtronic Investments in GI Dynamics"

December 24, 2009

By Marc Bern

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New Spinal Fusion Device Launched By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

A new spinal system to treat patients with a degenerative condition that affects the lumbar spine has been launched by medical device giant, Medtronic Inc.

Continue reading "New Spinal Fusion Device Launched By Medtronic"

December 16, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Paid Thousands To Doctor Who Falsified Army Study

Category: Medtronic News

A Senate investigation has revealed Medtronic paid nearly $800,000 in consulting fees over a three year period to a researcher who falsified scientific data in a study on one of the company's products.

Continue reading "Medtronic Paid Thousands To Doctor Who Falsified Army Study "

December 12, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Cardiac Unit Receives Warning Letter For Poor Purchasing Controls

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's cardiac rhythm management unit was sent a warning letter for purchasing control failures and other GMP deficiencies.

Continue reading "Medtronic Cardiac Unit Receives Warning Letter For Poor Purchasing Controls"

December 10, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Subpoenaed Over Several Issues Regarding Heart-Rhythm Devices

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic disclosed on Wednesday it has received a subpoena from the department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General in California seeking documents on several issues concerning the company's heart-rhythm devices.

Continue reading "Medtronic Subpoenaed Over Several Issues Regarding Heart-Rhythm Devices"

December 07, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Study Shows Device Offers Help For Epilepsy Patients

Category: Medtronic News

A brain-stimulation device by Medtronic showed increased benefits over time by leading to fewer seizures for epilepsy patients, according to results from a long-term company funded study.

Continue reading "Medtronic Study Shows Device Offers Help For Epilepsy Patients"

December 01, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Pacemaker Functions

Category: Medtronic News

Pacemakers monitor the patient's heart to treat a condition called bradycardia (a slow, irregular or interrupted heartbeat).

Continue reading "Pacemaker Functions"

November 29, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Surgeon Probes Study Led By U Doc With Ties To Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

A California spine surgeon has written to the Army Surgeon General to raise questions about a 2002 Army study that used Medtronic spine productson soldiers in ways that were not approved by the FDA.

Continue reading "Surgeon Probes Study Led By U Doc With Ties To Medtronic"

November 22, 2009

By Marc Bern

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3-D vascular Imaging Service Introduced By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has partnered with an imaging software company to launch a new service that will provide three-dimensional vein images, which the company says will help surgeons to treat aortic aneurysms.

Continue reading "3-D vascular Imaging Service Introduced By Medtronic"

November 20, 2009

By Marc Bern

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$2 Billion Medical Device Tax Included In Senate Bill

Category: Medtronic News

Medical device companies, such as Medtronic, are now facing key health-care overhaul issues. And now is when they may have to start paying a collective $2 billion-per-year tax proposed in Congress.

Continue reading "$2 Billion Medical Device Tax Included In Senate Bill"

November 19, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Diabetes Center In San Antonio

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic officially launched a global sales-and-support center, for the company's diabetic treatment center, in San Antonio on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Diabetes Center In San Antonio"

November 18, 2009

By Marc Bern

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FDA - Medtronic Procedures Faulty

Category: Medtronic News

Citing problems for the lack of procedures in preventing and identifying problems with various devices, Medtronic has received a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Continue reading "FDA - Medtronic Procedures Faulty"

November 15, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Study Results

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is reporting results from a study that found Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or Bi-ventricular pacing was more effective at preventing cardiac enlargement in comparison with pacing only the right ventricle.

Continue reading "Medtronic Study Results"

November 12, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Introduces New Spine Device

Category: Medtronic News

Mastergraft Strip, a ceramic spine scaffold for bone-grafting procedures, has been introduced to the U.S. market by Medtronic Inc.

Continue reading "Medtronic Introduces New Spine Device"

November 10, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Heart Study Launched By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

The first few of an estimated 2,000 patients have been enrolled in a clinical trial of Medtronic's Attain line of defibrillator leads, catheters and guide-wires.

Continue reading "Heart Study Launched By Medtronic"

October 28, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Melody Trial Results Announced By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

A study of the Melody Transcatheter by Medtronic offers promise, finds the trial..

The use of the device resulted in success for 97 percent of patients, as well as overall acceptable study safety outcomes with no deaths or complications, according to the trial.

Continue reading "Melody Trial Results Announced By Medtronic"

October 22, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic: Insulin Pumps With Personal GCM Help Diabetic Children

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic recently announced results from clinical trials which evaluated improvements in blood-glucose control among children affected with type-1 diabetes, who used insulin pumps with personal Continuous Glucose Monitoring or CGM.

Continue reading "Medtronic: Insulin Pumps With Personal GCM Help Diabetic Children"

October 19, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Stimulator For Back & Leg Pain

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic was granted regulatory approval for its implantable neurostimulation device to treat chronic back and leg pain.

Continue reading "Medtronic Stimulator For Back & Leg Pain "

October 17, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Test Stents For Erectile Dysfunction

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. recently announced it will begin testing drug-coated stents as a treatment for erectile dysfunction or ED.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Test Stents For Erectile Dysfunction"

October 08, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Device Approved In Europe

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced today that is has received European approval for its Valiant Thoracic Stent Graft.

Continue reading "Medtronic Device Approved In Europe"

September 28, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Develops Artificial Heart Valve

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic with the help of researchers and engineers are working on an artificial device designed to replace diseased heart valves in patients who are not qualified to undergo open-heart surgery.

Continue reading "Medtronic Develops Artificial Heart Valve"

September 23, 2009

By Marc Bern

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FDA Gives $2M In Grants For Development Of Medical Devices For Kids

Category: Medtronic News

The FDA recently awarded $2 million in grants for development of medical devices for kids.

Continue reading "FDA Gives $2M In Grants For Development Of Medical Devices For Kids"

September 20, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Future Medtronic Heart Technology Offers Promise

Category: Medtronic News

When an aging or damage heart fails to efficiently pump blood through the body, the result is an accumulation of fluid in the patient's lungs. Most at-risk patients weigh themselves daily to detect a sudden increase in weight that would suggest a build-up of fluid in the chest.

Continue reading "Future Medtronic Heart Technology Offers Promise"

September 14, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Training In Study Boosted Heart Device Usage, Medtronic Says

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic funded a study that showed, training aimed at getting doctors to follow guidelines for treating chronic heart-failure patients increased usage of expensive, implantable devices.

Continue reading "Training In Study Boosted Heart Device Usage, Medtronic Says"

September 03, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Paradigm Veo Diabetes Device

Category: Medtronic News

Medical device giant, Medtronic Inc. was scheduled to begin sales on its Paradigm Veo on Wednesday - in 50 countries including Canada.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Paradigm Veo Diabetes Device"

August 27, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Defends Physician Payments

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's CEO, Bill Hawkins, at an annual shareholder meeting this week, defended the company's longstanding practice of collaborating with doctors, though he acknowledges these paid relationships could pose a conflict of interest.

Continue reading "Medtronic Defends Physician Payments"

August 19, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Doctor Accused Of Falsying Medtronic Study Data Resigns

Category: Medtronic News

A former Army surgeon accused of falsifying study data on a bone growth product made by Medtronic, used on injured war veterans resigned his teaching position at Washington University, reports the New York Times.

Continue reading "Doctor Accused Of Falsying Medtronic Study Data Resigns"

August 18, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Launch New Spine Device

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is planning to launch a vertebral body replacement device intended for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine to replace a collapsed or damaged vertebral body due to trauma or tumor.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Launch New Spine Device"

August 01, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Understanding Pacemakers

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic pacemakers are used to monitor the heart to treat a condition called bradycardia (a slow, irregular or interrupted heartbeat).

If the pacemaker detects a problem in the patient's heart rhythm, it will send out small, undetectable electrical signals to correct and restore the heart to a normal range.

Continue reading "Understanding Pacemakers"

July 29, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Sen. Grassley Questioning Medtronic Payments To Surgeon

Category: Medtronic News

The relationship between Medtronic Inc. and a renowned University of Minnesota spinal surgeon is being probed by a U.S. senator. The surgeon has allegedly received more than $1.1 million in consulting fees from the company between 2003 and 2007, according to reports.

Continue reading "Sen. Grassley Questioning Medtronic Payments To Surgeon"

July 27, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Pay Abbott $400M

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic will pay Abbott Laboratories $400 million to settle all outstanding patent disputes between the medical device makers and also agreed not to sue each other again in the area of coronary stent and stent delivery systems for at least 10 years.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Pay Abbott $400M "

July 22, 2009

By Marc Bern

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FDA Panel Backs Medtronic's New Heart Valve

Category: Medtronic News

A U.S. advisory board is backing approval of Medtronic's novel heart valve that can be implanted in a less invasive way than the open-heart surgery that is needed when implanting traditional valves.

Continue reading "FDA Panel Backs Medtronic's New Heart Valve"

July 21, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Submits PMA Application for Epilepsy Device

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic submitted a PMA application for its "Deep Brain Stimulation" (DBS) therapy intended for patients with medically refractory epilepsy with partial-onset seizures.

Continue reading "Medtronic Submits PMA Application for Epilepsy Device"

July 16, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Whistleblower Suit Names Medtronic And Others

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., St. Jude Medical Inc., and five other medical device companies have been accused of promoting "off-label" use of some of their devices which in turn forced Medicare to over pay reimbursements, alleges a whistleblower lawsuit.

Continue reading "Whistleblower Suit Names Medtronic And Others"

July 15, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic OCD Device Approved in Europe

Category: Medtronic News

A device for treating severe obsessive compulsive disorder has been approved by European regulators.

Continue reading "Medtronic OCD Device Approved in Europe"

July 04, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Pacemakers

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic pacemakers are used to monitor the heart to treat a condition called bradycardia (a slow, irregular or interrupted heartbeat).

Continue reading "Medtronic Pacemakers"

June 30, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Subsidiary Wins FDA approval For Lucas 2 Device

Category: Medtronic News

An electric device used to compress patients' chests has been granted FDA approval.

The device, the Lucas 2, is the next generation of the Lucas Chest Compression System. The device is distributed in the US by Physio-Control Inc., a Medtronic subsidiary.

Continue reading "Medtronic Subsidiary Wins FDA approval For Lucas 2 Device"

June 24, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Two Trials To Study Stroke

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is launching to major clinical trials related to stroke.

Enrollment for the global Crystal AF trial has initiated. The second trial, Sisters - Spasticity in Stroke - Randomized Study - is being initiated in Europe and the US to study the effectiveness of ITB therapy.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Two Trials To Study Stroke "

June 18, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Discloses Payments Made To Doctor Accused Of Falsifiying Study

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic paid $850,000 over a 10-year period to a former Army surgeon accused of falsifying research regarding one of the company's devices.

Continue reading "Medtronic Discloses Payments Made To Doctor Accused Of Falsifiying Study"

June 12, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Certain Pacemakers Recalled By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is withdrawing certain older pacemakers due to wiring problems, according to the FDA.

The recall includes the Kappa and Sigma Series pacemakers manufactured between November 2000 and November 2002.

Continue reading "Certain Pacemakers Recalled By Medtronic"

June 12, 2009

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves New Medtronic Cervical Device

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic received FDA approval to market a new cervical device on the same day the agency announced a Class I recall of older pacemakers, the most serious of classifications.

Continue reading "FDA Approves New Medtronic Cervical Device"

May 29, 2009

By Marc Bern

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CMS Reconsiders MRI Coverage

Category: Medtronic News

New data from a Medtronic study may get the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reconsider coverage of MRIs for patients that have an implanted defibrillator or pacemaker.

Continue reading "CMS Reconsiders MRI Coverage"

May 27, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Cervical Disc Approved By The FDA

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's artificial cervical disc has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The device, made of titanium and polyurethane, fits between adjacent neck bones to replace a diseased or bulging cervical disc associated with neck pain.

Continue reading "Medtronic Cervical Disc Approved By The FDA"

May 21, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Sell Device To Help Parkinson's Disease

Category: Medtronic News

Regulatory approval has been given to Medtronic to market two brain-simulation devices used to treat patients from Parkinson's diease.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Sell Device To Help Parkinson's Disease"

May 20, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Eli Lilly & Medtronic To Partner On Marketing Venture

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. makes insulin pumps and glucose-monitoring devices to treat diabetes. Meanwhile Eli Lilly and Co. markets insulin. Together they are going to launch a joint marketing venture aimed at helping diabetic patients.

Continue reading "Eli Lilly & Medtronic To Partner On Marketing Venture"

May 15, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Army Doctor Accused of Falsifying Infuse Study Findings

Category: Medtronic News

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is investigating reports of a former Army doctor accused of falsifying study stats of Medtronic's Infuse bone graft.

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May 13, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Launch OptiVol Care Pathway Trial

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is launching a nationwide trial to analyze the relationship between the company's OptiVol fluid status monitoring technology and the ability to predict worsening hearth failures, which is the leading cause of hospitalizations nationwide.

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May 08, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launching VERTEX SELECT Reconstruction System

Category: Medtronic News

A U.S. launch of the Vertex Select Reconstruction System Occipitocervical Module has been announced by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA).

Continue reading "Medtronic Launching VERTEX SELECT Reconstruction System "

May 05, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Two New Spinal Products Launched By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Two new spinal products have been launched by Medtronic in the U.S. for cervical procedures.

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April 27, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches THRIVE Post-Market Study

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is launching THRIVE1, a post-market clinical trial of its Talent Thoracic Stent Graft for the endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches THRIVE Post-Market Study "

April 20, 2009

By Marc Bern

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FDA Reviewing Medical Devices For Safety

Category: Medtronic News

The Food and Drug Administration is requiring Medtronic, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, as well as various other medical device manufacturers to further explain and justify their products' safety and efficacy, reports the WSJ.

Continue reading "FDA Reviewing Medical Devices For Safety"

April 11, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Fails To Reverse Antitrust Ruling

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., Boston Scientific and three other businesses will pay a fine of $3.45 million after an appeals court in France ratified an antitrust agency's decision in 2007.

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April 09, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Buys Corevalve

Category: Medtronic News

Medical device maker, Medtronic, has closed a $700 million acquisition of replacement heart valve maker Corevalve Inc., in an attempt to move forward and expand its cardiovascular portfolio.

Continue reading "Medtronic Buys Corevalve"

April 08, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Lifepak 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Receives FDA Approval

Category: Medtronic News

Physio-Control, Inc., a subsidiary of Medtronic, has received FDA clearance to market LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator within the United States.

Continue reading "Lifepak 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Receives FDA Approval"

April 03, 2009

By Marc Bern

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What Are Stents & What Do They Do?

Category: Medtronic News

Stents are metal tubes that keep clogged arteries in the heart open, a condition that can lead to heart disease and heart attacks. Heart disease claims the lives of hundreds of thousands each year in America.

Continue reading "What Are Stents & What Do They Do?"

April 02, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Testing InterStim For Overactive Bladder

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is testing a medical device that will help people with urinary incontinence that has run out of options.

InterStim is a battery-operated implant, which consists of two small electrodes placed under the skin, near the sacrum or "tailbone" to give continuous shock to the nerves that controls the bladder, causing the personal to feel an ininterrupted tapping sensation in the pelvic area.

Continue reading "Medtronic Testing InterStim For Overactive Bladder "

April 01, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Defective Devices

Category: Medtronic News

Medical device makers, including Medtronic, are responsible for issuing proper safety warnings, and any possible risk and defects that are associated with its products.

Continue reading "Medtronic Defective Devices"

March 30, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Japan Approves Medtronic Endeavor Drug-Eluting Coronary Stent

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced approval of its Endeavor drug-eluting coronary stent (DES) system by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, clearing the way for use in Japan.

Continue reading "Japan Approves Medtronic Endeavor Drug-Eluting Coronary Stent"

March 23, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Bill that Would Allow Legal Action Against Device Makers Opposed By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

A group of physicians wrote a commentary in the March issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) expressing support for a bill that was introduced earlier this month by Reps. Frank Pallone, D-NJ and Henry Waxman, D - CA.

Essentially the bill would allow product liability lawsuits against medical device makers.

Continue reading "Bill that Would Allow Legal Action Against Device Makers Opposed By Medtronic"

March 17, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Surgical Simulator Used By Novice Doctors

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. is operating a mobile unit that houses a surgical simulator which allows novice physicians to practice their skills in cardiac resynchronization therapy and other complex surgical procedures.

Continue reading "Medtronic Surgical Simulator Used By Novice Doctors"

March 06, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Safety Warnings & Defects

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., as well as other medical device manufacturers are responsible for issuing proper safety warnings about possible risks and defects associated with its various line of products.

Continue reading "Medtronic Safety Warnings & Defects"

March 01, 2009

By Marc Bern

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How Does The Pacemaker Function?

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic pacemakers are used to monitor the heart to treat a condition called bradycardia (a slow, irregular or interrupted heartbeat).

If the device detects a problem in the patient's heart rhythm, it will send out small, undetectable electrical signals to correct and restore the heart to a normal range.

Continue reading "How Does The Pacemaker Function?"

February 27, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Disclose Fees Paid To Physicians

Category: Medtronic News

Next year Medtronic will begin collecting data related to money it pays physicians in consulting and royalty fees. That information will than be made public.

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February 26, 2009

By Marc Bern

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National Database for Heart Devices Is Needed

Category: Medtronic News

Experts say the need for a national database consisting of patients heart devices is necessary after the ongoing dispute about the failure rate of Medtronic's Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads.

Continue reading "National Database for Heart Devices Is Needed"

February 24, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Study Suggests Higher Rate of Heart Device Failure

Category: Medtronic News

A newly released study in the medical journal, Heart Rhythm suggests, a widely used heart device that was recalled by Medtronic Inc. two years ago, may be failing in patients at a significantly higher rate than previously thought.

Continue reading "Study Suggests Higher Rate of Heart Device Failure"

February 21, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Suing Petco

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is suing Petco pet-store chain for a faulty aquarium heater that caused a fire at Medtronic's Columbia Heights campus in 2007, that resulted in more than one million in property damage and lost business.

Continue reading "Medtronic Suing Petco "

February 19, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Brain Device Approved By FDA

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., medical device maker, recently received approval by U.S. health officials for its deep brain stimulator to help treat patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD.

Continue reading "Medtronic Brain Device Approved By FDA"

February 11, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Reveal XT

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device maker, has launched a new heart monitor that is capable of detecting abnormal heart rhythms that can cause stroke and death.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Reveal XT"

February 01, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Category: Medtronic News

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device that monitors heart rhythms and sends a shock to the patients' heart when a dangerous rhythm is detected.

Continue reading "Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) "

January 29, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic To Expand CURE-AF Clinical Program

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is expanding its CURE-AF (Concomitant Utilization of Radiofrequency Energy) for Atrial Fibrillation or AF clinical program with a post-market study in Canada and Europe.

Continue reading "Medtronic To Expand CURE-AF Clinical Program "

January 28, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Minnesota Losing Competitive Edge In Medical Devices

Category: Medtronic News

A recently released industry report suggests Minnesota is losing its competitive edge in medical devices and suggests expanding into other promising technologies, including biopharmaceuticals, renewable materials and animal science.

Continue reading "Minnesota Losing Competitive Edge In Medical Devices"

January 26, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic First Enrollment In VITALITY Trial

Category: Medtronic News

The first enrollment in VITALITY1, Medtronic's postmarket clinical study of its Talent Abdominal Stent Graft for the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms is underway.

Continue reading "Medtronic First Enrollment In VITALITY Trial"

January 18, 2009

By Marc Bern

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GAO Urges Tougher Reviews of Medical Devices

Category: Medtronic News

A recently released report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 228 high-risk medical devices from 2003 to 2007 without placing them under comprehensive scientific review.

Continue reading "GAO Urges Tougher Reviews of Medical Devices"

January 16, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Wisconsin Surgeon Underreported Millions In Medtronic Payments

Category: Medtronic News

A University of Wisconsin policy is under fire following a Senate investigation that found one of its surgeons underreported millions in payments from Medtronic.

Continue reading "Wisconsin Surgeon Underreported Millions In Medtronic Payments"

January 12, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Inc. Acquires Ablation Frontiers Inc.

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. has acquired Ablation Frontiers Inc. for $225 million, announced the companies on Monday. If and when certain milestones are achieved, Medtronic may also make additional payments.

Continue reading "Medtronic Inc. Acquires Ablation Frontiers Inc."

January 08, 2009

By Marc Bern

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New Surgical Power Console Launched By Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device giant, has launched the Integrated Power Console platform, its first multispecialty surgical power console to be used in ear, nose & throat (ENT), cranial and spinal surgeries.

Continue reading "New Surgical Power Console Launched By Medtronic"

January 07, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Testing Complete SE Stent

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has begun enrolling patients I a clinical trial that is intended to test its Complete SE stent on participants that have narrowed blood vessels in the thigh.

Continue reading "Medtronic Testing Complete SE Stent"

January 05, 2009

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Parkinson's Patients

Category: Medtronic News

The many telltale symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including jerking, twitching and difficulty moving, are caused by the very drugs used to treat the condition.

Continue reading "Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Parkinson's Patients"

December 29, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Participate in the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., the second-largest medical device maker, announced today that it will participate in the 27th Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, January 12, 2009, in San Francisco, California.

This event is the premier conference of its kind, bringing together established industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, innovative technology creators and globally minded service providers. This year we expect more than 300 companies, both public and private, to deliver presentations to more than 3,500 investors.

Continue reading "Medtronic to Participate in the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference"

December 26, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Buys Sleep Apnea Line

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. has bought a surgical product line used to treat sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a narrowed or blocked airway stops air from reaching the lungs. In severe cases, the condition disrupts the patients' sleep and deprives them of oxygen, as they stop breathing for a brief moment or two. Some patients with sleep apnea commonly sleep with the use of a breathing mask.

Continue reading "Medtronic Buys Sleep Apnea Line"

December 10, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Test Guidelines Criticized By Prominent Cardiologist

Category: Medtronic News

Dr. Robert Hauser of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, a prominent cardiologist, writing in this week's edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, questions if a next-generation heart defibrillator will be tested sufficiently for safety before launching in the U.S.

Continue reading "FDA Test Guidelines Criticized By Prominent Cardiologist"

December 08, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic: Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Reduced Seizure Rate

Category: Medtronic News

Data from a pivotal study shows Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy reduced seizure frequency among patients with medically refractory epilepsy with partial-onset seizures, a form of the condition that does not respond well to anti-seizure medications, according to Medtronic.

Continue reading "Medtronic: Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Reduced Seizure Rate"

December 05, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medical Device Ads May Be Illegal

Category: Medtronic News

The Prescription Project, consumer group has raised issue over ads for medical devices running on YouTube, a video hosting/viewing site, claiming the ads may be illegal.

The group wants regulators to crack down on the vendors involved which include Medtronic Inc and Abbott Laboratories amongst others. Ads cited by the group include Medtronic promotions for its Prestige artificial spine disk and Xience drug-coated stent by Abbott.

Continue reading "Medical Device Ads May Be Illegal"

December 03, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Acid Reflux Monitoring System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., medical device maker, has developed the first catheter-free acid reflux monitoring system: the Bravo pH Monitoring System. It includes a small capsule that attaches temporarily to the patient's esophagus wall and sends pH data wirelessly to a portable receiver. The data helps your doctor to make a diagnosis and treat your symptoms.

Continue reading "Medtronic Acid Reflux Monitoring System"

December 02, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Sprinter Angioplasty Balloon Cathethers

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device maker, recently announced the U.S. market launch of Sprinter Legend (semicompliant) and NC Sprinter (noncompliant) balloon dilation catheters on a rapid exchange delivery system.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Sprinter Angioplasty Balloon Cathethers "

December 01, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Diabetes Management

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. has been a leader in diabetes management for over 25 years. Their insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems allow the patient to keep track and manage glucose levels all day, every day.

Continue reading "Medtronic Diabetes Management"

November 25, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Subpoenaed For Off-Label Use Of Infuse

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has been subpoenaed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of an ongoing investigation into off-label use of its Infuse spinal graft.

Continue reading "Medtronic Subpoenaed For Off-Label Use Of Infuse "

November 21, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Infuse, By Medtronic Being Investigated

Category: Medtronic News

The product Infuse, launched by Medtronic in 2002, to promote bone growth has been used to mend the injured backs of thousands of patients.

But, Tuesday, the company announced the U.S. Justice Department is investigating how the product is being used "off-label" in ways not approved by the FDA.

Continue reading "Infuse, By Medtronic Being Investigated"

November 19, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Obtains Bone Cement Delivery System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. has obtained the assets and intellectual property of Pabban Development Inc. for its bone cement delivery system.

Continue reading "Medtronic Obtains Bone Cement Delivery System"

November 17, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic MRI-Safe Pacemaker Receives European Approval

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic recently announced it has received European approval to sell its En-Rhythm MRI SureScan, a pacemaker specifically designed to be safe for use with MRI scanners.

Continue reading "Medtronic MRI-Safe Pacemaker Receives European Approval"

November 13, 2008

By Marc Bern

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First ICD Device Implanted at NMC

Category: Medtronic News

The area's first cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was successfully implanted into the chest of a Newton patient on August 26 at Newton Medical Center (NMC) by cardiologist Saad Farhat, M.D.

Continue reading "First ICD Device Implanted at NMC"

November 10, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Data Supports Painless Pacing Therapies in ICD Patients

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic data shows survival rates among patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) treated only with anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) was beneficial to patients who had experienced one or more shock-treated episodes.

Continue reading "Medtronic Data Supports Painless Pacing Therapies in ICD Patients "

November 06, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Neurostimulation Provides Sustained Leg Pain Relief

Category: Medtronic News

A new study supported by Medtronic Inc., found spinal cord stimulation (known as neurostimulation therapy) provides sustained, significant improvement in otherwise intractable, chronic leg pain, quality of life and functional capacity up to 24 months of therapy.

Continue reading "Medtronic Neurostimulation Provides Sustained Leg Pain Relief"

November 02, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Study Criticizes Medtronic Endeavor Stent

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's drug-coated heart stent Endeavor had more complications than its rival Johnson & Johnson, according to a recent study. The device is used to prop open arteries and didn't reduce the need for future treatments.

Continue reading "Study Criticizes Medtronic Endeavor Stent"

October 30, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Launch Angioplasty Products on the RX Delivery System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., will soon begin launching its portfolio of angioplasty products across the U.S. on the rapid exchange (RX) delivery system which is expected to include the Endeavor drug-eluting stent, the driver and MicroDriver bare-metal stent and the NC (non-compliant) Sprinter balloon catheter.

Continue reading "Medtronic to Launch Angioplasty Products on the RX Delivery System"

October 26, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Talent Thoracic Stent Graft Available on Xcelerant Delivery System

Category: Medtronic News

In June, medical device maker Medtronic, Inc. received FDA approval for its Talent Thoracic stent graft. Now Medtronic is making the device available on the Xcelerant Delivery System to doctors nationwide.

Continue reading "Talent Thoracic Stent Graft Available on Xcelerant Delivery System "

October 23, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Seeks Premarket Approval for InterSlim Therapy

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has submitted a premarket approval application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its InterSlim therapy, for the treatment of fecal incontinence.

Continue reading "Medtronic Seeks Premarket Approval for InterSlim Therapy"

October 22, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Patients Suffering With Movement Disorders

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy (DBS) helps patients to manage disabling motor symptoms associated with three common movement disorders including - dystonia, essential tremor and Parkinson's disease.

Continue reading "Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Patients Suffering With Movement Disorders"

October 21, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Court Lifts Injunction Against Medtronic For Rapid Exchange System

Category: Medtronic News

A U.S. court recently ordered the lifting of an injunction that kept Medtronic fromg using a stent delivery system called Rapid Exchange due to an Abbott Laboratories patent.

Continue reading "Court Lifts Injunction Against Medtronic For Rapid Exchange System"

October 18, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Drug & Stent Makers Team Up On Study

Category: Medtronic News

Drugmakers and stent makers are working together on a major trial to test blood-thinner use in stent patients.

The trial is expected to include 20,000 patients that are followed over a four year period and cost an estimated $100 million.

Continue reading "Drug & Stent Makers Team Up On Study"

October 16, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Good News for Medtronic's Endeavor Stent

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., medical device maker of Fridley, presented new data from a company funded trial that found patients who received its drug-coated Endeavor were less likely to experience late-developing blood clots within two years compared to the patients who got Boston Scientifics, Taxus device.

Continue reading "Good News for Medtronic's Endeavor Stent"

October 14, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Second Generation X-Stop System By Medtronic Launches

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Spinal and Biologics recently launched its second-generation X-Stop system for patients who suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis.

Continue reading "Second Generation X-Stop System By Medtronic Launches"

October 07, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Spine Check

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Spinal & Biologics and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) have launched Spine Check, a new program intended to help promote scoliosis screenings for middle and junior high students.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Spine Check"

October 02, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Video Endoscope Technology

Category: Medtronic News

At the American Academy of Otolaryngology Foundation's annual conference last week in Chicago, Medtronic launched a new video endoscopy technology to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) community.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Video Endoscope Technology"

September 15, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Starts U.S. and International Endeavor Trials

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic recently announced the start of two new trials of the Endeavor Resolute drug-eluting stent, an innovative complement to the Endeavor drug-eluting stent that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2008.

Continue reading "Medtronic Starts U.S. and International Endeavor Trials "

September 12, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study

Category: Medtronic News

The results of the largest ever Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) study are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Continue reading "Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study"

September 09, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches DiscyphorDirect Catheter System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced the launch of the DiscyphorDirect Catheter System in the U.S., a second-generation system used by doctors to gather information and to diagnose discogenic lower back pain.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches DiscyphorDirect Catheter System"

September 08, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Infuse Bone Graft Linked to Surgery Complications

Category: Medtronic News

A substance used in spine-repair surgery to promote bone growth has been associated with life-threatening health problems in patients.

The problems involve Medtronic's Infuse Bone Graft product and have occurred during "off label" use, which refers to surgeons using the device in ways that have not been approved by the FDA.

Continue reading "Infuse Bone Graft Linked to Surgery Complications"

September 06, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic InterStim Therapy for Urinary Control Problems

Category: Medtronic News

An outpatient surgical procedure helps to control urinary problems by implanting a device that sends mild electrical impulses to the nerves that control the bladder, sphincter and pelvic-floor muscles.

Medtronic InterStim Therapy is a designed for women and men and addresses the many challenges of incontinence and also urinary retention.

Continue reading "Medtronic InterStim Therapy for Urinary Control Problems"

August 31, 2008

By Marc Bern

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SureScan Pacemaker by Medtronic Fares Positively

Category: Medtronic News

A new pacemaker made by Medtronic medical device maker has been deemed safe for use in MRI scans, according to recently released efficacy data.

The EnRhythm MRI SureScan Pacing System device is the first of its kind designed to work safely in patients inside MRI machines, which are commonly used to diagnose certain types of cancer and neurological disorders.

Continue reading "SureScan Pacemaker by Medtronic Fares Positively"

August 27, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Future Medtronic Product Launches

Category: Medtronic News

In its first-quarter earnings call, Medtronic said they expect the launch of a new pacing technology later this year to give the company the competitive edge it needs.

Continue reading "Future Medtronic Product Launches"

August 26, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Midland Doctor Uses PRESTIGE Disc For Treatment of Neck Pain

Category: Medtronic News

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) affects thousands of Americans. The pain is so severe in many, that it affects every day functions such as spending time with family and activities such as sports.

Continue reading "Midland Doctor Uses PRESTIGE Disc For Treatment of Neck Pain"

August 23, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Pacemaker Functions 101

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic pacemakers are used to continuously monitor the heart to treat a condition called bradycardia (a slow, irregular or interrupted heartbeat). If the device detects a problem in the patient's heart rhythm, it will send out small, undetectable electrical signals to correct and restore the heart to a normal range.

Continue reading "Medtronic Pacemaker Functions 101"

August 17, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Professor Hacks Heart Device to Expose Risks

Category: Medtronic News

An UMass professor found a way to remotely hack and control an implantable heart defibrillator (ICD), proving hackers could someday potentially harm the millions of people who have one of these devices to help regulate their hearts.

Continue reading "Professor Hacks Heart Device to Expose Risks"

August 14, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Heart Device Lands at the International Space Station

Category: Medtronic News

A Medtronic heart device, subsidiary Physio-Control Inc., has landed at the International Space Station.

Continue reading "Medtronic Heart Device Lands at the International Space Station"

August 10, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic's Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) continuously monitor the patient's heart to treat tachycardia (fast heartbeats) and prevent sudden cardiac death.

Continue reading "Medtronic's Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)"

August 07, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Cleveland Clinic Considering Medtronic Stents

Category: Medtronic News

Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson have more to worry about than weak sales of drug-coated sales they also need to worry about next-generation stents from Abbott Labs and Medtronic Inc.

Continue reading "Cleveland Clinic Considering Medtronic Stents"

August 04, 2008

By Marc Bern

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IPG Expands Offerings with Medtronic Neuromodulation Partnership

Category: Medtronic News

Implantable Provider Group (IPG) continues to expand device offerings by partnering up with medical device leader Medtronic Neuromodulation.

Continue reading "IPG Expands Offerings with Medtronic Neuromodulation Partnership"

August 02, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic: Talent Abdominal Stent Graft

Category: Medtronic News

The Abdominal Stent Graft by Medtronic is used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms by using a minimally invasive procedure known as endovascular stent grafting.

Continue reading "Medtronic: Talent Abdominal Stent Graft"

August 01, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Understanding Stent Function

Category: Medtronic News

Stents are metal tubes that are used to help keep clogged arteries open, a condition that can lead to heart attacks and heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer in America, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year.

Continue reading "Understanding Stent Function"

July 31, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Begins Randomized Clinical Trial Called Protect

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. has begun a randomized clinical trial called Protect, with 8,800 patients.

The trial aims to compare its drug-coated stent, Endeavor, and a stent made by Johnson & Johnson, called Cyper, using key safety measures including potentially fatal blood clots.

Continue reading "Medtronic Begins Randomized Clinical Trial Called Protect"

July 29, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Researchers Working With Medtronic on Artificial Pancreas

Category: Medtronic News

The creation of artificial pancreas like devices is just around the corner.

Using the idea of an insulin style pump and continuous glucose administration and monitoring, experts in health and metabolic fields feel that the positive joining of these two technologies are in near future.

Continue reading "Researchers Working With Medtronic on Artificial Pancreas"

July 25, 2008

By Marc Bern

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First Remote Defibrilator Implanted in Canadian Man

Category: Medtronic News

A Canada man who has suffered many heart attacks and lives a long distance from medical assistance became the first patient to receive a remote defibrillator.

Continue reading "First Remote Defibrilator Implanted in Canadian Man"

July 19, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Opens First TPTC in India

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device maker, recently announced the opening of its first Therapy and Procedure Training Centre in India.

The Centre will provide hands-on training to cardiologists implanting devices for the management of life threatening cardiac problems like that of arrhythmias and coronary heart disease using a simulator-based virtual catheterization lab.

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July 17, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic - Restore Medical Acquisition Finalized for $29M

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device giant, announced they have completed their acquisition of Restore Medical, Inc.

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July 16, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Reveal DX ICM Receives Japanese Approval

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's Reveal DX insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) recently received Japanese approval as a high-priority medical device and is one of the first ever insertable cardiac monitor to be introduced in Japan.

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July 10, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic, PETA in Agreement on Care of Test Animals

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic and animal rights group PETA have reached an agreement ensuring the medical device maker will take steps to improve the lives of those animals used in medical experiments.

Additionally, Medtronic has promised to extend animal welfare protections if animals are used in foreign contract laboratories.

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July 08, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Advises Against Off-Label Use of Infuse Bone Graft in Neck Surgeries

Category: Medtronic News

The FDA recently issued a warning to doctors against using Medtronic's Infuse bone graft product in neck surgeries, an off-label use never approved by the agency.

The agency is unsure why, but using Infuse bone graft products in the neck can cause dangerous health complications.

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July 07, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Launch Endurant Stent Graft Internationally

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis based medical device maker, recently announced plans to begin international marketing of its Endurant Stent Graft in July.

Used for endovascular aortic repair, the stent graft received European regulatory approval last week.

Continue reading "Medtronic to Launch Endurant Stent Graft Internationally"

July 03, 2008

By Marc Bern

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ICD Benefits Vs Risks

Category: Medtronic News

Heart disease can be scary. For some patients , it means being at risk for dangerously fast and potentially life-threatening heart rates. Thankfully, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can provide life-saving therapy option.

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June 29, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Study of EnRhythm MRI SureScan Pacemaker System

Category: Medtronic News

Doctors at Northeast Georgia Heart Center and Northeast Georgia Medical Center are enrolling patients in a clinical study that will be the first to evaluate the EnRhythm MRI SureScan pacemaker system designed to be safe for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

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June 28, 2008

By Marc Bern

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What Does Medtronic Do With Old Pacemakers?

Category: Medtronic News

An estimated 1.5 million Americans have a pacemaker, powered by a small battery. But, what happens to the pacemaker when the battery runs out?

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June 27, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medical Device Safety Act of 2008

Category: Medtronic News

Medical Device Safety Act of 2008 is aimed at overturning a Supreme Court ruling granting medical device manufacturers immunity from product liability lawsuits.

The new legislation, introduced by democratic lawmakers, would reverse the Supreme Court's decision denying victim's rights to legal recourse, giving medical device makers blanket immunity for the life of the product.

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June 26, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Remoted Controlled Medical Treatments Expected to be Norm in the Future

Category: Medtronic News

Many doctors are welcoming the concept of medical care over the internet. A leading cardiology expert says remote-controlled treatments that appear revolutionary now will become customary over the next decade.

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June 25, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Experimental Device for Migraine Treatment

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic is working on an experimental device for stimulating nerves that could help patients who suffer from chronic migraine pain to find relief, according to a new study.

More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, and at least 800,000 of them suffer from chronic headaches that resist standard treatments.

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June 23, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approving Medical Device Applications Faster

Category: Medtronic News

A recently released report shows the FDA has become faster at approving applications from medical device makers, such as Medtronic Inc., Baxter International Inc., and others since 2002.

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June 21, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Vision 3D ICDs Compatible With Medtronic CareLink Network

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic recently announced that all Vision 3D implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds) are compatible with the Medtronic CareLink Network.

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June 17, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Receives FDA Approval for StarFix Lead

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device maker, has received FDA approval to begin marketing a wire that delivers electrical pulses to the heart from a device that regulates the patient's heartbeat.

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June 13, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Unveils M-Powered Concept Car

Category: Medtronic News

Operating a moving vehicle during a diabetic blood sugar crash can be dangerous for both the drive and others on the road. With the help of Medtronic's new concept, maybe that won't be the case.

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June 05, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves Medtronic Talent Thoracic Stent Graft System

Category: Medtronic News

On Thursday, Medtronic Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have granted them approval for its Talent Thoracic Stent Graft System.

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June 02, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Buys Bladder Pacing System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has bought a neurostimulation device, the bladder pacing system, from NDI Medical for $42 million. The sale was finalized in April.

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May 29, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Heart Valve Surgery Advanced By New Medtronic Repair Device

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device maker, announced the US unveiling of the Profile 3D Annuloplasty Ring used by heart surgeons to repair - rather than replace - failing mitral valves.

Continue reading "Heart Valve Surgery Advanced By New Medtronic Repair Device"

May 19, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Gives Medtronic 3D Vision Line Approval

Category: Medtronic News

The FDA granted Medtronic approval for the company's first wireless implantable defibrillators, the first devices in a product line that will also include pacemakers and resynchronization therapy pacemakers.

Continue reading "FDA Gives Medtronic 3D Vision Line Approval"

May 17, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Clot Study Proves Good News for Medtronic's Endeavor Stent

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's drug-coated Endeavor stent almost completely eradicated blood clots that have had doctors worried about the devices in recent years, according to the findings of a recent study.

Continue reading "Clot Study Proves Good News for Medtronic's Endeavor Stent"

May 16, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Handing Out Pink Slips

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., earlier this month, announced they would be cutting three percent of its global workforce over the next year. The company has officially begun handing out pink slips in the Twin Cities.

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May 15, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic's Thrombus Aspiration Before Stenting Betters Survival Rates Of Myocardial Infarction

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced a recent independent study suggested thrombus aspiration with Medtronic's Export Aspiration Catheter prior to stenting could significantly help blood flow and survival rate in patients suffering Myocardial infarction or AMI, in comparison to treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI, alone.

Continue reading "Medtronic's Thrombus Aspiration Before Stenting Betters Survival Rates Of Myocardial Infarction"

May 13, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves New Medtronic Defibrillators

Category: Medtronic News

On Tuesday, Medtronic Inc, medical device giant, announced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first phase of a new line of wireless cardiac defibrillators.

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May 09, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Canadian Launch of CareLink Network for Patients with Heart Device

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic recently announced the launch of the automatic version of CareLink Network with Conexus Wireless Telemetry in Canada. The CareLink Network is the first and only currently approved system to allow remote monitoring and alerting.

Continue reading "Canadian Launch of CareLink Network for Patients with Heart Device"

May 06, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic's LifePak Defibrillator Under Consent Decree

Category: Medtronic News

Under a recent consent decree agreed upon with the FDA for its Physio-Control division, Medtronic is able to continue shipping some LifePak external defibrillators for emergency use.

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May 01, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Introduces StealthStation S7 System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic unveiled the latest in neurosciences surgical solutions, the StealthStations S7 system at the annual conference of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) this week.

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April 30, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves Medtronic OneTouch UltraLink Meter

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the OneTouch UltraLink Meter as the new wireless meter exclusively certified by Medtronic to wirelessly communicate Medtronic diabetes management in patient products in the United States.

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April 29, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Gets FDA Approval for Smaller Infuse Bone Graft Kit Sizes

Category: Medtronic News

On Tuesday, Medtronic Inc., the Minneapolis-base medical device company announced they have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market two smaller kit sizes of INFUSE Bone Graft.

Continue reading "Medtronic Gets FDA Approval for Smaller Infuse Bone Graft Kit Sizes"

April 28, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Unit Agrees with FDA Regarding External Defibrillator Quality

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., said on Monday, its Phsyio-Control Inc. subsidiary reached an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding quality improvements for its external defibrillators.

Continue reading "Medtronic Unit Agrees with FDA Regarding External Defibrillator Quality"

April 24, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Device May Help Against Depression

Category: Medtronic News

Data involving a small group of severely depressed people being treated with a Medtronic deep brain stimulation system showed that half of them responded to treatment after a year.

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April 23, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Buy Restore Medical

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced it has agreed to buy Restore Medical Inc. in a deal worth approximately $29 million.

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April 20, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Wins European Approval on Heart Product

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic, medical device maker, announced on Thursday it has received regulatory marking approval for its Defender embolic protection filter for use during minimally invasive surgical procedures in saphenous vein grafts and carotid arteries.

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April 18, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves Medtronic Talent Abdominal Stent Graft

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., medical device giant, announced on Wednesday, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the Talent abdominal stent graft for use on the CoilTrac delivery system.

Continue reading "FDA Approves Medtronic Talent Abdominal Stent Graft"

April 16, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Launches Software to Help Treat Parkinson's in U.S.

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has launched its Activa DBS Patient Referral Advisor software in the United States. The software first launched in Europe in 2007.

Continue reading "Medtronic Launches Software to Help Treat Parkinson's in U.S."

April 13, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Disclose Medical Event Spending on its Website

Category: Medtronic News

Beginning next month, Medtronic Inc. will start publishing on its website how much money they donate to hospitals, physicians and affiliated groups, to support medical education events.

In February, Senator Chuck Grassley, of Iowa, asked Medtronic executives and 13 other drug and medical device companies if they would agree to share how much funds they use on continuing education programs for physicians.

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April 10, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Ear Device Receives Policy Statement Approval

Category: Medtronic News

The American Academy of Otolaryngology, granted Medtronic, medical device maker, approval for a policy statement regarding Head and Neck Surgery - which concluded that the use of micropressure for Meniere's disease, including the Meniett device, is necessary when other treatments fail.

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April 02, 2008

By Marc Bern

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CRT Devices Do Little To Help Mild Heart-Failure Patients

Category: Medtronic News

A study, supported by Medtronic Inc., failed to show that an expensive implanted device intended to coordinate the beating in erratic hearts keeps patients with mild heart failure from getting worse.

Continue reading "CRT Devices Do Little To Help Mild Heart-Failure Patients"

March 31, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Study: Heart Attack Patients Benefit From Thrombus Aspiration Prior To Stenting

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has said that using the Export Aspiration Catheter prior to stenting, in patients that are suffering acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) could considerably improve blood flow and survival rates compared to conventional treatments with percutaneous coronary intervention by itself.

Continue reading "Medtronic Study: Heart Attack Patients Benefit From Thrombus Aspiration Prior To Stenting"

March 28, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Increased Death Rate Seen With Medtronic Stent System

Category: Medtronic News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a health notice advising health professionals to continue monitoring patients who have Medtronic's AneuRx stent graft system which is used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures.

Continue reading "Increased Death Rate Seen With Medtronic Stent System"

March 26, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Stent Gets Canadian Approval

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's new Endeavor drug-coated stent has received regulatory approval from Health Canada's Therapeutic Products Directorate. The FDA approved the Endeavor in February.

Continue reading "Medtronic Stent Gets Canadian Approval"

March 14, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Maximo Defibrillators Vulnerable to Hackers

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Maximo defibrillators and the monitoring system used to read them are vulnerable to hacking and reprogramming, according to a new study by the Medical Device Safety Institute in Boston.

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March 08, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Virtuoso ICD Sends SMS to Doctors

Category: Medtronic News

Doctors in Delhi, India, have successfully implanted a device on a heart patient, 55, that is able to keep tabs on cardiac problems and send SMS and emails directly to the doctor.

The device, the Medtronic Virtuoso ICD has been manufactured by UK-based Medtronic CareLink Network.

Continue reading "Medtronic Virtuoso ICD Sends SMS to Doctors"

March 03, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Supports "Sunshine Act"

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. has proposed a new bill aimed at curbing inappropriate relationships between doctors and companies and should include all medical device makers, not just the big ones.

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February 27, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Start Bifurcation Stent Clinical Trial

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. began a new clinical trial on Wednesday, implanting a human patient with a bifurcation stent for the very first time.

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February 19, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Sales Rise as Profits Plunge

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc., the largest medical device maker, has increased revenues by 12 percent in the third quarter, but profits declined sharply due to acquisition costs and legal settlements.

Continue reading "Medtronic Sales Rise as Profits Plunge"

February 15, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Bone Graft Product Approved

Category: Medtronic News

Nanostim Synthetic Bone Paste, a bone graph substitute, made by Medtronic Spinal and Biologics is now available in the European Union and other areas outside of the United States.

Continue reading "Medtronic Bone Graft Product Approved"

February 13, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves Medtronic stimulator for Back/Leg Pain

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic has won U.S. regulatory approval for an implantable neurostimulation device intended to help treat chronic back and leg pain.

Continue reading "FDA Approves Medtronic stimulator for Back/Leg Pain"

February 11, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Testing Electronic Technology for Treating Depression and Pain

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic currently markets deep brain stimulation implants that help suppress tremors in patients that suffer from brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Medtronic is launching a new study to determine if the same therapy can work for patients who suffer from depression, epilepsy and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Continue reading "Medtronic Testing Electronic Technology for Treating Depression and Pain"

February 08, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Approves New Medtronic Pain Pacemaker

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic's RestoreULTRA device, a new "pain pacemaker" was approved, Wednesday, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The device will allow patients to zap their spinal cords with small bursts of electricity when they are suffering intense leg and back pain by using an external remote control.

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February 02, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Receives FDA Approval for Endeavor Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic announced they have received approval from the FDA for its Endeavor Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System to be used in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).

CAD is the leading cause of death in the United States and affects nearly thirteen million people.

Continue reading "Medtronic Receives FDA Approval for Endeavor Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System"

February 01, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Pacemaker to Help Fight Obesity on the Horizon for Medtronic

Category: Medtronic News

In a few short years, a new pacemaker like device to help fight obesity may be available.

Researchers say the electrical implants can help those people lose weight by influencing a key nerve that signals fullness and hunger.

Experts believe the devices would not only be safer but less invasive then gastric bypass surgeries.

Companies investigating this new technology include Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson and EnteroMedics who are testing a device called Maestro. They hop for U.S. approval in 2010.

January 30, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Brain Stimulator Triggered Vivid Memories in a Canadian Man

Category: Medtronic News

A Canadian patient couldn't remember many of his lifelong special memories - until doctors connected an electrical stimulation device made by Medtronic to a portion of his brain.

When doctors turned on the device, the patient, 50, at Toronto Western Hospital and Research Institute began to suddenly see vivid memories.

Continue reading "Medtronic Brain Stimulator Triggered Vivid Memories in a Canadian Man"

January 29, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic gets FDA Approval for CGMS iPRO

Category: Medtronic News

On Tuesday, Medtronic announced they have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its GMS iPro Recorder, a continuous glucose monitoring system.

The GMS iPro is used to analyze how everyday activities can interfere and affect a patient's diabetes management.

For three days patients wear the iPro recorder. The device allows physicians to review the data recorded over the three days and use the results to determine glucose patterns which allow them to optimize patient therapy.


January 28, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Testing MRI-Friendly Pacemakers

Category: Medtronic News

One of the most common concerns for patients with pacemakers is that an MRI scan can prevent the pacemaker from properly pacing the heart.

An MRI is not a medical option for three million pacemaker patients worldwide, although it may be the only noninvasive tool available.

Continue reading "Medtronic Testing MRI-Friendly Pacemakers"

January 21, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Loses Heart Stent Appeal

Category: Medtronic News

On Monday, a U.S. appeals court in Chicago, upheld a previous ruling on a patent infringement case that found Medtronic Inc. and Boston Scientific Corp. violated a heart stent patent held by Johnson & Johnson.

Continue reading "Medtronic Loses Heart Stent Appeal"

January 16, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Start Study of Endurant Stent Grafts for AAA Treatment

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. has announced a new study that is set to start of its Endurant stent graft systems, a treatment intended for patients that suffer from abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

Continue reading "Medtronic to Start Study of Endurant Stent Grafts for AAA Treatment"

January 14, 2008

By Marc Bern

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FDA Reviewing Two Experimental Drug-Coated Stents

Category: Medtronic News

The FDA is researching two experimental drug-coated stents - Endeavor from Medtronic and Xience from Abbott Labratories.

Continue reading "FDA Reviewing Two Experimental Drug-Coated Stents"

January 11, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic to Produce New Aortic Stent

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. is set to launch a new product in the U.S. market for use in treating abdominal aortic aneurysms, potentially fatal bulges located within the body's main artery.

Continue reading "Medtronic to Produce New Aortic Stent"

January 05, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Medtronic Wins Japanese Approval for Sprint Quattro Leads

Category: Medtronic News

Medtronic Inc. announced thy have won Japanese regulatory approval for its new Sprint Quattro lead for use with implantable heart defibrillators.

This is one of the first new Medtronic leads to be approved since the recall of its Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads in October 2007.

Continue reading "Medtronic Wins Japanese Approval for Sprint Quattro Leads"

January 01, 2008

By Marc Bern

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Stents Explained

Category: Medtronic News

Stents are metal tubes used to keep clogged arteries open, a condition that can lead to heart disease and heart attacks. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer in America, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year.

Continue reading "Stents Explained"