Medtronic SpecifyTM SureScanTM MRI Surgical Leads Rounds Out Exclusive
Portfolio Designed for Access to Full-Body MRI*
BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 8, 2016 /CNW/ - Medtronic Canada, a subsidiary
of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), announced the Health Canada licence and the first Canadian implants of the new Specify™ SureScan™ MRI
surgical leads, which are indicated for use as part of Medtronic's implanted neurostimulation systems (also known as spinal cord
stimulation, or SCS) for chronic pain. In 2013, Medtronic introduced the first implantable neurostimulation systems for use in the
treatment of chronic, intractable back and/or limb pain that are licenced for full-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans
under specified conditions. The licencing of Specify SureScan MRI surgical leads establishes Medtronic as the only company in
Canada with a full portfolio of SCS systems licenced by Health Canada for full-body MRI.* This
means physicians in Canada can now offer a Medtronic full-body MR Conditional SCS system best
suited for their patients regardless of the type of neurostimulator (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or lead type (percutaneous
or surgical).
"The majority of patients implanted with SCS devices will need MRI studies in the future, and until now they have either
undergone other more invasive examinations or had the SCS device explanted. Physicians and patients can now approach this therapy
with the confidence that their ability to access future diagnostic procedures won't be lost. This innovation has raised the bar in
the delivery of neuromodulation for treatment-refractory neuropathic pain" said Dr. Mohammed F.
Shamji MD, PhD, FRCSC, neurosurgeon at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre at Toronto Western Hospital.
"An important development in the field of neuromodulation is the availability of MRI conditional devices. These devices allow
for patients to undergo routine MRIs and continue to benefit from neuromodulation therapy - a previously unmet need for many of our
patients. Our team is pleased that we can now offer this technology as a potential treatment option." said Dr. Suneil Kalia, MD, PhD, FRCSC, neurosurgeon at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre at Toronto Western Hospital.
Back pain is estimated to affect 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives.1 For some people, noninvasive
options, such as medication and physical therapy, provide adequate relief; others may require surgery, nerve blocks, or medical
devices, such as spinal cord stimulators or drug pumps. Spinal cord stimulators are medical devices implanted under the skin that
send mild electrical pulses to an area near the spine. These pulses disrupt the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and
the brain, offering patients effective pain relief and improved function.2
"The use of MRI as a diagnostic tool has grown significantly. Studies show that 82 percent of patients implanted with a SCS are
expected to need an MRI within five years of receiving their implant.3 Medtronic appreciates the opportunity to offer
physicians the only full portfolio of SCS systems in Canada that allow patients access to
full-body MRIs, facilitating optimal patient care and timely interventions," said Sandrine Moirez, senior business director of the
Restorative Therapies Group at Medtronic Canada. "Medtronic remains committed to the advancement of spinal cord stimulation therapy
overall and continues to drive technological advancements to ensure greater access to MRIs across many of our implanted Medtronic
systems, such as pacemakers, ICDs and deep brain stimulation systems."
While the benefits of neurostimulation therapy are well documented, some individuals with an SCS system have traditionally been
limited when receiving MRI scans, as the scans produce electromagnetic fields that can damage the device or cause injury to the
patient. These patients have the option of undergoing computerized tomography (CT) scans, which work well for imaging bones and
other hard materials, but are less effective in examining soft tissue. In some cases, people needing an MRI have had the system
explanted prior to imaging.
Additional benefits of the Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy include:
- Technology that is proven to significantly relieve pain for the long term4 and help patients get back to the
everyday activities they enjoy.2
- The opportunity for patients to "test drive" spinal cord stimulation with an external stimulator for a 3 to 10 day trial
period during which they can assess how well the therapy relieves their pain during daily activities before committing to
long-term therapy.
- RestoreSensor™ SureScan MRI systems feature Medtronic's AdaptiveStim™ technology, which adjusts stimulation automatically.
Patients no longer have to use their programmer to make manual adjustments every time they change position.
- Personalization that empowers patients to manage their own pain therapy by adjusting their stimulation within pre-set
limits.
About Medtronic
Medtronic Canada (www.medtronic.ca), headquartered
in Brampton, Ontario is a subsidiary of Medtronic plc, which is among the world's largest medical
technology, services and solutions companies — alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around
the world. Medtronic is proud to employ over 1,600 people in Canada, serving physicians, hospitals
and patients across the country. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare
Further, Together.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports
on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
References
1 Web site: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/backpain.html Accessed: February 10, 2016
2 Kumar K, Taylor RS, Jacques L, et al. Spinal cord stimulation versus conventional medical management for neuropathic
pain: a multicentre randomized controlled trial in patients with failed back surgery syndrome. Pain. 2007;132:179-188.
3 Desai MJ, Hargens LM, Breitenfeldt MD, Doth AH, Ryan MP, Gunnarsson C, Safriel Y. The rate of magnetic resonance
imaging in patients with spinal cord stimulation. Spine. 2015 May 1;40(9):E531-.
4 Kumar K, Taylor RS, Jacques L, et al. The effects of spinal cord stimulation in neuropathic pain are sustained: a
24-month follow-up of the prospective randomized controlled multicenter trial of the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation.
Neurosurgery. 2008;63(4):762-770.
* Under specific conditions. Refer to Instructions for Use.
SOURCE Medtronic of Canada, Ltd.
