Medtronic acquires Image-Guided Neurologics to improve deep brain
stimulation surgery
4 September 2005
Minneapolis, USA. Medtronic has acquired Image-Guided Neurologics (IGN)
of Melbourne, Florida, a privately held company that specialises in
precision navigation and delivery technologies for brain surgery. The IGN
product line, which includes the NexFrame disposable, “frameless”
stereotactic head frame, strengthens Medtronic’s position in deep brain
stimulation (DBS) by offering instruments that simplify the procedure for
surgeons and improve patient comfort during surgery.
The traditional surgical approach to implanting the leads of Medtronic’s
Activa® Therapy neurostimulation system for a DBS procedure involves
attaching a stereotactic head frame to the patient. The metal frame allows
surgeons to accurately guide the leads to a specific location within the
brain, but does not allow patient mobility during a procedure that can last
several hours. In contrast, the NexFrame replaces the heavy frame with a
small, disposable guidance device that is more comfortable, less stressful
on the neck and allows the patient to move and change positions during
surgery.
The NexFrame is used in conjunction with image-guided surgery systems
that provide surgeons with real-time tracking and verification of the DBS
lead’s trajectory and location within the brain. Use of frameless technology
can reduce operating time by as much as 90 minutes. Because the frame is
disposable, which eliminates the need to sterilize and reset the traditional
frame system, surgeons have the opportunity to perform multiple operations
each day.
“We know that many neurosurgeons are more comfortable performing
image-guided surgical procedures than using traditional stereotactic head
frames,” said Todd Langevin, vice president and general manager, global
movement disorders, Medtronic Neurological. “We believe the seamless
integration of IGN technology with our proven Activa Therapy will increase
the number of surgeons who regularly perform these life-altering procedures,
while improving the patient experience.”
Medtronic helped pioneer DBS through the development of its Activa
Therapy to treat the three most common movement disorders, Parkinson’s
disease, essential tremor and dystonia. To date, more than 30,000 patients
worldwide have received Activa Therapy. The company is exploring other
potential applications for DBS to treat neurological disorders such as
epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
Websites for further information:
www.igneurologics.com/
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www.medtronic.com/
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