Neurostimulator News/Pain Therapy

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Medtronic Says FDA Clears Smaller Neurostimulator (mentions peripheral

nerves)

MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters Health) Jan 03 - Medtronic Inc. said on Thursday

that US regulators approved its Synergy Versitrel neurostimulator, a

third and smaller addition to the Medtronic line of totally implantable

treatments for chronic pain.

Medtronic's Synergy systems are members of its line of products for pain

therapy using implantable drug pumps and other neurostimulators. These

medical devices deliver

medication or mild electrical pulses to the area near the spinal cord or

to peripheral nerves to block pain signals moving to the brain.

The medical device firm said its newest neurostimulator is about 20%

smaller than the existing Synergy neurostimulator and is designed for

patients who are not considered candidates for the larger device.

Chronic pain afflicts about 25% of the US population and 50% of patients

with cancer. Caused by a variety of injuries and diseases, the condition

costs the country an estimated $100 billion a year in medical costs and

most commonly affects the

lower back and legs.

Copyright © 2001 Reuters Ltd.