Medtronic 2009 Annual Report Download - page 16

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“I provide Medtronic
with firsthand medical
knowledge. For example, I
showed Martin the best
place to put the tines on
the lead and which tissue
layer would provide the
most stability for the
tines.”
Dr. Michele Spinelli
with Martin Gerber, Medtronic engineer
Centro Alberto Zanollo
Unità Spinale—Ospedale Niguarda
Milan, Italy
Since our founding, Medtronic has brought numerous
revolutionary medtech therapies to market before anyone else.
A key reason for our success: extensive collaboration with
physicians—the people who use our products and are closest
to the patients.
One such relationship yielded significant enhancements to our
InterStim Therapy, helping us improve the lives of more patients
and grow sales. InterStim treats the symptoms of voiding
dysfunctions, including overactive bladder and urinary retention.
It’s an implantable neurostimulator that uses mild electrical pulses
to continuously stimulate the sacral nerves that innervate the
pelvic floor and lower urinary tract. When we introduced the
product in 1997, the therapy was effective, but the implant
procedure was complex and invasive. To keep the lead wire from
dislodging, it had to be sutured in place, requiring a 4-inch incision
and general anesthesia in a 2- to 3-hour operation.
Through brainstorming and collaboration, Medtronic U.S.
Senior Program Director Martin Gerber and Italian urologist
Dr. Michele Spinelli developed a better implant procedure.
“We discussed methods for making the surgery less invasive so it
would be better for patients,” said Dr. Spinelli. “Martin contributed
technical expertise, and I provided guidance on anatomical
configurations and surgical techniques.”
The result was a lead wire that can be inserted less invasively,
requiring only a few-millimeter prick. The lead wire features
several tines, or anchors, along the shaft, so it automatically
anchors into muscle fascia. “By eliminating the need for an incision
all the way to bone, we made the surgery much easier on patients
and surgeons,” said Medtronic’s Gerber. “An added benefit is that
patients only need local sedation, so we can get their feedback
about best placement during surgery, leading to better
outcomes.”
In the two years following our introduction of the new
procedure, worldwide sales of InterStim increased more than 50
percent. Since then, we’ve also made the device smaller and
lighter, so it’s even more comfortable for patients.
Collaborate to Speed Innovation
12