Medtronic’s Compact Intellis Implantable Neurostimulation System Cleared in Europe

Medtronic won European regulatory approval for its Intellis system, which can be used for either spinal cord or peripheral nerve neurostimulation to help relieve chronic pain. This is currently the smallest implantable spinal cord stimulator on the market, which was released in the U.S. only a couple of months ago.

The Intellis implant delivers both high-dose and low-dose therapy, depending on the patient’s needs, and tracks patient activity to help physicians improve how the therapy targets an individual’s pain.

It wirelessly interfaces with a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 tablet, which is used by the physician to adjust settings and set parameters that best address the patient’s needs. The same tablet can be used to upgrade the neurostimulator implant with new versions of its firmware.

The included “Overdrive” technology allows the implant to recharge completely in about an hour. To help reduce range anxiety, the app on the Samsung tablet provides estimates of how long the device will last on a charge based on selected parameters combined with data gathered previously on the patient’s activity levels and pain reduction requirements.

Of note, the implant is safe to wear while inside an MRI, as long as precautions are taken. Even full body scans are possible, so having the device does not limit the patient’s future diagnostic options.