Medtronic Begins Study of Rechargeable Neurostimulation System

Researchers recently implanted in the first patient in the U.S. a new, high-power investigational neurostimulation system being developed by Medtronic for chronic pain patients.

The implant launched a nationwide, multicenter study of the Restore System, an innovative therapy with features that include a battery life not available with currently approved devices on the market for chronic pain. The system's design allows patients to intermittently recharge the battery by themselves. It also is intended to reduce physician burden by offering multiple program options, and to decrease the number of physician visits required to manually program the devices.

The first U.S. patient is a woman who has suffered for more than 10 years from chronic back and leg pain associated with failed back syndrome -- one of the most common forms of chronic pain.