Medtronic Links Closed-Loop Pain Device to Improvements After 12 Months

Medtronic's Inceptiv closed-loop spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device has shown sustained benefits after 12 months of use, according to newly released clinical data. The device, which adapts stimulation levels based on body signals to prevent overstimulation, has led to improvements for 93% of patients in reducing overstimulation, with 88% of users preferring the closed-loop feature. After 12 months, 91% of patients reported no uncomfortable stimulation during daily activities, and over 80% experienced significant reductions in low-back pain. Additionally, 50% of patients reduced or stopped opioid use. The product, which won FDA approval in April 2024, has already driven double-digit growth in Medtronic's pain stimulation unit, helping the company achieve nearly 13% growth in its neuromodulation business during its fiscal second quarter.

Inceptiv is the first closed-loop system to be launched by a major pain stimulation player in the U.S., setting it apart from open-loop systems offered by Medtronic’s competitors like Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Nevro. The system’s ability to adjust stimulation based on body signals has positioned it as a key differentiator in the market, contributing to the strong growth of Medtronic's SCS business. Analysts have predicted that Inceptiv will help Medtronic regain market share, particularly after a period of losing ground to Abbott, making it a significant part of the company’s strategy for expanding its neuromodulation portfolio.