Medtronic Launches Its First Integrated Power Console (IPC™) Platform For Use In Spinal, Cranial, And Ear, Nose, And Throat Surgeries

Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 07 Jan 2009 - 5:00 PST

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Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced the launch of the Integrated Power Console (IPC™) platform, its first multispecialty surgical power console for use in spinal, cranial, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries. The console powers Medtronic's Midas Rex® Legend EHS® and Legend EHS Stylus® drills, used primarily in spinal and cranial applications, and the Straightshot® M4 Microdebrider, Visao,® and Skeeter® drills used in ENT and neurotology procedures. The console also powers the newly released Midas Rex Spine Shaver, which enables powered tissue removal during spinal surgeries.

"The IPC platform goes a long way toward helping hospitals streamline their ORs," said Bob Blankemeyer, president of the Surgical Technologies business and senior vice president at Medtronic. "It is our first, true cross-specialty power platform and represents a significant advancement from power consoles previously available in the neurologic, spine and ENT markets. The powered instruments we design in the coming years will be built to run on the IPC platform."

To increase functionality, the console includes integrated irrigation with IntelliFlow™ remote control and redesigned tubing, plus expanded handpiece options. An intuitive touchscreen interface, IV-pole mount and the three-button non-slip foot pedal make the IPC system easy to use.

Along with the IPC platform, Medtronic launched the Stim Bur Guard for the Visao High-Speed Otologic Drill. Stim Bur technology works with Medtronic's NIM-Response® 2.0 and NIM-Neuro® 2.0 intraoperative nerve monitors to alert surgeons of proximity to the facial nerve during surgery. It is the first and only commercially available surgical tool that combines an electric drill with stimulation.

The Spine Shaver offers an alternative to multi-instrument techniques for spinal surgery by allowing rapid, controlled tissue removal through a single entry point. This technology allows surgeons to reduce the number of passes into the surgical space, while the aspirating blade allows for rapid excision.

About the Surgical Technologies Business at Medtronic

Medtronic's Surgical Technologies business develops products for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat; surgical devices and implantable products for the treatment of cranial, spinal and specialty small-bone conditions; and state-of-the-art navigation equipment used in operating rooms to assist physicians in neuro and spinal surgery procedures.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Medtronic