By Varun Saxena
Medtronic ($MDT) announced the first implants of its deep brain stimulation system in conjunction with its bioabsorbable antibacterial envelope to prevent surgical site infections. The milestone occurred at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Medtronic also said it plans to soon make the technology available for use with its neurostimulators for chronic pain and bladder/bowel control disorders.
Medtronic inherited the TYRX Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope via last year’s acquisition of 2012 Fierce 15 member TYRX for $159 million upfront plus milestone payments. The mesh device releases the antibacterial minocycline and rifampin over at least 7 days, and is fully absorbed by the body after 9 weeks.
“Medtronic is committed to providing technologies that improve patient outcomes,” said Lothar Krinke, vice president and general manager of Medtronic’s brain modulation unit, in a statement. “Reducing the risk of infection is very important as patients and their physicians consider DBS as a treatment option.”
