First Human Implant of New Medtronic Device Successful

Medtronic Inc. announced the first human use of the Kinetra Neurostimulator device for treatment of people suffering from Essential Tremor or Parkinson's disease. Because many patients require leads implanted on both sides of the brain to control their shaking and involuntary movement on both sides of their body, the Kinetra Neurostimulator accommodates two extensions (connected to two leads), thereby eliminating the need to implant two separate neurostimulation devices.

Kinetra Neurostimulators were implanted into two patients on the same day in Vienna, Austria. Both patients are recovering normally and have shown improvement in their symptoms.