Opportunities to Apply Cardio Device Tech Elsewhere

Neurology-related PMAs have reached a noticeable level, providing a sign that cardio tech from medical devices such as pacemakers is being employed in other areas, according to the Minnesota-based Medical Alley Association's new analysis of medical device approval data from FDA and Evaluate Ltd.'s EvaluateMedTech report.

Chris Newmarker

All of this know-how--not to mention tried and true regulatory pathways--has been built over the decades when it comes to pacemakers and their ability to deliver therapeutic electric shocks inside people's bodies. Now neurology devices using similar technology to target the nervous system versus the heart are receiving PMAs, providing a sign that cardio tech is translating into other areas and spurring innovation. 

Neurology devices that received PMAs last year included EnteroMedics' Maestro Rechargeable System, which acts like a pacemaker that targets the nerve that runs between the brain and the stomach to control feelings of hunger and fullness. Greatbatch received a PMA for its Algovita spinal cord stimulation system to treat chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs. Greatbatch spun off the part of the company that created the device into a new company called Nuvectra.

"Being able to modulate your nerves--there's so much opportunity there, to mediate for pain, neuroregenerative, blood pressure, obesity, weight loss. ... It's exciting to think about all this technology and expertise used on other applications," says Cheryl Matter, PhD, vice president of intelligence and research at the Minnesota-based Medical Alley Association.

Chris Newmarker is senior editor of Qmed and MPMN. Follow him on Twitter at @newmarker.

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