In this blog, we’ll look at one of the revolutionary technologies we use in our practices at The Pain Center: Medtronic.
- What is Medtronic?
- What is Medtronic famous for?
- What all does Medtronic make?
- How much does a Medtronic pump cost?
- How does TPC utilize Medtronic?
What is Medtronic?
Medtronic is a global medical technology company that develops and manufactures medical devices and therapies to treat various conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and spine-related disorders.
What is Medtronic Famous for?
Medtronic is famous for its innovative medical devices that promote quality of life in those with chronic diseases. Medtronic is best known for its revolutionary cardiac devices, including battery-powered and miniature pacemakers.
In 2022, Medtronic topped the list of medical device companies racking up $30.12B in revenue. They cater to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals globally with consistently high demands.
What All Does Medtronic Make?
Medtronic offers numerous medical devices and therapies to support people with different medical and chronic conditions, including insulin pumps, pacemakers, and diabetes therapies. Their products and treatments focus on managing chronic pain due to debilitating diseases.
Heart and Vascular Diseases
- Pacemakers
- Defibrillators
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices
- Heart valves
- Coronary stents
- Vascular grafts
- Peripheral vascular devices
Minimally Invasive Therapies
- Surgical navigation products
- Imaging systems
- Powered surgical tools
- Advanced stapling systems
- Electrosurgical instruments
- Patient monitoring systems.
Restorative Therapies
- Spinal cord stimulators
- Implantable neurostimulation systems
- Deep brain stimulation systems
- Drug infusion systems
- Insulin pumps
Diabetes Management
- Insulin pumps
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems
- Glucose sensors
- Insulin pens
Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, and Renal Support
- Ventilators
- Airway management devices
- Enteral feeding devices
- Gastrointestinal stents
- Renal care products.
Specialty Therapies Group
- Surgical technologies for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures
- Products for the treatment of certain urological and gynecological conditions
How Much Does a Medtronic Pump Cost?
On average, a Medtronic pump costs between $5,000 to $8,500 depending on model, insurance coverage, and whether it’s brand new or resold. Medtronic Diabetes Australia reports a Medtronic insulin pump’s current cost is $8,574. Some insurance policies cover the costs of insulin pumps, and financing options are also available to make the costs manageable. Medtronic states on their site that you’ll pay around $49 monthly over a 48-month period considering insurance coverage.
How Does TPC Utilize Medtronic?
The Pain Center uses Medtronic in two of our branded treatments: TPC Nerve Stim & TPC Intrathecal.
TPC Nerve Stim
TPC Nerve Stim (Peripheral Nerve Stimulation) is a treatment technique targeted at patients with peripheral neuropathy and related conditions. TPC Nerve Stim offers relief to patients who have not responded to conservative therapies by reducing pain signals that travel from the spinal cord to the brain.
The procedure utilizes the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) or peripheral nerve solution, chosen based on the individual patient’s presentation and context, providing tailored and minimally invasive surgical options for chronic pain management. TPC Nerve Stim works by implanting a non-invasive small, electrical wire along the damaged nerves and delivering rapid electrical pulses to relieve pain.
TPC Intrathecal
TPC Intrathecal (TPC Intrathecal Pain Pump) uses an intrathecal pain pump system to deliver pain medication directly to the spinal cord. This medical device is surgically implanted beneath the skin in the abdominal area and employs a catheter to transport medicine instantly to the spinal cord. Patients can actively manage their symptoms using an intrathecal pain pump while reducing the risk of addiction and other adverse side effects.
A pain management specialist programs the pump to release medication gradually over a specific timeframe, and adjustments can be made by the physician as the patient’s needs evolve. Intrathecal pain pumps are often recommended for individuals experiencing failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), cancer pain, arachnoiditis, and chronic pancreatitis.