Medtronic, Axon Systems Enter Agreement

Medtronic announced it entered a distribution and development agreement with Axon Systems, a developer of neuromonitoring technology used during spinal surgery.  

The first new products under the alliance will be the NIM-ECLIPSE Spinal System. NIM-ECLIPSE received 510(k) clearance in the U.S. in May 2006, Medtronic said.

This equipment will allow for as many as 32 channels of simultaneous electroencephalography, evoked potentials and electromyography monitoring.

The system also provides for automatic pedicle screw monitoring with direct nerve and screw stimulation. During spinal surgery, the NIM-Eclipse may allow physicians to monitor critical neural pathways, which helps prevent post-operative neurological deficits, the company said.