We engineer life-transforming solutions that put people first.

Shamay manages her condition using a Medtronic device.

Advances in healthcare technology are giving people more treatment choices than ever. Choices that help them spend more time doing what they love and less time worrying about their medical conditions. With advanced computing and hyper-personalization, our technology focuses on each patient — minimizing the disruptions of intrusive therapies.

New treatment options

Our scientists and engineers provide people with the tools to take charge of their health — like a new partnership with Amazon to deliver pill-sized cameras to patients’ doorsteps. The technology uses the power of data and AI to personalize diagnoses in remote endoscopy procedures. For those with chronic pain, diabetes, and heart disease, new treatments and advanced therapies offer more options. And with digital technology such as remote monitoring and Bluetooth^™*-enabled implantable medical devices, we’re transforming how patients and their providers stay connected.

A mother and her son and daughter, sitting on a couch, watching TV together.

When ordinary is extraordinary

When it comes to caring for people, innovation alone is not enough. Behind the scenes, our engineers bring creativity and a passion for problem-solving to their work. It’s that drive to improve people’s lives that results in breakthrough solutions and helps patients return to their regular activities. Like a pain management therapy that helped a grandmother get back to her active lifestyle. Or a stroke treatment that had a significant impact on one young mother.

Read how

State-of-the-art technology

For patients coping with complex and challenging medical conditions, time outside a physician’s office or hospital is precious. Using state-of-the-art technology, we’re creating long-lasting batteries for implantable medical devices, giving patients more time between surgeries and appointments. For example, the battery technology used in our latest sacral neuromodulation system for incontinence is built to last for 15 years. The system includes technology that allows a patient to have an MRI scan with an implantable device and access to a “smart” patient programmer so they can adjust their therapy or receive help without having to go to a doctor’s office. Shamay Bullington, an active mother of twins, was among the first people in the United States to receive the system. “Now I am able to live my life without limits, and it’s a beautiful thing,” Shamay says.

Medtronic patient Rebecca Clements dances with her husband.

Getting back on the dance floor

Rebecca Clements loved to dance with her husband. But chronic, debilitating back pain eventually left her immobile and dependent on morphine. After having a device implanted for spinal cord stimulation, the positive effects were immediate for Rebecca, who has now resumed some of her favorite activities — including dancing. “It’s just amazing,” she says. “I walked into the hospital [leaning] on my cane and walked out holding it.”

Managing pain without pills

For many living with chronic pain, the day starts with a glass of water and a regimen of pills. A recent federal survey found that 46% of all Americans used one or more prescription drugs in the last 30 days.¹ While pain medications can provide relief to patients, some may pose additional risks. The misuse of opioids, for example, has triggered an addiction epidemic, especially in the United States. Until recently, people had few alternatives to pills that eliminated the cause or managed chronic pain. We are working to change that. Already, we offer spinal cord stimulation and targeted drug delivery therapies proven to help treat pain. Our balloon kyphoplasty procedure also provides relief for patients with vertebral compression fractures, potentially reducing the need for pain medications.

Greater control with connected care

In today’s digital age, our phones are often an extension of ourselves. We use them to shop for groceries, check our savings account, and hail rides. Now, with medical devices that connect to smartphones and tablets, we’re putting the power of healthcare into people’s hands. Many of our devices can communicate directly with smartphones and tablets via mobile apps, making coordinating care with doctors easier and — during the pandemic — safer.

In fact, Medtronic is the only company whose entire portfolio of cardiac implantable electronic devices is compatible with a smartphone app. And our smartphone-connected insulin pump system can be used for patients as young as 2 years old, giving parents peace of mind about their children’s care. Why is this important? Studies show patients involved in their healthcare decisions are not only more satisfied with their care, but also tend to have better outcomes.² People deserve nothing less.

Lifesaving technology

During a conference call with his manager, Simon Henley experienced sudden cardiac arrest. His wife, Martha, administered CPR until an ambulance arrived. Emergency surgery was performed to implant a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to continuously monitor Simon’s heart and automatically deliver therapies when necessary. It didn't take long for the ICD to prove its worth. Only months later, Simon’s heart rate skyrocketed. This prompted the ICD to deliver a lifesaving shock and alert his doctor. Without Simon having to think about it, the technology was making a difference.

Disruptive technology for better outcomes

Innovation is at the core of what we do. Our engineering mindset inspires us to run with our best ideas, especially when they make life easier for patients. What good is the latest gadget if it doesn’t help people? Our disruptive technology is opening new frontiers in medicine, and we are continually pushing to deliver better treatment options.

Martin CB, Hales CM, Gu Q, Ogden CL. Prescription drug use in the United States, 2015-2016. NCHS Data Brief. 2019;(334):1-8.
Hibbard J, Greene J. What the evidence shows about patient activation: better health outcomes and care experiences; fewer data on costs. Health aff (Project Hope). 2013; 32(2):207-14.

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