DUBLIN, Nov. 04, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today filed a lawsuit against Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc. (“Axonics”) alleging infringement of patents related to Medtronic’s minimally invasive sacral neuromodulation lead placement procedure and implant recharging technologies. The suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, seeking injunctive relief and damages for infringement.

“Medtronic is the leader in minimally-invasive technology innovations in the field of sacral neuromodulation, making meaningful treatment options for people affected by bladder and bowel dysfunction,” said Brooke Story, vice president and general manager of the Pelvic Health and Gastric Therapies business, which is part of the Restorative Therapies Group at Medtronic. “Our many years of research and development in sacral neuromodulation, in partnership with physicians, has enabled us to create technology to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients. We’ve developed various aspects of sacral neuromodulation and related technologies for decades, including percutaneous implantable delivery techniques, recharging technologies, as well as microstimulators. Our intellectual property is a critical component in making such advancements possible.”

The complaint can be found here.

“Medtronic welcomes competitors and we believe competition drives innovation and broader market awareness, which is good for the industry and for patients,” said Story. “However, Medtronic is also committed to protecting our proprietary technology and intellectual property, which drives our ability to continue to innovate.”

About Medtronic InterStim Therapy for Bladder and Bowel Control
Medtronic is the first and leading provider of neuromodulation solutions for bladder and bowel control issues. Sacral neuromodulation therapy delivered by the InterStim system was first approved over twenty years ago and has helped more than 300,000 patients worldwide.

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

-end-

Eric Epperson
Public Relations
+1-901-344-1435

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626