Medtronic Enters Exclusive U.S. Distribution Agreement with Contego Medical to Expand Carotid Portfolio

Medtronic has signed an exclusive distribution agreement in the United States with Contego Medical to distribute its products for carotid and peripheral vascular disease revascularization.

Since 2020, Medtronic has held a minority equity investment in this North Carolina-based company. The agreement includes increasing investment and allows Medtronic the option to fully acquire Contego Medical at a later date.

This move is part of a larger trend in interventional cardiology, where the volume of carotid artery stenting procedures is increasing. This stems from October 2023.Changes in Medicare Carotid Stent Placement National Coverage Determination (NCD) in China, which increases the number of patients eligible for reimbursement. Experts predict that this will lead to an increase in the volume of CAS procedures.

“Contego's innovation, backed by outstanding data, is transforming the treatment of carotid artery disease and complementing Medtronic's peripheral and stroke protection portfolio.Medtronic Senior Vice President and President of Peripheral Vascular HealthDavid Moeller"In a statement, they said, 'This strategic agreement with Contego Medical expands our commitment to this rapidly growing carotid market.'"

The agreement includes Contego Medical's commercially available product portfolio, includingExcipio Peripheral ThrombectomyEquipment and recently received FDA approvalNeuroguard Carotid Stent System。

The Neuroguard IEP System combines a stent, post-dilation balloon, and an integrated embolic protection filter. According to Contego Medical,PERFORMANCE I TRIALAndPERFORMANCE II IDE TrialConsistently recording an unprecedented low event rate, with no severe strokes, zero neurological deaths, and stent thrombosis up to two years post-treatment using the Neuroguard IEP System. The company is currently evaluating the Neuroguard IEP System alongside the next-generation direct transcarotid access and protection system, TCAR-IEP.PERFORMANCE III TrialIn China, regardless of the vascular access approach used, advanced stroke protection can be provided, but it has not yet been launched in the United States.

"This strategic agreement marks an important milestone for Contego Medical and Medtronic. By combining our innovative product portfolio with Medtronic's extensive market presence and clinical leadership, we have the ability to revolutionize revascularization treatments in the fields of carotid and peripheral vascular diseases," said the founder and CEO of Contego Medical.M.D. Ravish Sachar"This partnership enhances our ability to provide the most advanced solutions for patients and strengthens our commitment to expanding access in the United States," stated in the same announcement.

Medtronic stated that it plans to begin distributing Contego Medical's product portfolio by the spring of 2025.