Medtronic Acquires Technology Pioneered by FES Investigators

Posted on 10 Aug 2026

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/ Lisa McKenna

Medtronic Acquires Technology Pioneered by FES Investigators

medtronic acquires peripheral nerve stim

Congratulations to FES Center Investigators John Chae MD, P. Hunter Peckham PhD, and Maria Bennett MS, for their role in pioneering peripheral nerve stimulation technology leading to the SPRINT® Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) System.

Dr. Chae implanted the first PNS system in a stroke survivor experiencing chronic shoulder pain that had not responded to conventional treatment. The treatment resulted in significant relief with no serious adverse events, leading to additional studies to demonstrate safety and effectiveness and support FDA clearance in 2016.

The SPRINT PNS System was later commercialized by the Cleveland-based medical technology company SPR Therapeutics, founded by Bennett. The therapy is designed to provide pain relief through a 60-day, minimally invasive treatment. By the end of 2025, more than 50,000 SPRINT PNS Systems had been implanted for a variety of neuropathic pain conditions.

In July 2026, SPR was acquired by Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology. The acquisition is expected to expand patient access to the minimally invasive, non-opioid treatment for acute and chronic pain.Dr. Chae is Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at MetroHealth and Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Biomedical Engineering at CWRU. Bennett is President, CEO and Founder of SPR. Dr. Peckham is Co-Director Emeritus of the MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute, Founding Director Emeritus of the Cleveland FES Center, CWRU Distinguished University Professor Emeritus, Donnell Institute Professor Emeritus and Emeritus Professor of Biomedical Engineering.

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