Medtronic plc Partners with Merit Medical Systems, Inc. to Launch Innovative ViaVerte™ BVNA System for Chronic Back Pain Treatment
Published: 27 Mar 2026
Author: Precedence Research
On March 24, 2026, Medtronic plc has announced a strategic distribution agreement with Merit Medical Systems, Inc. to commercialize the FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ system, a minimally invasive solution designed for basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) to treat chronic vertebrogenic lower-back pain. The ViaVerte™ system stands out as the first and only BVNA technology equipped with a physician-controlled, steerable mechanism that enables highly precise targeting of the basivertebral nerve, improving procedural accuracy and patient outcomes. This agreement marks a significant expansion of Medtronic’s pain management portfolio and strengthens its long-standing collaboration with Merit Medical.
The partnership builds on existing product synergies, as Merit currently supplies key components such as Kyphon™ Xpander™ Inflation Syringes and Kyphon™ KyphoFlex™ steerable balloon catheters used in vertebral compression fracture treatments. By integrating ViaVerte™ into its offerings, Medtronic continues to advance its leadership in interventional pain therapies while reinforcing its commitment to innovation and patient-centric solutions.
The agreement comes amid a growing demand for effective chronic pain treatments, with the American Chronic Pain Association estimating that nearly one in three Americans experience chronic pain. BVNA has emerged as a rapidly expanding therapy for patients suffering from vertebrogenic lower-back pain linked to damaged vertebral endplates, offering a targeted and durable treatment approach. Expected to be available later this year, the ViaVerte™ system enables a same-day outpatient procedure, reducing recovery time and enhancing patient convenience compared to traditional surgical interventions.
Medtronic emphasized that the addition of this advanced, implant-free solution aligns with its long-term strategy to broaden access to innovative pain management options, including spinal cord stimulation, vertebral augmentation, nerve ablation, and targeted drug delivery systems. Leadership from both companies highlighted the collaboration as a milestone in delivering next-generation medical technologies that support physicians and improve patient outcomes. The introduction of ViaVerte™ is expected to further accelerate adoption of BVNA therapies globally, positioning both companies at the forefront of the evolving chronic pain treatment landscape while addressing a critical unmet clinical need.
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