Medtronic PLC announced the CE (Conformité Européenne) mark and European launch of the Visualase MRI-guided laser ablation system. The Visualase system provides advanced MRI-guided laser ablation technology and can be used in neurosurgery procedures.

With the Visualase system, laser energy is delivered to the target area using an applicator. As light is delivered through the applicator, temperatures in the target area begin to rise, destroying the unwanted soft tissue

The Visualase procedures are guided by MRI images and provide precise and controlled ablation. Because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, patients typically go home the next day.

The Visualase system received FDA clearance in the U.S. in July 2007 to necrotize or coagulate soft tissue. Medtronic is currently involved in a pivotal SLATE (stereotactic laser ablation for temporal lobe epilepsy) study in the U.S. to support an expanded FDA indication for the treatment of epilepsy in patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common form of partial or localization related epilepsy.

Medtronic is a developer of medical technology, services, and solutions for the health industry.