New use for Medtronic stent: erectile dysfunction

<p>Medtronic Inc., which develops vascular technology in Santa Rosa, is launching a clinical study of a stent to treat erectile dysfunction, the company said Tuesday. </p><p>The stent system is based on technology developed in Santa Rosa, said spokesman Joe McGrath. </p><p>Stents are tiny mesh tubes implanted in arteries to keep blood flowing. The feasibility study will examine a drug-coated stent implanted in the pelvic artery to increase blood flow to the penis. </p><p>Fifty men will take part in the trials at about 10 U.S. medical centers. The proposed therapy is targeted at men who aren’t helped by drugs such as Cialis, Viagra and Levitra. Results are expected in 2011. </p><p>“Erectile dysfunction represents an unmet medical need for physicians and patients,” said Sean Salmon, vice president and general manager of Medtronic’s Santa Rosa-based Coronary and Peripheral business. “The study represents Medtronic’s interest in addressing this need, while also serving as a potential opportunity to broaden our pipeline of interventional therapies.”</p>