Medtronic's Altaviva and Spyral Systems Gain Major CPT Code Approvals

Medtronic's Latest Advancement in Healthcare Technology: CPT Code Approvals for Altaviva and Symplicity Spyral Systems

Medtronic plc, a prominent leader in the healthcare technology sector, has announced the groundbreaking approval of new Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes for their cutting-edge technologies, the Altaviva™ implantable tibial neuromodulation device and the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system. Approved by the American Medical Association (AMA), these codes signify a pivotal moment in the healthcare landscape, offering increased accessibility and robust support for treatments targeting urge urinary incontinence and uncontrolled hypertension.

Implications for the Healthcare Community

The newly introduced CPT codes, effective from January 2028, will replace the existing Category III codes, solidifying the clinical legitimacy of these emerging procedures. These approvals suggest a broader recognition among physicians and the clinical community regarding the efficacy and safety of Medtronic's innovative solutions. Lindsay Bockstedt, vice president of health economics, policy, and reimbursement at Medtronic, emphasized that these approvals reflect substantial clinical evidence and an increase in physician adoption of their technologies. She stated, "This decision by the AMA represents meaningful progress in the reimbursement pathway for these technologies, as Medtronic remains committed to reducing barriers to broader adoption and patient access."

Understanding the Technologies

Altaviva™ Implantable Tibial Neuromodulation Device

The Altaviva device is designed to treat urge urinary incontinence (UUI), a condition that affects approximately 16 million adults in the United States. The FDA approved the device in September 2025, providing a solution for patients who have not found success with traditional treatments. The device itself is about half the size of a chewing gum stick and is placed under the skin near the ankle via a minimally invasive procedure. It delivers gentle stimulation to the tibial nerve, facilitating communication between the bladder and brain, ultimately improving symptoms related to bladder leakage. Notably, this device does not require imaging for implantation, only local anesthesia, enabling a faster recovery and activation timeframe.

Symplicity Spyral™ Renal Denervation System

The Symplicity Spyral RDN system presents a revolutionary approach to treating hypertension that doesn't respond to medication. This minimally invasive procedure delivers radiofrequency energy to overactive nerves near the kidneys, which significantly contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. After administering sedation, doctors utilize a catheter to reach the renal arteries and apply thermal energy, calming the excessive nerve activity before removing the catheter without leaving an implant behind. The clinical program associated with this technology represents one of the most extensive studies involving over 5,000 patients, demonstrating not only its effectiveness but also its safety across diverse populations.

The Path Forward: Commitment to Innovation and Accessibility

Both CPT code approvals underscore Medtronic's unwavering commitment to innovation in healthcare technology and underscore its mission: to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life for patients worldwide. Medtronic operates with a team of over 95,000 individuals globally, offering therapies that address 70 health conditions, including serious cardiovascular diseases and chronic health issues. The incorporation of these new CPT codes supports not only the financial aspects of medical practice but enhances overall patient access to vital therapeutic solutions.

In conclusion, the AMA’s new approvals of Category I CPT codes for Medtronic’s Altaviva and Symplicity Spyral systems are not just administrative updates in medical coding; they are indicative of a transformative shift in the healthcare landscape that prioritizes patient access and emphasizes evidence-based practices. For patients facing the challenges of urge urinary incontinence and uncontrolled hypertension, these developments herald a new era of effective treatment options. Medtronic, through its continued innovation and commitment to addressing unmet medical needs, is undoubtedly playing a significant role in shaping the future of patient care and outcomes in healthcare.