Merit offers the FDA-cleared ViaVerte minimally invasive, implant-free basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) system. Medtronic describes it as the first and only BVNA system with a physician-controlled steerable mechanism for precise basivertebral nerve targeting for treating chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain.
ViaVerte offers a minimally invasive, same-day outpatient procedure for chronic pain.
Adding a BNVA system to the Medtronic portfolio pits it against Boston Scientific in the space. Boston Scientific offers the Intracept BVNA system, which it picked up through its 2023 acquisition of Relievant Medsystems. Stryker also won FDA clearance for its own BVNA system in May 2025.
Medtronic said the agreement continues its momentum in strategic deals that boost its core franchises. It also expands the medtech giant’s ongoing relationship with Merit, which currently supplies Medtronic’s Kyphon KyphoFlex unipedicular balloon catheter.
The companies expect to make the ViaVerte BVNA system available later this year.
Commentary from Medtronic and Merit Medical officials
Paolo Di Vincenzo, president, Medtronic Neuromodulation, said:
“For 50 years, we have advanced how chronic pain is treated,” said Paolo Di Vincenzo, president, Medtronic Neuromodulation, which is part of the Medtronic Neuroscience Portfolio. “Adding ViaVerte basivertebral nerve ablation expands our world-leading pain interventions portfolio and gives patients and their physicians another meaningful option for lasting relief.”
Michael Blackham, EVP, Global OEM, Merit Medical Systems, said:
“We are thrilled to expand our ongoing business relationship with Medtronic by providing Merit’s proprietary articulating technology. We believe ViaVerte represents a significant advancement in the BVNA market.”
Martha G. Aronson, Merit Medical president and CEO, said:
“This agreement underscores our mutual dedication to providing innovative therapies to support physicians and their patients.”
The analsyts’ take
BTIG analysts Sam Eiber, Marie Thibault and Alexandra Pang maintain a “Buy” rating for Merit after the announcement.
They note that few details on ViaVerte were offered by the companies, other than the physician-controlled steerable mechanism feature. The analysts view BVNA as a “relatively small market” at around $200 million. However, they consider it a fast-growing segment, given the growth displayed by Boston Scientific and Stryker’s own entry.
“We are pleased to see Merit enter this fast-growing and under penetrated market and think Medtronic makes sense as a partner given its Neuromodulation portfolio,” the analysts wrote. “It could also serve as one lever to help the OEM business get back on more stable footing.”
