Medtronic, Inc. is sponsoring an investigational study of the Intercept™ Epilepsy Control System, the company's deep brain stimulation therapy for patients with refractory epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition that affects 2.3 million Americans, and about one-third of these patients are refractory, or continue to experience seizures despite a wide range of treatment options.

The trial includes approximately 150 patients in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study at approximately 15 sites in the U.S. and Canada. All patients will be implanted and monitored for 13 months following implant, with long-term follow-up until the device is approved or the study is stopped.

Candidates for the trial are adults with partial-onset epilepsy for whom at least three antiepileptic drugs have proven ineffective. They will have had an average of six or more seizures per month. Candidates will continue to receive their epilepsy medications while participating in the trial.