The annual rankings aim to recognize inventions that make the world better and smarter.
Galway, Ireland, October 15 /PRNewswire/ — Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) today announced that the Stealth AXiS™ Surgical System and Corsano™* multi-parameter wearable device have been named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 list.
This annual award, selected by TIME’s editors, highlights the year’s most influential new products and ideas. This dual recognition underscores Medtronic’s commitment at the corporate level to driving healthcare transformation by leveraging connected technologies to help clinicians make more informed decisions and improve the delivery of care.
Advance interconnected surgery with Stealth AXiS™
The Stealth AXiS™ surgical system is recognized for integrating planning, navigation, and robot-assisted execution into a single platform designed for complex procedures. It addresses a key challenge in surgery: technologies for planning, imaging, navigation, and execution are often spread across multiple systems.
The Stealth AXiS™ system is built on Medtronic’s AiBLE™ intelligent ecosystem and supports spinal, neurosurgical, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures by integrating real-time data, advanced imaging, and AI-powered capabilities into the surgical workflow to enable a more connected care experience throughout the procedure.
Michael Carter, President of the Cranial & Spinal Technologies operating unit within Medtronic’s Neuroscience portfolio, said: “Being named a TIME Best Invention is a meaningful recognition of the innovation behind the Stealth AXiS™ system and our commitment to advancing an interconnected surgical ecosystem. Our goal is to help surgical teams achieve greater connectivity and intelligence by integrating planning, navigation, and robotics into a single platform.”
Expand continuous patient monitoring with the Corsano™* multi-parameter wearable device
The Corsano™* multi-parameter wearable device has been recognized for extending clinical visibility beyond traditional bedside monitoring through a lightweight, cordless wearable. Designed to capture critical vital signs and trend data to support clinical decision-making, the device is manufactured by Corsano Health B.V. and distributed by Medtronic in the United States and Western Europe, enabling clinicians to access patient data in near real-time across settings—from hospitals to home environments.
Single-point measurements may leave patients unmonitored 96% of the time¹. This medical-grade wearable device monitors pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate, skin temperature, and activity levels, enabling clinicians to access real-time patient data while enhancing patient mobility and comfort.
Kate Benedict, President of the Acute Care and Monitoring business unit at Medtronic, said: “Being named to TIME’s Best Inventions list demonstrates the potential of next-generation patient monitoring technology. The Corsano™* multi-parameter wearable device significantly expands our portfolio of wearable patient monitoring solutions and reflects our commitment to helping clinicians stay connected to patient data wherever care is delivered, enabling more informed decisions through deeper patient insights.”
About Medtronic
Think boldly, act even bolder. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is a global leader in medical technology dedicated to proactively addressing the world’s most challenging health issues by discovering and delivering solutions. The company’s mission—to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life—unites more than 95,000 passionate employees across 150 countries. Its technologies and therapies address 70 health conditions, including cardiac devices, surgical robotics, surgical tools, and patient monitoring systems. With diverse expertise, intense curiosity, and a deep desire to help those in need, the company delivers innovative technologies every second, every hour, every day, transforming the lives of two people at a time. We give back to the world by empowering insight-driven care, human-centered experiences, and better outcomes. Everything we do is designed to make the extraordinary possible. Learn more at www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.
Regarding Medtronic's Neurosurgical and Spinal Technologies business
As a global market leader, Medtronic Cranial and Spinal Technologies is transforming the standard of care in spinal and cranial surgery by placing patients first and addressing the complex challenges faced by spinal and neurosurgeons. With a portfolio of 150 products covering more than 20 pathologies, the business serves over four million patients annually. Building on a legacy of innovation, the AiBLE™ ecosystem integrates advanced technology, data, and AI with a patient-centered approach to deliver customizable solutions that enhance surgical precision, improve workflow efficiency, and pursue better outcomes before, during, and after surgery.
Regarding acute care and monitoring
At Medtronic Acute Care & Monitoring, we put patients first by designing patient monitoring and airway management technologies to support care during critical moments. By simplifying clinical decision-making, workflows, and operational performance, we help care teams focus on patients while enabling institutions to generate sustainable value from their technology investments. Our vision is to make personalized patient care possible anytime, anywhere. Learn more at medtronic.com/ACM.
Regarding Medtronic's Ear, Nose, and Throat business
Medtronic’s ENT business is the global market leader in ENT, providing innovative technologies to nearly 3 million patients annually. For over 25 years, we have partnered with physicians to advance specialty care. Our portfolio supports surgeries related to chronic sinusitis and head and neck cancer, encompassing surgical navigation, tissue health, powered instrumentation, localized drug delivery, intraoperative nerve monitoring, and parathyroid detection. Since launching the LandmarX™ image-guided surgery system in 1998, we have been the global leader in ENT navigation and continue to drive the field forward with next-generation platforms such as the Stealth AXiS™ Surgical System. For more information, visit Medtronic.com/AXiSENT.
About Corsano Health
Corsano Health B.V. is a leading medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and sells advanced real-time remote patient monitoring solutions. With CE-MDR medical certification and FDA clearance, the Corsano™ multi-parameter wearable device is setting new standards for continuous monitoring, focused on reducing healthcare costs and supporting clinical teams to improve outcomes and patient experience. For more information, visit https://corsano.com/.
The Corsano™ multi-parameter wearable device is manufactured by Corsano Health B.V. and distributed by Medtronic. The Corsano™ multi-parameter wearable device should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis or treatment and is intended only as an adjunct for patient assessment. This device is not suitable for high-acuity care settings, patients with acute heart conditions that may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, or for SpO2 monitoring under conditions of high motion or low perfusion.
1 Curry and Jungquist: A critical assessment of monitoring practices, patient deterioration, and alarm fatigue on inpatient wards: a review. Patient Safety in Surgery 2014 8:29.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from expected results.