The medtech giant designed its new Nell-EQ intelligent processor technology to support more consistent and reliable oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and pulse rate monitoring. It works across diverse patient populations, skin tones and clinical care settings.

Medtronic said its FDA clearance follows positive verification study results reported earlier this year. Additionally, the technology was granted acceptance into the FDA’s Safer Technologies Program (STeP) last year. The collaborative program helps reduce the time needed to develop and earn marketing authorization for eligible devices. The FDA launched STeP in 2021, modeling the program on its breakthrough devices designation program.