General Surgery

Another approach to reducing calorific intake is demonstrated with the newly CE marked Satisphere device, an endoscopically inserted series of balloons on a wire, which retain gut contents in the duodenum for longer, creating the feeling of satiation and therefore reducing appetite.

GI Dynamics Inc is no doubt delighted to see its product featuring at the Obesity and metabolic Disorders congress, especially as a presentation suggests its Endobarrier® device can be used a second time on the same patient without problems.

Pluromed’s Rapid Transition Polymer™ technology finds another home in the prevention of stone migration during lithotripsy for urinary stone removal. Boston Scientific is worldwide distributor for the company’s Backstop® product.

Capsule Endoscopy marches forward with Given Imaging announcing the expansion of its indications in Japan to cover visualisation and diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.

Torax’s LINX system of magnets acting to support the oesophageal sphincter gains FDA clearance.

AngioDynamics and Microsulis Medical are looking lovingly at each other as they enter into what we romantics call a “multi-faceted strategic relationship”. Possibly more.

UK medical device company Surgical Innovations has gained FDA clearance for its Pretzelflex™ laparoscopic retractor.

Covidien in the news again, this time with UK recall of LigaSure Dolphin Tip Sealer for fear of loose pins in the handle.

Sanofi’s acquisition trail continues with announcement that it is to buy US company Pluromed, developer of LeGoo® polymer for temporary endovascular occlusion.

Covidien showcased its new iterations of trocar and tissue sealer at SAGES.

Covidien’s November 2011 acquisition of BARRX Medical Inc is followed now by the launch of a new dimension catheter to make treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus easier.

Challenges for Integra as sales grows at slower rate than costs.

Despite losing Hemostase revenue, Cryolife has reported record Q4 and significant annual revenue growth, giving it optimistic outlook for the near term as it enacts global strategic initiatives.

Baxter’s previously advertised agreement to buy Synovis has now been consummated with the approval of Synovis’ shareholders.

Fiendishly clever scientists from San Diego have described a microrocket, which would exploit low pH conditions to elicit drive from a chemical reaction. Suggested applications on a postcard please.

In the ultimate embodiment of biomimetics, Singapore researchers have taken inspiration from a seafood dinner to develop a robot which can isolate and excise the tiniest lesions endoscopically.