ML10

J&J division Ethicon, Inc., has followed Covidien into the barbed suture market with the launch of its new portfolio of Stratafix™ Knotless Tissue Control Devices. The idea is that barbed sutures offer significantly more points of fixation than traditional sutures, giving surgeons more consistent control over every pass (through the tissue), and combining the strength and security of interrupted closure with the efficiency of continuous closure.

Stryker Corporation’s Board of Directors announced today that Kevin A. Lobo has been named the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He has also been named to the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Lobo joined Stryker in April 2011, and was most recently Group President of Stryker Orthopaedics.

Medtronic, Inc. and China Kanghui Holdings announced today that they have entered into a merger agreement whereby Medtronic will acquire Kanghui. The agreement calls for Medtronic to pay approximately $816 million in cash.

Abbott says the potential long-term benefits of a scaffold that dissolves are significant and include a return of vessel function. CE mark and approval in many other countries sees availability widen for this first-in-class solution.

BD Ultra-Fine™ Nano 4mm Pen Needles with PentaPoint™ Comfort are first to feature patented 5-bevel needle tip able to penetrate skin more easily for patients who require insulin injection

ClearPoint Case Performed in Grenoble, France, the Birthplace of Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy

DiFusion announced today the completion of a series of in vivo and in vitro clinical tests which, the company says, substantiate their claim that CleanFUZE resists surgical infection and promotes bone growth.

Combine the strength of steel with the absorption characteristics of a polymer like PLLA and you may have a new category of implant material. So hopes Bio DG which has just been granted a patent in the area.

No great surprises as FDA proposes four key areas in which it believes improvements will lead to more (and more meaningful) post-marketing surveillance feedback. It’s been issued for comment from stakeholders.

This is what targeted investment in a community looks like, as Cook Medical and its parent Cook Group adds a new manufacturing facility to Canton Illinois, having already built one two years ago… and a boutique hotel! Little wonder the company feels it has the moral high ground as it fights the Government’s new medtech tax plans.

St.Jude has taken the radical decision to shoe-horn its previous four divisions into two. These will be called the Implantable Electronic Systems Division (IESD), which will encompass CRM and Neuromodulation, and the Cardiovascular and Ablation Technologies Division (CATD), which will encompass Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiovascular. 300 job cuts and a host of efficiency savings are anticipated.

Twenty eight point reduction of systolic blood pressure after one month remained stable at three months using EnligHTN renal denervation system according to ESC hotline session data.

It’s all kicking off at ESC as two journalists get the heave-ho for what looks like an accidental embargo break. Blimey.

When your product appears as a headline in a prominent U.S. consumer vehicle, best make hay while the sun shines. SynCardia certainly thinks so as it issues a press release about its coverage in U.S News and World Reports.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has published final guidance on a new medical technology device designed to be used during surgery. The guidance advises that the use of the Mega Soft Patient Return Electrode could help reduce the risk of localised burns during monopolar electrosurgery

A unique algorithm in Biotronik’s Lumax 740 ICD differentiates atrial from ventricular arrhythmias to avoid risk for potential long-term medical consequences of painful and inappropriate shocks.