BD announced today that it enrolled the first patient in a trial of its Vascular Covered Stent for treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Franklin Lakes, New Jersey–based BD is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the stent in its AGILITY FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) trial. The self-expanding, low-profile, polytetrafluoroethylene encapsulated nitinol implant is deployed […]
Endoscopic
Endoscopic ultrasound company EndoSound has a new CEO
EndoSound announced today that it appointed Scott Aldrich Jr. as its new CEO in a move that went into effect on Feb. 1. Dr. Stephen Steinberg, who previously served as president and CEO, remains on the Portland, Oregon–based company’s leadership team as chief medical officer. Aldrich most recently served as an independent consultant focusing on […]
Microbot Medical submits surgical robot for FDA IDE
Microbot Medical (Nasdaq:MBOT) announced today that it filed an FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) application for its surgical robot. Braintree, Massachusetts-based Microbot designed the Liberty surgical robot for potential use in neurovascular, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular procedures. The system includes a compact design and remote operating capabilities to reduce radiation exposure and physical strain on […]
Medtronic, Rijnstate enroll first patient in aneurysm repair trial
Medtronic , with Rijnstate, announced today that they enrolled the first patient in the Hercules trial comparing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair methods. Hercules compares endosuture aneurysm repair (ESAR) to standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). It looks at these methods in patients who have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a wide, infrarenal neck diameter. Abdominal aortic aneurysms […]
FDA approves Gore low-profile balloon-expandable endoprosthesis
W.L. Gore & Associates announced today that it received FDA approval for a lower-profile Viabahn VBX balloon-expandable endoprosthesis. FDA approval builds on the company’s proven VBX stent graft for treating complex vascular disease. The company says it offers the longest balloon-expandable stent on the market (79 mm) and the widest range of stent diameter adjustability. […]
Boston Scientific launches VersaVue single-use flexible cystoscope
Boston Scientific announced today that it began a limited market release of its VersaVue single-use flexible cystoscope. VersaVue expands the company’s product offerings intended to help clinicians diagnose and treat urinary tract conditions. The scope, which received FDA clearance in October, provides visualization of the lining of the bladder and urethra. It displays images to […]
Olympus completes acquisition of GI stent maker Taewoong Medical
Olympus announced today that it closed its acquisition of Taewoong Medical, a Korea-based medical device manufacturer. Taewoong Medical develops gastrointestinal (GI) metallic stents, among other offerings. Olympus announced its intent to acquire the company for $370 million in February 2023. The deal includes $255.5 million upfront, with up to $114.5 million in potential milestone payments […]
Former Boston Scientific exec joins pulsed field ablation company Mirai Medical’s board
Mirai Medical announced today that it appointed former Boston Scientific executive David A. Pierce as a non-executive board director. Pierce spent 31 years at Boston Scientific, gaining valuable experience in product commercialization, market access and clinical change management. Much of his work came in the gastrointestinal endoscopy space, providing expertise he can now bring to […]
Gore enrolls first patients in expandable stent graft trial
W.L. Gore & Associates announced today that it enrolled the first patients in a trial evaluating its Viabahn VBX stent graft. The study compares Gore’s balloon-expandable endoprosthesis to bare metal stenting for patients with complex iliac occlusive disease. It aims to inform practice guidelines around the best modalities suited for patients with this condition. Dr. […]
Olympus, Canon Medical partner on endoscopic ultrasound
Canon Medical and Olympus announced that they reached an agreement to collaborate on endoscopic ultrasound technology. Under the agreement, Canon will develop and manufacture diagnostic ultrasound used in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Olympus handles the sales and marketing efforts in the collaboration. The deal utilizes Canon’s Aplio i800 diagnostic EUS ultrasound and Olympus’ ultrasound endoscope. Canon […]
EndoQuest Robotics, Omnivision partner on surgical robotic visualization
EndoQuest Robotics and Omnivision today announced a partnership to integrate image sensor technology into surgical robotics. Omnivision develops semiconductor solutions, including advanced digital imaging and touch display technology. The companies plan to integrate Omnivision’s CameraCubeChip into EndoQuest’s flexible surgical robotic system. Houston-based EndoQuest designed its system to address unmet needs in gastrointestinal and other endoluminal […]