Say hello to MassDevice +3, a bite-sized view of the top three medtech stories of the day. This feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our 3 biggest and most influential stories from the day’s news to make sure you’re up to date on the headlines that continue to shape the medical device industry.
3. Depression, suicide and heart surgery
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Doctors are drawing new attention to the link between cardiac surgery and depression in the days following the suicide of beloved actor Robin Williams.
Williams’ sudden death has left many looking for answers, and a rep for the actor has told reporters that Williams had been suffering from depression. There’s no evidence to suggest that Williams’ depression was connected to his heart surgeries, but some doctors are using the occasion to draw attention to the issue and urge patients to reach out if they need help. Read more
2. FDA issues new draft guidance on Class III de novos, UDI for small entities
The FDA issued a pair of new documents this week outlining the agency’s thinking on review of breakthrough medical devices and providing guidance for small companies trying to keep up with the new Unique Device Identifier program.
In a draft guidance proposed today the FDA offered some advice for companies developing novel devices that they believe are low-risk and thus eligible for more lenient review. Read more
1. Stryker settles hip implant suit against J&J’s DePuy
Stryker agreed to dismiss Johnson & Johnson subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics from a patent infringement lawsuit brought over Stryker’s patent for a hip implant component.
Stryker leveled the suit against DePuy and a quartet of other orthopedics rivals in November 2011, accusing the J&J division, Smith & Nephew, Wright Medical and Zimmer of violating a Stryker patent for “Acetabular Cup Assembly With Selected Bearing,” according to court documents. Read more