Medical device companies are close to achieving the holy grail of diabetes treatment: a combined glucose sensor, control algorithm and insulin infusion device that effectively acts as an “artificial pancreas.” We explain more in the newest video from editors at MassDevice’s sister publication Medical Design & Outsourcing. (And for a deeper dive, check out our recent […]
MedTech
This could be the battery-free solution for pacemakers
A new energy storage system charges itself using ions from inside the human body – providing an exciting alternative to traditional batteries used in pacemakers, according to researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Connecticut. Researchers at the universities developed a bio-friendly energy storage system called a biological supercapacitor; […]
Apple Watch detects atrial fibrillation using built-in technology
The Apple Watch can automatically detect atrial fibrillation (AF) using its built-in heart rate sensor and artificial intelligence, according to a new study. The research used a deep neural network that was based on photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensors that are frequently found in smart watches. When paired with an artificial intelligence-based algorithm, Apple Watch’s heart rate […]
Why adding device identifiers to insurance claims protects patients
The pushback to adopting unique device identifier into claims forms is that the added steps will be burdensome for hospitals. But documenting device identifiers in claims forms is actually “feasible” and “straightforward,” and requires only modest effort, according to a new whitepaper from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Of particular concern was that the device claims […]
7 medtech stories we missed this week: May 19, 2017
From FDA clearances to touting study data, here are 7 medtech stories we missed this week but thought were still worth mentioning. 1. XpandOrtho wins FDA 510(k) clearance XpandOrtho announced in a May 17 press release that it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its electronic soft tissue balancing instrument for total knee replacement surgery. […]
Ambionics creates 3D printed prosthetic arm for infants
Using Stratasys’ PolyJet 3D printing technology, prosthetic solutions company Ambionics was able to create a fully-functional 3D printed hydraulic prosthetic arm for an infant. The prosthetic was designed for Ambionics’ founder Ben Ryan’s 2-year-old son, enabling a more natural acceptance of prosthetics for children. So far, the 3D-printed hydraulic prosthetic has delivered 76% cost savings […]
No-touch’ heart bypass surgery reduces strokes
A recent study from the University of Sydney and Sydney Heart and Lung Surgeons has shown that a new “no-touch” beating heart bypass surgery technique has reduced post-operative stroke by 78%. The procedure, known as an OPCABG, also reduced post-operative mortality by 50% compared to traditional coronary artery bypass grafting. It reduced renal failure by […]
10 innovative diagnostic tests to combat diseases
This is an exciting time for medical diagnostics, with recent innovations allowing for faster disease diagnosis than ever before. From cancer to diabetes to heart disease, here are 10 diagnostic tests that could change the game when it comes to catching diseases earlier. Next >>
Engineered tissue could eliminate radiation for bone marrow transplants
University of California San Diego engineers have created artificial bone tissue that could eliminate the need for radiation before bone marrow transplants. Shyni Varghese, a bioengineering professor at UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, led a team to develop a bone-like implant to eliminate the pre-treatment radiation that kills stem cells in a patient’s bone […]
Micron Solutions boosts revenues, narrows losses in Q1
Precision medical device components maker Micron Solutions reported improvements with its finances during the first three months of 2017–even as it faced challenges related to validation requirements. “We have made several improvements in quality systems, capacity and our ability to meet customer requirements. We believe we have laid a solid foundation for further improvement and […]
Oxford robotic surgery, synthetic retina advances could help visually impaired
The University of Oxford has recently had some major advances for treating the visually impaired. Surgeons at the university recently performed the world’s first operation inside the eye using robotics and a student created what the university says is the first synthetic retina. Ophthalmology professor Robert MacLaren and Nuffield Medical fellow Dr. Thomas Edwards performed […]