MASSDEVICE ON CALL — U.S. med-tech makers are likely to invest in buyback programs and acquisitions and to pursue dividends to maintain shareholder value, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

As pricing pressures continue to weigh on the industry and demand remains soft, medical device makers are likely to look elsewhere to spur growth and keep stakeholders happy.

Sector revenue growth may also remain soft thanks to a weak global economy, MarketWatch reported.

Among companies hard hit are Biomet Inc., Stryker (NYSE:SYK) and Zimmer Holdings (NYSE:ZMH)  , because the elective nature of their orthopedic procedures are vulnerable in a weak economic climate.

Spine device maker LDR grows into larger office

LDR, a privately spinal device maker, moved to larger digs in the Lone Star State, more than doubling its previous warehouse space, according to a press release.

Florida hospital uses iPads to monitor cardiac implants

Physicians at a Florida hospital monitor patients wirelessly in real time using an iPad app, aiming to save time an money by allowing trained docs to remotely program cardiac implants, MobiHealthNews reported.

HHS head vetoes Plan B contraception on the shelves

Health & Human Services head Kathleen Sebelius killed a measure aiming to put the contraceptive drug Plan B, also known as the "morning after pill," on store shelves, so buyers will still need to talk to a pharmacist and those under 18 will need a prescription to obtain the drug, the Washington Post reported.

Wisconsin university docs rake in large sums from med-tech companies

Several doctors at the University of Wisconsin in Madison raked in $48,000 or more from med-tech company consulting fees last year, with six reporting orthopedic surgeons receiving $99,000 or more, Madison.com reported.