Google’s AI capabilities can predict with greater accuracy than a hospital’s computers when a critically ill patient will die, according to a new study. Using a patient’s entire chart, Google’s deep learning methods were able to predict, 24 hours after admission, the risk of that patient’s death at 19.9% while the regular hospital’s computers predicted […]
Bronchoscopes still dirty after cleaning, study says
A new study has found that currently acceptable methods of reprocessing reusable bronchoscopes left most devices contaminated and damaged. “The results are worrisome as patients undergoing bronchoscopy are commonly at high risk for infection due to transplant status, critical illness, or immune-suppression due to malignancy or chronic disease,” said the study, funded by 3M and […]
SetPoint Medical touts 2-year relief from rheumatoid arthritis
Startup SetPoint Medical has demonstrated “significant, sustained improvement” over two years in a first-in-human study using bioelectronic therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventeen subjects with moderate to severe symptoms were implanted with a vagus nerve stimulator in the European study. At three months, the therapy was shown to have significantly reduced RA symptoms […]
Paragonix Technologies aims to boost survival of donated lungs
Many lungs being transported for transplant arrive in such bad shape that they cannot be used. Paragonix Technologies, Inc. aims to change that with SherpaLung, a specialized cooler that keeps lungs properly inflated and at the right temperature to survive an airplane trip. Paragonix Technologies just landed support from the Lung Transplant Foundation to continue developing […]
Here’s how FDA officials think you can legally promote off-label device, drug uses
The FDA has issued final guidance clarifying what it considers permissible off-label information for devicemakers and drug companies to convey to potential customers. A pair of guidance documents outlines how medtech and pharmaceutical companies can explain to payors and hospitals how their products can affect outcomes and potentially save money, beyond what the products’ indication with the agency […]
3M sticks it to non-sticky medical tape
3M has introduced a non-woven, elastic blend tape that may offer medical device wearers some relief from annoying problems such as losing its stickiness and skin irritation. The company says the single-coated tape, called 3M 4077, is water resistant, offers improved stretchiness and air penetration, and can be worn for up to 14 days. It combines adhesive with […]
Medtech companies need to expand their philosophy: Here’s why
Medtech companies should expand their notion of who their customers are and dig deeper to discern what those customers want, according to health provider- and insurer-connected experts at the recent DeviceTalks Minnesota in St. Paul. Artificial intelligence and the proliferation of healthcare data have made it possible for medtech to consider not just individual patients […]
Move carefully to the exit, veteran medtech sellers warn
Beyond their altruistic and sales goals, medical device startups generally keep an eye out for the exit. Getting there requires planning, patience and persistence, according to a couple of medtech executives who’ve been through it. Martha Shadan headed Plymouth, Minn.–based Rotation Medical, a private company sold to Smith & Nephew in December 2017, just three […]
Insightec wins Medicare coverage in 10 states
Insightec has won Medicare coverage for its magnetic technology that treats essential tremor via ultrasound. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have approved the company’s Exablate Neuro device for patients in 10 U.S. states and will add coverage for six more states July 1, according to a company statement. Additional Medicare administrative contractors have issued […]
Camber Spine wins FDA nod for combining existing tech
Camber Spine Technologies has won 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market its ENZA-A Titanium Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) system, which leverages two of its existing technologies. The new device borrows from the Wayne, Penn.-based company’s first-generation ENZA, which has dual-grip anchor technology, and from its Spira line, which use spiral support arches to […]
Abbott is developing a dual-chamber leadless pacer
Even before its acquisition by Abbott, St. Jude Medical had begun developing a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, which would be a first if it succeeds. Abbott and Medtronic are the only companies that have developed single-chamber leadless pacemakers; St. Jude recalled its version, Nanostim, in October 2017 after receiving 7 reports of lost telemetry and pacing […]