Obama details wireless initiatives: President Barack Obama last week detailed his plan to "win the future by catalyzing the buildout of high-speed wireless services that will enable businesses to grow faster, students to learn more, and public safety officials to access state-of-the-art, secure, nationwide, and interoperable mobile communications." The president’s so-called "Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative" includes plans for nearly doubling the wireless spectrum, providing 98 percent of Americans 4G access, and more security, which is a necessity for wireless medical devices and wireless commu
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AtriCure climbs into the black for the first time
Cardiac surgical device maker AtriCure Inc. (NSDQ:ATRC) has reported its first-ever profitable quarter as sales of its AtriClip device continue to climb.
The company’s fourth-quarter earnings were scant, $11,500, but still far exceeded the consensus analysts’ estimate of a loss of 8 cents per share. Revenue also exceeded analysts’ estimates, rising 19 percent to $16.4 million. Analysts had expected $15.5 million.
Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic hit with recalls
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) are both grappling with new recalls.
Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary recall for 70,000 syringes due to cracks.
New Brunswick, N.J.-based medical products giant said the products’ labeling covers the crack site and the flaw could affect the sterility of the syringe’s contents.
FDA slaps Bioptigen with warning over marketing claims
Medical imaging technology company Bioptigen received a warning from the Food & Drug Administration alleging that the company is marketing its eye imaging scanner without proper approvals.
The Research Triangle Park, N.C.-based company makes a medical device that allows for imaging of the inner areas of the eye. The company has marketed the product for research as well as medical applications.
Covidien wins 510(k) clearance for small jaw surgical tool | Regulatory roundup
Covidien plc (NYSE:COV) won 510(k) clearance for a new "small jaw" cutting and sealing surgical instrument.
The clearance adds another device to the Mansfield, Mass.-based medical products maker’s 12-year-old LigaSure line of surgical tools.
Boston Scientific adds two blocked artery treatment devices | Acquisitions roundup
Boston Scientific Corp. (NYSE:BSX) is adding two blocked artery treatment technologies two its portfolio of vascular treatment devices.
The Natick, Mass.-based medical device giant acquired a re-entry catheter from Israel-based S.I. Therapies Ltd. in November, and, with the pending acquisition of ReVascular Therapeutics Inc., the company is adding an intraluminal chronic total occlusions (CTO) crossing device. Both devices treat peripheral CTOs.
Thermo Fisher is still sweet on Dionex
RIP Orthofix director Jerry Benjamin
UPDATED 2/17/2011 11:30 a.m.
Jerry Benjamin, Orthofix International N.V. (NSDQ:OFIX) board member and former general partner of Advent Venture Partners, passed away unexpectedly on February 8th at his home outside of London, the company said. Orthofix released a statement announcing Benjamin’s passing.
BD inks licensing deal with University College London | Distribution roundup
Here’s a roundup of companies announcing new distribution deals.
Quality Electrodynamics lands national tech honor, founder starts clean tech firm
Quality Electrodynamics won a national award for technology innovation from the Small Business Administration.
CEO Hiroyuki Fujita is visiting Washington, D.C., Tuesday to receive the Tibbetts Award, which typically goes to companies that have received grants from the SBA and go on to develop technology that creates a big economic impact.
Insulet’s Q4 losses widen but 2010 losses fall 16 percent | Earnings roundup
MassDevice keeps a close eye on public medical device companies, tracking their quarterly sales and earnings reports. For the most recent filings, check out our Earnings Roundup, where we collect each quarter’s reports.
Here’s a quick rundown of a few releases over the past couple days: