The FDA announced that it authorized the first machine learning-based screening device for identifying COVID-19 biomarkers. Tiger Tech Solutions’ COVID Plus Monitor received emergency use authorization (EUA) as a non-diagnostic screening device to identify certain biomarkers that indicate some types of conditions, including hypercoagulation (which causes blood to clot more easily than normal), according to […]
Software / IT
Viz.ai raises $71 million Series C, touts positive data for stroke care outcomes
Artificial intelligence platform developer Viz.ai announced that it raised $71 million in a Series C financing round. San Francisco-based Viz.ai develops AI software for treating acute ischemic stroke. The software uses a computer-aided triage system to identify a suspected large-vessel occlusion via CT scan and alerts a stroke team specialist to reduce the time to […]
GE Healthcare launches handheld ultrasound
GE Healthcare (NYSE:GE) announced that it launched the Vscan Air wireless, pocket-sized ultrasound device. Cleared by FDA in November, Vscan Air is designed to offer clear image quality, whole-body scanning capabilities and an intuitive software platform delivered in a small handheld device, according to a news release. The company debuted the first Vscan color pocket-sized ultrasound […]
BD partners with ImageMover for COVID-19 test mobile app
Becton Dickinson (NYSE:BDX) announced today that it entered into an agreement with ImageMover to offer a mobile app for COVID-19 testing. Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based Becton Dickinson’s agreement enables the ImageMover software platform to simplify medical data collection and management through a companion mobile app for SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing performed on the BD Veritor Plus system, […]
Philips, DiA partner on AI-based applications for ultrasound
Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) announced today that it has formed a strategic partnership with DiA Imaging Analysis to incorporate DiA’s AI library of automated solutions with Philips ultrasound. Be’er Sheva, Israel–based DiA’s AI-enabled 2D ultrasound applications have FDA clearance and a CE Mark. The applications are geared toward reducing variability and increasing the efficiency […]
Boston Scientific completes Preventice buy, divests BTG Pharmaceutical business
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) announced that it completed its acquisition of Preventice Solutions that could be worth up to $1.225 billion. The transaction includes a cash payment of $925 million upfront with up to an additional $300 million in potential commercial milestone payments available. Accounting for the company’s approximately 22% equity stake in Preventice prior to the […]
Terumo to acquire Health Outcomes Sciences
Terumo (TSE: 4543) recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all assets of Health Outcomes Sciences. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Phoenix-based HOS is a creator of predictive analytics and clinical decision support software. Its sePRISM content enablement platform is meant to enable healthcare organizations to deliver […]
iRhythm Zio 10 times more effective in identifying Afib, study says
iRhythm Technologies (NSDQ:IRTC) today touted study results that found its Zio device was more effective in detecting Afib than standard care. Published in JAMA Cardiology, the SCREEN-AF study showed that the use of Zio by iRhythm led to a tenfold increase in the detection of Afib when compared to patients receiving standard clinical care. One of […]
BD, Scanwell Health collaborating on smartphone-enabled, home COVID-19 rapid test
Becton Dickinson (NYSE:BDX) announced today that it is collaborating with Scanwell Health to create an at-home rapid COVID-19 test. Scanwell Health, a developer of smartphone-enabled at-home medical tests, will offer its mobile app to pair with a BD antigen test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, according to a news release. As part of the collaboration, […]
Could artificial intelligence boost surgical robotics to new heights?
Ken Goldberg thinks artificial intelligence will enable surgical robots to achieve their best function — not replacing surgeons but augmenting their work by reducing the monotony of specific subtasks like suturing. The William S. Floyd Jr. Distinguished Chair in Engineering at UC Berkeley, Goldberg and his research team have continued to advance the field. The group — which includes postdoctoral […]
New FDA medtech cybersecurity chief: Guidance to debut in 2021
The FDA’s first medical device cybersecurity chief says he will work across private and public lines to lower the threat of cyberattacks against medical devices and the healthcare systems and patients who use them. Medical device manufacturers can expect a new FDA cybersecurity draft guidance for new medical devices sometime this year, according to the […]