A team of researchers and clinicians led by the University of Adelaide in South Australia has found that an “imaging needle” may reduce the risk of dangerous brain bleeds in patients undergoing brain biopsy. Published today in the journal Science Advances, the study describes how they fashioned the imaging device with a tiny fiber-optic camera encased […]
Surgical
Monteris Medical expands access to NeuroBlate System with Anthem win
On the heels of a coverage update from health insurance giant Aetna, Monteris Medical has achieved a similar win from Anthem when it comes to epilepsy patients gaining access to Monteris’ NeuroBlate system. Anthem’s clinical utilization management guidelines for laser interstitial thermotherapy, which Monteris announced today, allows Anthem beneficiaries with refractory epilepsy to access the minimally invasive […]
Here’s how Intuitive Surgical is innovating to stay competitive
Intuitive Surgical (NSDQ:ISRG) isn’t resting on its laurels when it comes to the surgical robotics field that it dominates. The Sunnyvale, Calif.–based company is seeking to stay competitive through technologies including computer-controlled navigated robotic catheters, contrast agents to improve imaging during procedures, and intelligent surgical interfaces. That was a big message that hundreds of attendees heard during […]
ConMed to acquire Buffalo Filter for $365m
ConMed (NSDQ:CNMD) said today that it inked a deal to acquire surgical smoke evacuation tech developer Buffalo Filter for $365 million. Buffalo Filter develops and produces surgical smoke evacuation technologies, including smoke evacuation pencils, smoke evacuators and laparoscopic solutions, ConMed said. Utica, N.Y.-based ConMed said that it expects to finance the transaction through a combination of […]
NxThera spinout NxPhase lands $10m for vapor ablation tech
NxPhase Medical – spun out of NxThera when Boston Scientific bought it this year– has raised more than $10 million, according to a recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Maple Grove, Minn.–based NxPhase is focused on using convective thermal water vapor to treat prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer, according to its LinkedIn page. Get the […]
Medtronic studies use of both heat and cold for cardiac ablation
Medtronic today said that a St. Louis heart team has treated the first patient in the company’s Terminate AF trial, which is studying the simultaneous use of heat and cold to produce cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation treatment. The goal is to determine the safety and efficacy of treating persistent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing […]
Monteris Medical scores reimbursement win with Aetna
More epilepsy patients could have access to procedures involving Monteris Medical’s NeuroBlate system after a new coverage update from health insurance giant Aetna. The coverage update, which Monteris Medical announced today, involves Aetna’s medical policy for laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT). It provides coverage for Aetna beneficiaries with refractory epilepsy who have met the established medical necessity criteria […]
SIG Medical wins FDA nod for Advantage Rib fracture repair device
SIG Medical said this week it won FDA 510(k) clearance for its AdvantageRib anterior system, a rib fracture system. The newly cleared AdvantageRib anterior system includes anatomically contoured titanium plates intended to closely fit patient anatomy and screws, and is intended to be used through a traditional anterior approach. The system also features straight plates […]
Nico raises $13m Series B for neurosurgery devices
Nico Corp. said today that it raised nearly $13 million in a Series B round from a group of existing backers for its line of neurosurgery devices. Indianapolis-based Nico said the $12.5 million round is earmarked for new product development and commercialization, clinical and economic studies, growing its sales and clinical teams, and expanding its footprint […]
Intersect ENT touts pooled analysis of steroid-releasing sinus implants
Intersect ENT (NSDQ:XENT) last week touted the publication of a pooled analysis of the company’s Propel Contour and Propel Mini steroid-eluting sinus implants. The company’s devices are designed to prop open the sinus ostia following endoscopic sinus surgery. As the implant dissolves, medicine is delivered directly to the sinus lining. Get the full story at our […]
Baxter touts Hemopatch, Floseal study results
Baxter (NYSE:BAX) today presented results from studies of its Hemopatch and Floseal products, touting reductions in costs and hospital stays in both trials. Results from studies of the devices were presented this week at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Europe 2018 meeting, the Chicago-based company said. In a retrospective observational analysis exploring pancreaticoduodenectomies […]