Say hello to MassDevice +3, a bite-sized view of the top three medtech stories of the day. This feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our 3 biggest and most influential stories from the day’s news to make sure you’re up to date on the headlines that continue to shape the medical device industry.
3. AdvaMed taps LifeScience Alley’s Mandle to lead state medtech alliance
AdvaMed said it named Shaye Mandle, CEO of Minnesota’s LifeScience Alley trade association, as chairman of its State Medical Technology Alliance.
“The medical technology industry is a hallmark of U.S. innovation represented by a community of people dedicated to improving and saving lives. Now more than ever, medical technology has the opportunity to help deliver better and more affordable care to patients worldwide. The efforts of SMTA members are critical to providing our elected leaders with the information needed to ensure the full national and global impact of this vital industry,” Mandle said in prepared remarks. “It is an honor to have this opportunity to work together with our SMTA members, the team at AdvaMed, and our elected leaders to support our medical technology innovators in delivering life-changing innovations. Medical technology improves countless lives every day and I am proud to represent the people making it happen.” Read more
2. Pennsylvania Supreme Court reverses Zimmer win in $20m knee implant lawsuit
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed a state appeals court’s decision to overturn a $20 million verdict against Zimmer Biomet in a knee implant lawsuit.
Plaintiff Margo Polett claimed she re-injured her knees while making a Zimmer promotional video, after a double knee replacement procedure in 2006 using Zimmer’s Gender Solutions devices. Polett claimed that activities she engaged in for the video, including riding a bicycle and running on a treadmill, resulted in new damage to her knees. She and her husband sued for negligence, saying that injuries incurred during the filming of the marketing video resulted in 4 revision surgeries after she was left with persistent pain. A jury awarded Polett millions in damages after finding that Zimmer was 34% culpable. The jury also put 30% of the blame on Polett herself and 36% on the marketing firm Public Communications for its involvement with the ad. Read more
1. Boston Scientific boosts guidance after strong Q3
Boston Scientific beat forecasts for its 3rd-quarter results, despite a swing to red ink, and raised its outlook for the rest of the year.
Marlborough, Mass.-based Boston Scientific posted losses of -$198.0 million, or -15¢ per share, for the 3 months ended Sept. 30, as litigation charges surged 228.8% to $457 million for the quarter. Read more
