Say hello to MassDevice +5, a bite-sized view of the top five medtech stories of the day. This feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our 5 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.
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5. HRS 2017 Roundup: Study pinpoints battery issue in Abbott’s Nanostim leadless pacer
A study of the Nanostim leadless pacemaker Abbott acquired this year when it bought St. Jude Medical, presented last week at the annual Heart Rhythm Society conference, found that a battery depletion problem was due to the lithium ion cells being too dry.
St. Jude put a hold on Nanostim implantations last October, after receiving 7 reports of lost telemetry and pacing output. There were no reports of patient injuries associated with the malfunctions. Barclays analysts said at the time that St. Jude was pursuing a software fix to detect any increase in the rate of battery problems, and may be in talks with a battery manufacturer to develop a different battery for Nanostim. Read more
4. AdvaMed unveils new tools to assess medical device value
AdvaMed today launched a new value initiative that includes extensive tables of questions to help medical device companies formulate value-based arguments.
The value framework also includes tools specifically designed for diagnostic technologies, as well as report on understanding evidence and use cases. Read more
3. Judge declares mistrial in insider trading case against ex-Advanced Medical Optics CEO Mazzo
A federal judge in California last week declared a mistrial i after a jury deadlocked over the insider trading charges leveled against former Advanced Medical Optics CEO James Mazzo.
The jury convicted former Orioles player Doug DeCinces and friend and a business associate on charges of tender offer fraud, but deadlocked on some of the charges against DeCinces and all of the charges against Mazzo, prompting Judge Andrew Guilford to declare a mistrial in Mazzo’s case. Read more
2. Cook Medical wins FDA nod for Flourish pediatric surgery device
Cook Medical won FDA approval for its Flourish pediatric esophageal atresia anastomosis device, which is designed to treat infants with a birth defect that causes a gap in the esophagus.
Babies born with esophageal atresia cannot feed normally and need a feeding tube until surgery is performed to attach the esophagus to the stomach. Read more
1. Report: Layoffs ahead for Medtronic Spine in Memphis
Medtronic is reportedly planning an unspecified number of layoffs among the 1,300 workers it employs at its Medtronic Spine operation in Memphis.
“Medtronic operates in a highly competitive environment, and transformation is an inherent part of our business. We continually adjust as necessary to deliver operational and functional excellence, drive growth, and strengthen our position for the future in a highly dynamic healthcare industry,” spokesman Victor Rocha told the Memphis Commercial Appeal last week via email. “We recognize the strong work, dedication and quality of the employees. We are providing employee assistance to help reduce the effects of this action. The company is supporting employees as they transition to new employment opportunities.” Read more
