Say hello to MassDevice +3, a bite-sized view of the top three med-tech 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. Medtronic denies involvement with on-demand orgasm implant
Medical device industry giant Medtronic told MassDevice.com today that despite reports of the company’s participation in upcoming studies, Medtronic is not involved with research on an implantable neurostimulator designed for treatment of sexual dysfunction.
Reports have circulated today that Medtronic has signed on to conduct research with physician and inventor Dr. T. Stuart Meloy, who holds a patent on technology that uses traditional nerve stimulation to target nerves in the spine and produce orgasms at the push of a remote-controlled button. Read more
2. Sen. Grassley revives Myxo heart valve inquiry
Senator Chuck Grassley reanimated his inquiry into an Illinois university hospital and a surgeon-inventor who used his device there, following reports from an erstwhile whistleblower that claimed she was fired for providing evidence to federal investigators and for challenging the university’s star surgeon.
In a public letter issued to Northwestern University and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Grassley accused hospital leadership of withholding requested documents related to the use of the Myxo-ETlogix 5100 Ring, used in heart valve repair. Read more
1. Olympus abandons U.S. biotech biz
Olympus said it’s shutting down its U.S. biotech business after failing to “gain the traction necessary to build a broader regenerative medicine portfolio,” meaning layoffs for the unit’s 200 workers.
The Japanese tech giant, which paid $60 million to buy the beleaguered OP-1 bone growth putty from Stryker in 2010, said commercial operations and “product availability” will cease May 30. The closures will begin at the Hopkinton, Mass., headquarters, according to a press release. Read more
