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. GE’s new cybersecurity buy includes medical devices
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — GE’s got some new cybersecurity resources thanks to its newly announced acquisition of Wurldtech, a security firm that counts medical devices among its primary focus areas.
Following the acquisition Wurldtech will remain independent as an infrastructure cybersecurity company looking to secure valuable targets such as medtech, power grids and oil refineries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Read more
2. Boston Scientific’s spinal stim targets pain relief with 3D anatomic modeling
Boston Scientific unveiled new 6-month data from a study of its Precision Spectra spinal cord stimulator, reporting “sustained and highly significant” relief for patients suffering from low back pain.
The implantable system uses Illumina 3D anatomic modeling software to deliver mild pulses of electrical energy to targeted nerves in the spinal cord to alleviate chronic pain without stimulating “undesired” areas. Read more
1. HRS2014: Perforations, deaths temporarily derail St. Jude’s E.U. Nanostim study
It was good news mixed with bad for St. Jude Medical’s Nanostim lead-free implantable pacemaker at last week’s Heart Rhythm 2014, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 35th Annual Scientific Sessions.
Nanostim continued to look promising at 1 year in a small feasibility study, but concerns about patient safety led the company to temporarily suspend enrollment in an overseas registry. Researchers reported 6 instances of perforation, including 2 patient deaths, out of more than 200 implants, according to an note from Leerink Swann analyst Danielle Antalffy. Read more
