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. Boston Scientific joins international diabetes program

Boston Scientific researchers are reportedly working with an international group of scientists in developing new medical devices that can deliver cell-based treatments for diabetes.

The Massachusetts medical device giant is part of the DRIVE consortium, a $9.9 million (€8.9 million) initiative backed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research fund. Read more

2. Blood clots prompt trial pause for Edwards’ Fortis mitral valve

Edwards Lifesciences called a halt to enrollment in a clinical trial for its Fortis mitral valve replacement after discovering blood clots in some of the 20 patients implanted with the device.

“We observed evidence of valve thrombosis that we believe warrants additional investigation,” the Irvine, Calif.-based company said. Fortis is a transcatheter mitral valve implant designed to treat patients with leaky heart valves. Read more

1. Medtronic’s Q4 sales surge 60% on Covidien buy, outlook narrowed

Medtronic beat the consensus forecast for its fiscal 4th-quarter sales, which rose nearly 60% on its $50 billion buyout of Covidien, and raised its Q4 earnings outlook.

Fridley, Minn.-based Medtronic reported sales of $7.30 billion for the 3 months ended April 24, up 59.9% compared with the fiscal 2014 4th quarter. Adjusted to include the contribution from Covidien, however, and sales grew just 0.6%. That includes a $482 million headwind from the strong dollar, which put constant-currency growth at 7%, the company said. Read more