Say hello to MassDevice +7, a bite-sized view of the top seven med-tech stories of the week. This latest feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our seven biggest and most influential stories from the week’s news to make sure you’re up to date on the headlines that continue to shape the medical device industry.
7. Revolutions Medical wins $20M libel suit against cyber bully
South Carolina medical device maker Revolutions Medical won $20 million judgment against an online forum commenter accused of "Internet defamation."
6. Stent wars: Researchers report a tie, of sorts, for Medtronic’s Resolute and Abbott’s Xience V DES
A 2-year study comparing drug-eluting stents from industry titans Medtronic and Abbott report statistically similar outcomes for patients.
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5. Thoratec acquires Terumo’s DuraHeart II for up to $44M
Thoratec pays $13 million up front to acquire Terumo’s DuraHeart II heart pump, with possible milestones down the road worth nearly $44 million.
4. Integra LifeSciences recall affects Medtronic’s Infuse kits
Integra Lifesciences recalls certain lots of its surgical sponges, including some that were packaged with Medtronic’s Infuse bone graft kits.
3. Hacking: Password risk affects some 300 medical devices, says Homeland Security
A slew of medical technologies, including infusions pumps, defibrillators and lab equipment, have "hard-coded" passwords that represent a security risk, according to the Dept. of Homeland Security.
2. Covidien could be on the hook for nearly $450M in back taxes
Covidien could wind up with a nearly $450 million tax tab from its days as Tyco Healthcare, after the IRS nixes some $914 million in interest deductions dating back to the years 1997 through 2000.
1. Report: PE owners put Biomet on the auction block
The private equity owners of medical device company Biomet are shopping the orthopedics giant and considering an initial public offering, the Financial Times reports.
