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.
If you read nothing else this weekend, make sure you’re still in the know with MassDevice +7.
7. FDA panel: Avoid metal-on-metal hips but don’t panic
Most patients who already have metal-on-metal hip implants will be OK, according to an FDA advisory panel, but orthopedic surgeons should avoid using them from now on.
6. Bausch & Lomb sets its sights on a 2012 IPO
Eye care giant Bausch & Lomb may return to public markets before the end of this year, according to people familiar with the company.
5. World Heart’s fortunes sagged as merger with Heartware dragged on
Regulatory documents show that World Heart had a $25 million offer from Heartware last year, just before the company cut nearly all its staff amid sagging fortunes.
4. Medical device tax: Conservatives launch Independence Day offensive
Conservative writers and industry advocates launch an anti-med-tech tax offensive on the nation’s birthday, dubbing the Affordable Care Act the "Obamatax."
3. CareFusion issues pair of recalls, increases “recall reserve” fund by $7M
CareFusion adds an extra $7 million to its "recall reserve" amid a pair of recalls affecting some AirLife infant breathing circuits and certain Alaris infusion pumps.
2. Stryker recalls pair of metal hip implants, halts global production
Orthopedic devices maker Stryker recalls a pair of metal-on-metal hip implants and halts global production after discovering potential for "fretting and/or corrosion" that could cause pain, swelling and tissue damage.
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1. FDA medical device ID program: Purchasers pleased, industry wary
Group purchasing organization Novation applauds the FDA’s proposed unique device identifier program, but med-tech industry lobbying group AdvaMed wants to take a closer look to ensure the program avoid unnecessary burdens.
