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. Covidien denies layoffs tied to device tax
Contrary to a widely circulated statement, Covidien’s decision to cut workers and shift production overseas was not motivated by the impending medical device tax, the company says.
6. House panel speeds FDA user fee bill
A health subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives OKs a bill reauthorizing the FDA’s user fee program for the medical device and pharmaceutical industries.
5. Is Cameron Health’s ‘leadless’ ICD a niche product or a game-changer?
The subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator made by Cameron Health – soon to be acquired by Boston Scientific – generates considerable buzz at the Heart Rhythm Society’s annual meeting, with some docs saying it’s a game-change but others questioning its applicability to a broad swath of patients.
4. DePuy hip battle wages on in the pages of the British Medical Journal
A battle rages on the pages of the British Medical Journal, with researchers warning that patients may have been exposed to toxic compounds and DePuy representatives calling the reports "unnecessarily alarmist."
3. Riata’s survival rate ‘significantly worse’
An independent study of St. Jude Medical’s recalled Riata defibrillator leads finds their survival rate “significantly worse” than rival Medtronic’s Quattro lead.
2. Covidien jumps into the high blood pressure arena with CE Mark in hand through $230M Maya merger
Covidien vaults into the renal denervation devices market with the acquisition of Maya Medical in a deal worth up to $230 million, gaining the OneShot system which already holds CE Mark approval and is set to begin a post-CE Mark clinical trial.
1. GPO to IRS: Don’t let device companies raise prices to offset the device tax
Group purchasing organization Premier urges the IRS to certify that medical device makers aren’t passing on the burden of the impending 2.3% medical device levy by raising prices for their products.
