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. U.K. urges docs to monitor St. Jude’s recalled Riata leads
U.K. regulators warn physicians to remain vigilant in monitoring patients implanted with St. Jude Medical’s recalled Riata and Riata ST silicone-coated pacemaker wires.
6. Metal-on-metal hip implant study finds no cancer link at 7 years
Metal-on-metal hip implants, the subject of a handful of high-profile recalls and numerous patient lawsuits, were not linked with an early increase in cancer risk, according to a 7-year study of the U.K.’s National Joint Registry.
5. New research puts pressure on stent makers, may hinder Medicare coverage
New research sheds doubt on the benefits of stent-based stroke prevention, putting pressure on carotid device makers such as Boston Scientific, Abbott, and Johnson & Johnson.
4. Europe’s more stringent medtech review may bring costly delays
The European Commission’s updated medtech review guidelines, expected to drop this month, may take some cues from the FDA in bolstering regulatory oversight – and potentially delaying market access.
3. Rising U.S. obesity drives new suites of medical devices
The continued rise in American obesity may represent an opportunity for medical device companies as patients and clinics demand larger machines and products that designed to accommodate larger bodes.
2. Medical device tax: Democrat Sen. Hagan says Congress should work on repeal
Members of Congress should work together to find a financially responsible way to repeal the medical device tax, Sen. Kay Hagan tells the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
1. Medtronic analyzes CRM care in 9 emerging markets
Medtronic enrolls the 1st of thousands of patients in its IMPROVE Brady study, conducted in 9 emerging market countries and aimed at analyzing and potentially influencing diagnosis and treatment of patients with abnormal heart rhythms.
