It’s a new year with a new president who has new plans to fight the COVID-19 pandemic — a strategy that should be a big story for medtech in coming weeks.
Even as President Biden and COVID-19 dominated the news, the medical device industry saw some important news in the hot robotic surgery space and much more.
Want to hear more about the week’s top medtech news on MassDevice? Executive editor Chris Newmarker and Tom Salemi will discuss the week’s “Newmarker’s Newsmakers” — as well as play some drum and bugle corps music — during our DeviceTalks Weekly podcast.
Without further ado, here’s this week’s MassDevice Top Five:
5. DePuy Synthes lands FDA clearance for Velys robotic knee system
DePuy Synthes touts the Velys robotic-assisted platform as a first-of-its kind, table-mounted solution with an efficient design capable of integrating into any operating room. The company said it adapts to a surgeon’s workflow, offers control they are used to and heps execute accurate bony cuts. It’s the medical device giant’s play to compete against Stryker and its popular Mako orthopedic surgery robots. Read the full story.
4. Philips acquires Capsule Technologies and its medical device data tech
Royal Philips (NYSE:PHG) agreed to acquire Capsule Technologies in a deal worth $635 million. Andover, Mass.–based Capsule Technologies develops medical device integration and data technologies for hospitals and healthcare organizations. Its offerings include a medical device information platform for integration, vital signs monitoring and clinical surveillance services. The deal should further bolster Philips efforts to be a leader in transforming the delivery of healthcarecare with integrated solutions. Read the full story.
3. Boston Scientific to acquire Preventice Solutions
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Preventice Solutions. Minneapolis-based Preventice designs mobile health solutions and remote monitoring services for patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Its wearables include the PatientCare platform and BodyGuardian family of monitors. Read the full story.
2. TransEnterix receives CE Mark for AI for its robotic surgery system
TransEnterix (NYSE:TRXC) received CE Mark approval for its Intelligent Surgical Unit for the Senhance system. The Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU) enables machine vision capabilities on the Senhance surgical system, providing Senhance digital laparoscopic programs in Europe augmented intelligence capabilities in surgical settings, according to a news release. The FDA cleared the ISU in March 2020. Read the full story.
1. Biden unveils a ‘full-scale, wartime’ plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic
The White House issued a 200-page document on Inauguration Day detailing “full-scale, wartime” plans to harness the nation’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities to boost vaccine production, end shortages of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure equitable distribution of pandemic supplies. Read the full story.
