News

All you want to know about risk management and medical devices

Interview with Bijan Elahi – Global Product Risk-Management Consultant and Educator at Medtronic

Bijan Elahi is an engineer, a teacher and an author with one goal: helping people to produce the safest medical products.

CMR surgical’s versius completes initial surgical procedures in humans

UK-based medical equipment maker CMR Surgical has announced the completion of the first series of human surgical procedures using its Versius surgical robotic system as part of a clinical study in India.

Train your brain to eat less sugar

More than half of American adults consume excess added sugars, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Major dietary guidelines recommend limiting foods high in added sugars.

Lundbeck strikes $250M Abide buyout, bagging Tourette’s drug

Lundbeck is set to pay $250 million (€223 million) upfront to buy Abide Therapeutics. The deal will give Lundbeck a phase 2a Tourette’s syndrome program, a central nervous system drug discovery platform and a West Coast research hub.

Medtronic introduces new revascularisation device in US

Irish medical device company Medtronic has launched Solitaire X, a revascularisation device intended to treat patients with acute ischemic stroke, in the US.

Study finds Abbott’s Troponin-I blood test predict heart disease risks

Abbott’s new study has found that its High Sensitive Troponin-I blood test is capable of predicting heart disease risks in people with no symptoms.

Scientists develop swallowable self-inflating capsule to help tackle obesity

A team from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the National University Health System (NUHS) has developed a self-inflating weight management capsule that could be used to treat obese patients.

Ready for a challenge?

Are you looking for an entry-level job or do you want to change positions in the medical devices sector?

US court orders J&J to pay $120m in damages over pelvic mesh implant

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) subsidiary Ethicon has been ordered to pay $120m in damages by a Philadelphia court after it ruled that its negligently designed pelvic mesh implant caused a Pennsylvania woman to suffer from incontinence and chronic pain, Law360 has reported.

Four ways virtual, augmented reality could change radiology forever

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have the potential to dramatically change healthcare and could impact the practice of radiology in a number of ways.

AI-driven voice analysis used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder

A study published in Depression and Anxiety has revealed that a specially designed artificial intelligence (AI) can diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through vocal biomarkers.

Making digital tissue imaging better

There’s a low-tech problem troubling the high-tech world of digital pathology imaging.The issue: Even as digital pathology makes rapid advances worldwide

New MRI technology could measure brain function in milliseconds

Scientists have developed a new technique to measure brain function in milliseconds using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Researchers build 3D-printed heart out of patient’s donor cells

Researchers in Israel have printed a three-dimensional human heart using bioinks developed from a patient’s own cells, which they say makes it completely biocompatible with the donor.

New PET imaging biomarker could better predict progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have discovered a way to better predict progression of Alzheimer’s disease. By imaging microglial activation levels with positron emission tomography (PET), researchers were able to better predict progression of the disease than with beta-amyloid PET imaging, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

J&J concludes $3.4bn Auris Health acquisition

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) subsidiary Ethicon has closed a $3.4bn acquisition of surgical robotics developer Auris Health.

Laser technology helps researchers scrutinize cancer cells

Devising the best treatment for a patient with cancer requires doctors to know something about the traits of the cancer from which the patient is suffering. But one of the greatest difficulties in treating cancer is that cancer cells are not all the same.

Ultrasound aligns living cells in bioprinted tissues

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a technique to improve the characteristics of engineered tissues by using ultrasound to align living cells during the biofabrication process.

Total Quality Management for Cold Chain: A-SMART and 5C method

In an article on cold chain vaccine delivery, Matthias, D.M. (et al)* state that in developing countries 22% of the healthcare cold chain products are prone to damage during storage. Although Asia is developing, it is yet to be fully matured in various aspects, especially when it comes to cold chain management.

AI improves contouring accuracy for radiation oncology

An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm can provide accurate, fast, and automated contouring of primary tumor volumes on multiparametric MR images of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, potentially improving outcomes from radiation therapy, according to research.

Diattenuation imaging: Promising imaging technique for brain research

A new imaging method provides structural information about brain tissue that was previously difficult to access. Diattenuation Imaging (DI), developed by scientists at Forschungszentrum Jülich and the University of Groningen, allows researchers to differentiate, e.g., regions with many thin nerve fibres from regions with few thick nerve fibres.

Total quality management for cold chain at DKSH

Watch this video to learn more about cold chain management.

At DKSH we understand that cold chain management is about process, assets and people. Learn more about our unique research-based method called: “Total quality management for cold-chain” which ensures that every step in the cold chain is secured across our network of regional distribution centers. 

Cancer imaging technology can help reveal life-threatening pregnancy disorder

An imaging technique used to detect some forms of cancer can also help detect preeclampsia in pregnancy before it becomes a life-threatening condition, a new Tulane study says.

Hydrogel contact lens to treat serious eye disease

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have created a hydrogel that could one day be made into a contact lens to more effectively treat corneal melting, a condition that is a significant cause for blindness worldwide.

New optical imaging system could be deployed to find tiny tumors

Many types of cancer could be more easily treated if they were detected at an earlier stage. MIT researchers have now developed an imaging system, named “DOLPHIN,” which could enable them to find tiny tumors, as small as a couple of hundred cells, deep within the body.

New Medical Devices Regulation – “Notified Bodies face a huge workload”

Blog by Catherinea Jones – Quality Assurance Specialist

On April 5th, 2017, the EU adopted the new Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), replacing the two existing directives: the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) and Active Implantable Medical Devices Directives (AIMD). What does this change mean for the industry? We spoke to Catherinea Jones, who works as a Quality Assurance Specialist. “This is a massive operation.”

Fresenius Medical Care closes $2bn NxStage Medical acquisition

German dialysis products and services company Fresenius Medical Care has completed the $2bn acquisition of US-based medical devices maker NxStage Medical, after receiving clearance from the US antitrust authorities.

Philips unveils new EPIQ Elite ultrasound line, with vascular imaging capabilities

Philips has launched its new EPIQ Elite ultrasound system, offering a range of diagnostic solutions for different medical specialties, including the company’s first for vascular assessments.

New pill can deliver insulin

An MIT-led research team has developed a drug capsule that could be used to deliver oral doses of insulin, potentially replacing the injections that people with type 1 diabetes have to give themselves every day.

UCI biomedical engineers develop wearable respiration monitor with children’s toy

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a wearable, disposable respiration monitor that provides high-fidelity readings on a continuous basis. It’s designed to help children with asthma and cystic fibrosis and others with chronic pulmonary conditions.

Ultra ultrasound to transform new tech

A new and extremely sensitive method of measuring ultrasound could revolutionise everything from medical devices to unmanned vehicles. 

J&J launches new intraocular lens for cataract patients in Europe

Johnson & Johnson Vision has launched its TECNIS Eyhance intraocular lens for the treatment of cataracts in European commercial markets.

Going for an MRI scan with tattoos?

According to Weiskopf, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig (MPI CBS), .” ..the most important questions for us were: Can we conduct our studies with tattooed subjects without hesitation?

Physics can show us the inside of tumors

A team of physicists at the Institut Lumière Matière (CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), in collaboration with the Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CNRS/INSERM/ Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1//Centre Léon Bérard/Hospices civils de Lyon), has demonstrated the potential, for oncology, of an imaging technique based only on the physical properties of tumors. 

Empatica secures FDA clearance for paediatric use of epilepsy smartband

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab spin-off, Empatica, has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for the use of its Embrace epilepsy smartband for children.

Ares Genetics gains funds to advance AI-based diagnostic capabilities

Ares Genetics, a unit of molecular diagnostics developer Curetis, has secured funding from the Vienna Business Agency to support the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic test called ARESupa.

Surgeons successfully implant rib produced by 3D printer

The patient had a tumour formation in the fifth right rib accompanied by swelling and pain. It was thought to be a congenital disease that could lead to weakening of the chest and problems associated with physical strain, including difficulty breathing.

Physics can show us the inside of tumors

A team of physicists at the Institut Lumière Matière (CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), in collaboration with the Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CNRS/INSERM/ Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1//Centre Léon Bérard/Hospices civils de Lyon), has demonstrated the potential, for oncology, of an imaging technique based only on the physical properties of tumors.

Swedish researchers develop ‘painless’ glucose monitoring system

A research team at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden is developing a glucose monitoring device that is said to be 50 times smaller than the needles used in existing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.

Generex to buy Pantheon Medical

Integrated healthcare company Generex Biotechnology has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire surgical devices firm Pantheon Medical – Foot & Ankle. The deal covers all assets, including business operations, accounts receivable and inventory, contracts, and a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) letter for balanced plating system.

Engineers create an inhalable form of messenger RNA

Messenger RNA, which can induce cells to produce therapeutic proteins, holds great promise for treating a variety of diseases. The biggest obstacle to this approach so far has been finding safe and efficient ways to deliver mRNA molecules to the target cells.

AI predicts cancer patients’ symptoms

Doctors could get a head start treating cancer thanks to new AI developed at the University of Surrey that is able to predict symptoms and their severity throughout the course of a patient’s treatment.

US researchers develop neurostimulator to treat brain disorders

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) researchers in the US have developed a neurostimulator called WAND to help treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Living in a Wheelchair

Blog by Jim Ryan – A Quadriplegic

It has been a while since I have added to the blog. I had a very busy November coupled with 10 days of being sick. In December I had a few calm weeks, but the during the Christmas holiday it was quite hectic again. In this blog I will tell you more about my wheelchair, and how I am able to move with it.

Novel imaging technique brings diagnostic potential into operating room

A team of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researchers led by Professor Stephen Boppart has successfully visualised the tumor microenvironment of human breast tissue shortly after it was surgically removed from a patient in the operating room. The researchers achieved this using a new portable optical imaging system developed in Boppart’s lab.

Implantable device aids weight loss

More than 700 million adults and children worldwide are obese, according to a 2017 study that called the growing number and weight-related health problems a “rising pandemic.
New battery-free, easily implantable weight-loss devices developed by engineers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison could offer a promising new weapon for battling the bulge. 

Academic takes aim at plastics use in medtech

Dr Simon Werrett, a science historian and professor at University College London has researched the use of plastic in the medical industry and how it may be reduced.

On behalf of the Medical Devices community, we would like to wish you a merry Christmas!

Management of medical device files with ISO 13485:2016

Blog by S.M. Waqas Imam, Industrial Engineer, Certified Lead Auditor, Blog Writer and Ambassador of the Medical Devices Community

ISO Technical Committee (TC 210) mandates the requirements of medical device files in the latest version of ISO 13485:2016 in order to make a consistent work flow for manufacturers and suppliers in the medical devices industry.

Supply Chain: Systems and People

Blog by Marc Baggen, Supply Chain Consultant.

In my previous blog, I explained the importance of process understanding within your company. Supply chain has multiple processes as the base.

Trade Secrets

Blog written by Guy Breitenstein, Senior IP Attorney – Contracting, Trade Secrets and Data

One of the biggest challenges for companies in the medical devices industry is to protect their innovative work. These innovations relate to all aspects of medical devices, all the way from the chemistry to the device design to the software. Innovations are often the result of years of research and development and represent a significant investment.

By patients for patients

Interview with Geert Dewulf , The Vice President Sales of Andaman7

Currently, access to personal medical data from patients in the healthcare industry is difficult. Although it is accepted that the most accurate information is needed to help patients, to improve the quality of clinical trials or the production of new drugs, getting this information is becoming more and more difficult because of legitimate hurdles linked with privacy and GDPR.

Hospital Trust begins using virtual reality to treat visual vertigo

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has installed a virtual reality computer gaming suite at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and could be used in the home of the patients over time.

FDA proposes more transparent de novo pathway for medical devices

The US Food and drug Administration (FDA) has proposed revisions to the de novo pathway in order to make medical device classification more efficient and transparent.

Human images from world’s first total-body scanner unveiled

EXPLORER, the world’s first medical imaging scanner that can capture a 3-D picture of the whole human body at once, has produced its first scans.

MRI scans show promise in predicting dementia

One day, MRI brain scans may help predict whether older people will develop dementia, new research suggests.

Medical device regulation: Is a national database the right solution to unsafe devices?

An investigation led by International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has found that many patients could have been fitted with devices such as pacemakers and hip replacements that are unsafe due to weak medical device regulation.

From an ICU ventilator to fully automatic ventilation

Blog written by Dick van Ginkel, Technician

Over the years there have been multiple impacts on ICU ventilators, due to the development of automatisation. ICU ventilators are breathing machines meant to temporally take over the complete breathing of people or partly support the breathing process.

AI in Healthcare: 5 Real-World Examples

The examples of AI and its applications in healthcare potentially offer affordable healthcare, efficient clinical trials, improved success rates, and a better quality of life.

What does the Brexit draft agreement mean for medical devices

The UK government has released a draft agreement regarding the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union along with a joint statement and outline of a political declaration on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.

Digital Radiology Advantages

Digital radiography (DR) is increasingly used in radiology practice, as the trend towards paperless and filmless radiography advances. DR is based on the use of X-rays for data acquisition with direct or indirect conversion to electrical charge using various detection-charge conversion systems.

AI Algorithm Outperformed Majority of Cardiologists in Detection of Heart Murmurs in Clinical Study

At the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2018, Eko, a cardiac monitoring company that combines non-invasive sensors with machine learning, presented a clinical study abstract revealing the first murmur detection algorithm to outperform the majority of participating cardiologists in a clinical study.

Unique brain activity pattern may help detect schizophrenia early

Neuroscientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found a correlation between a brain activity pattern and the development of schizophrenia.

UK to open five new AI medical centres to boost disease diagnosis

The UK Government has announced plans to open five new centres of excellence focussed on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for digital pathology and medical imaging.

Detecting E.coli Strains Using Molecular Electronics

Finding a fast and inexpensive way to detect specific strains of bacteria and viruses is critical to food safety, water quality, environmental protection and human health. However, current methods for detecting illness-causing strains of bacteria such as E. coli require either time-intensive biological cell cultures or DNA amplification approaches that rely on expensive laboratory equipment.

Quadriplegic Cruising

Blog by Jim Ryan – A Quadriplegic

This month my wife, my son Daniel and myself had the opportunity of a lifetime and enjoyed the 22-day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver, BC, Canada to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is the culmination of one of my life long dreams.

A no-deal Brexit: What will it mean for the Medical Devices Industry?

The Home Affairs Sub-Committee of The Select Committee on the European Union met in the House of Lords today to discuss how the UK’s access to medicines and medical devices could be affected in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Tiny, pain-free vaccinations: microneedles and nanoparticles

If it’s up to PhD student Guangsheng Du, patients don’t need to worry about big needles anymore. At the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR), he studied the use of microneedles and nanoparticles as a new vaccination system. ‘I want to create a more patient-friendly delivery method.’ He defends his PhD on 30 October.

UK researchers discover early detection of cancer approach

Researchers at Edinburgh University in the UK have discovered a new approach that leverages mathematical methods devised by Second World War codebreaker Alan Turing for detecting a variety of diseases, including cancer, in advance.

3D printed medical devices: a tough trial for regulation?

The use of 3D printing in the medical industry is revolutionary and has huge potential. However, it also causes many issues for regulating bodies as theoretically anyone with a 3D printer and a blueprint could print their own devices, not just registered companies.

Supply Chain: An easy job?

Blog by Marc Baggen

In the industry I sometimes hear people say: “Supply chain, that is easy. Do some planning and send out the goods to the customers.’’ Yes, this is a good starting point, but far from complete. In a modern supply chain there is much more, especially in the Medical Devices Industry.

Could AI ‘Audrey’ be the future first response assistant?

Imagine a first responder answering the call to a natural disaster, a house fire, or an active shooter incident where there may be multiple injuries and unknown casualties. The information the responder needs to fulfill the mission is immeasurable.

University of Bremen launches new study in Medical Computing

The Fraunhofer MEVIS Institute for Medical Image Computing – in short: Fraunhofer MEVIS – is one of the world’s leading research centers in digital medicine. In order to prepare computer science students for challenges in this area, the institute and the University of Bremen are now cooperating even more closely in teaching. This winter semester saw the introduction of a new study area called Medical Computing in the Faculty of Mathematics / Computer Science.

Do people fear smart devices for data hacks?

Recent research carried out by medical device developer and manufacturer Bespak, has suggested that data security concerns could be delaying a rollout of potentially lifesaving smart inhaler products. These smart inhaler products could be utilised by users and result in the prevention of around 800 asthma deaths a year in the UK alone.  

A look at technical advancements in the medical devices industry

We spoke to Peter Tacken, Supply Chain Manager at Bausch & Lomb, about the biggest technical advancements in Supply Chain development, how they currently are, and could possibly influence the medical devices industry in the future. These technological changes are also known as the fourth industrial revolution. We asked Peter about his thoughts and opinions on these changes, as well as their pros and cons.

RightEye Eye-Tracking System Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance

RightEye LLC, an award-winning health technology company that uses eye tracking to revolutionize patient care and improve vision performance, today announced that the company’s vision system has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has cleared the RightEye™ system for recording, viewing, and analyzing eye movements in support of identifying visual tracking impairment in patients.

Needle-Free Diabetes Care: 7 Devices that Painlessly Measure Blood Glucose

Will the daily routine of finger pricking to monitor blood glucose levels finally come to an end for the millions living with diabetes?

”My accident and my ceiling lift”

Blog by Jim Ryan, a quadriplegic

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I will talk about my accident, some about my recovery and I will start with the lift my health care workers use to move me from my wheelchair to my bed and back again.

New Study Finds Nanoparticles Show Promise in Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Approximately 10-20 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are found to be triple-negative, meaning the breast cancer cells test negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors as well as HER2 receptors, genes that can play a role in the development of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer can be more aggressive and difficult to treat as the cancer cells do not respond to hormonal therapies or therapies that target HER2 receptors.

Boston Scientific’s Eluvia Peripheral Long Term Drug Eluting Stent FDA Approved

Boston Scientific won FDA regulatory approval to introduce the Eluvia drug-eluting vascular stent to the U.S. market. The device is the first peripheral stent to offer sustained release of an antiproliferative drug (paclitaxel) for as long as a full year. The drug prevents restenosis, a common condition caused by native tissue growing over the stent.

University of Glasgow unveils Star Trek-inspired diagnostic device

A Star Trek-inspired handheld device based on a silicon chip could help make rapid, sophisticated medical diagnostics more accessible to people around the world, scientists say.

This is why Quality Training is so important! 

Blog by Ruud Lans, Quality and Regulatory Affairs Consultant

In the world of Medical Devices, most people are familiair with quality assurance and the regulatory requirements. But not everyone is known with the ins and outs of quality assurance, and that is why Quality Training is important. Below you can find which quality topics are important and§ which techniques are useful for employers and employees.

Medtronic set to acquire Mazor Robotics

On September 20, Medtronic announced a definitive agreement to acquire Israel-based Mazor Robotics for $1.6bn, with the acquisition expected to close in Q3 of Medtronic’s FY2019. This deal is the culmination of a nearly two-and-a-half-year partnership for the two companies.

Google’s AI tool can determine lung cancer type from images

A new study by a New York University (NYU) School of Medicine research team has found that a type of artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Inception v3 from Google can determine lung cancer types by analysing images of tumours.

US researchers devise iPhone app to monitor blood pressure

A research team at Michigan State University (MSU) has developed a proof-of-concept iPhone app that can deliver accurate blood pressure readings.

Researchers develop new testing device to better diagnose dizziness

Half of over-65s suffer from dizziness and problems with balance. But some tests to identify the causes of such problems are painful and can risk hearing damage. Now, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed a new testing device using bone conduction technology, that offers significant advantages over the current tests.

Louis Meessen: Steps and regulations to follow when releasing a medical device

August 2018, Louis Meessen, Project Manager product innovation hi-tech. In my role as Project Manager in product innovation, I had to follow the procedures as we had defined in our Product Creation Procedur to fulfil regulations needed for a medical device release.

How close are 3D printed organs to reality?

The financial year of 2017/18 saw the highest number of organs ever donated in the UK. However, as organ donation figures continue to rise so too does the demand for transplants. By 2020 a new opt-out system for organ donation could be put in place across England if parliament approves “Max’s Law”.

A Tiny Neural Implants Even Your Brain Can Love

At Draper, medical implants are slimming down and getting connected, too. Draper’s latest system is tiny in size, but is poised to make a big impact in treating disease through its networked abilities.

What is it like being a Quadriplegic?

My name is Jim Ryan, I am from Canada and I am a full quadriplegic. Many people suffer from quadriplegia which means the partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs. A lot of quadriplegics will be mistaken as paraplegics as they have enough upper body strength to push themselves in their wheelchair, feed themselves and get around on their own.

Inside Costa Rica’s super-sized medical device sector

In 2017, medical devices became Costa Rica’s top export, surpassing the agricultural sector for the first time in the country’s history. With more than 70 medical device companies operating in Costa Rica, how has this small nation managed to develop such a successful and fast-growing medical technology sector?

A novel approach to cardiac surgery

Second-year medical student Kevin Cyr is part of a team of Stanford researchers investigating new ways to survey electricity in the heart. The research has led to the development of cardiac surgical devices that could one day help patients who suffer from a common heart ailment. “I’m using 3D-printed tools to design cardiac-mapping catheters, devices used by surgeons to map the electrical activity of the heart and find disturbances,” says Cyr.

How to Manage Non-Conformances?

Blog by Ruud Lans, Quality and Regulatory Affairs Consultant
Almost every company will have to deal with non-conformances at one point, whether relatively minor or potentially major. In the Medical Devices Industry, these non-conformances can cause serious problems, and there for the way of handling such problems is important. Here are a few tips for dealing with them, or being proactive to mitigate them:

Facebook and NYU School of Medicine launch research collaboration to improve MRI

Facebook and NYU School of Medicine’s Department of Radiology are excited to announce fastMRI, a new collaborative research project that will investigate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to make magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans up to 10 times faster. If this effort is successful, it will make MRI technology available to more people, expanding access to this key diagnostic tool.

Imaging technique can spot tuberculosis infection in an hour

A research team led by a Stanford University School of Medicine professor has developed an imaging technique that can diagnose live tuberculosis (TB) in an hour and help monitor the efficacy of treatments.

OHSU professor conducts clinical trial with artificial pancreas using Xeris’ liquid glucagon

Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company leveraging its novel technology platforms to develop and commercialize ready-to-use injectable and infusible drug formulations, announced today that Jessica Castle, M.D., an associate professor of medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine and OHSU Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center in Portland, Oregon, is conducting a clinical trial with a dual-hormone artificial pancreas using Xeris’ ready-to-use liquid glucagon to evaluate a new closed-loop algorithm.

Artificial Intelligence: The Game Changer of Medtech

The year 2018 has seen a good influx of innovative medical devices. Artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a critical component in most of these novel devices.

Clinical Innovations expands into China with new subsidiary

Clinical Innovations continued its march toward global expansion, launching a new subsidiary in Shanghai to grow the company’s presence in the Chinese labor and delivery market. 

Evidation raises $30M alongside launch of new big data platform

Health data company Evidation Health raised $30 million in a series C round, bringing its total funding to $61 million, alongside the launch of a new platform built to digest large-scale sensor and behavioral data from real-world settings.

Growing a surgical robot

Following the success of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for a number of indications and surgical specialities, medical device companies have turned to surgical robotics as the next big innovation.

3D printing in the medical field: four major applications revolutionising the industry

3D printing has many functions in a variety of industries, however, in the medical field it has four main applications.

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy to incorporate wearable tech into total knee replacements in Australia and New Zealand

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes is linking up with 360 Knee Systems, an Australian developer of digital solutions for personalizing total knee replacements, including the construction of 3D models for virtual surgery planning, wearable devices and mapping patients’ kinetic movement.

Radiation from CT scans can increase risk of brain cancer in children

A study led by Netherlands Cancer Institute has revealed an increased risk of brain cancer in children that receive computed tomography (CT) head scans. High doses of ionising radiation are emitted during a CT scan, which may cause the DNA mutations that lead to cancer.

Senseonics’ recently approved implantable glucose monitor wins real-world accuracy study

A three-way comparison of continuous glucose monitoring devices found that Senseonics’ recently approved Eversense implantable monitor was significantly more accurate than the Dexcom G5 and the Abbott Freestyle Libre Pro.

Thermo Fisher Scientific to buy Gatan for $925m

Diagnostic products maker Thermo Fisher Scientific has signed a definitive agreement to acquire software developer Roper Technologies’ wholly owned subsidiary Gatan for about $925m.

HKBU unveils new device to enable safe growth of neural stem cells

Researchers from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) have developed a device containing a specific nanotechnology layer to enable the in vitro proliferation of neural stem cells(NSCs). The research team was jointly led by Department of Biology professor Ken Yung Kin-lam and Department of Physics associate professor Dr Jeffery Huang Zhifeng.

‘Smart stent’ detects narrowing of arteries

A research team from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada has developed a ‘smart stent’ that can monitor even subtle changes in the blood flow of arteries, allowing the detection of narrowing in its earliest stages and making early diagnosis and treatment possible.

This robot is able to perform surgery

This robot, created by researchers at the Max Planck Intitute, is able to perform surgery. Isn’t medical technology amazing?

Imaging method reveals effects of treatment for mutant IDH1 gliomas

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in the US have used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) imaging to investigate the mechanisms behind a potential targeted treatment for gliomas.

Algorithm creates reliable sensory feedback for prosthetic arm users

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a control algorithm that regulates current so that prosthetic arm users can feel a steady sensation of touch, even if electrodes begin to peel off or sweat builds up.

Classification of Medical Devices

A medical device is designed to contribute on improving patient’s health through diagnosis, therapy or surgery which are monitored and under strict regulations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has established the classification of medical devices for 1700 different generic types of devices within its industry. How are these types of devices classified, and which devices belongs to what class? The classification of medical devices is explained in this article.

Starting your R&D project

R&D in the medical industry is one of the most, if not the most, important things. With the world being as innovative as it is right now, it is no strange thing that R&D spendings within the medical industry are rising. Not only the big corporations are accountable for this rise in spendings, more and more startups are trying to enter the market. Entering this market can be tricky for startups, especially with all the regulations and the high costs of research and development. A good preparation for starting your R&D project is key, and a few points are mentioned below that can help you with process.

The Medical Devices Regulation in Europe

In 2008, a conference was initiated by the European Commission on the medical devices regulation, which resulted in more than 200 remarks and suggestions for revision of the regulation. Therefore, the European Commission proposed a plan in 2012, of revising the medical devices regulation framework, where the existing directives were going to be replaced.
Read here what these modifications consist of.

The Future of Medical Devices

With the world becoming more and more technological every day, the medical device industry cannot stay behind. And luckily, it doesn’t. The possibilities are endless, and below you can find five technological innovations that could play a massive part of the future of medical devices.

Working in the Research & Development sector

We had an interview with Luke D. Burke, PhD- Senior Research and Development Engineer, about his experiences within the medical devices industry.

Everything must be better, safer and more sustainable

Blog by Bert van Boxtel – QA Consultant

During the 80’s, I joined the medical devices industry as a young guy. I chose to work with medical techniques because of idealistic reasons: by creating medical devices I am helping to create a better world. That idea suited me much more than creating luxury products for our consuming behaviour.

The revision of Medical Devices Regulation in Europe

From pregnancy tests and HIV blood tests to contact lenses and machines in optometry to breast implants and hip replacements. Medical devices include a wide range of products used by patients and doctors. Medical devices are necessary to our health and quality of life. In May 2017, the European Commission decided to do a revision on the medical devices regulation due to an incident that have taken place, and wrong interpretations of these regulations. Read here why this is important.

10 Groundbreaking Medical Technology Inventions

Nowadays, we consider most of the medical technology as normal. However, throughout the history of mankind these devices were invented, and these should still be seen as extremely special. These medical devices are still saving lives and making day-to-day life for many people a lot easier. Here are 10 historical inventions that are worth mentioning.

Functional connectivity MRI could help detect brain disorders and diseases

There are no laboratory tests to diagnose migraines, depression, bipolar disorder and many other ailments of the brain. Doctors typically gauge such illnesses based on self-reported symptoms and behavior.

Will medtech drive the next Southeastern U.S. industrial revolution?

One South Carolina startup relies on the Southeastern U.S. history of engineering innovation, new infrastructure and quality of life to drive drug delivery innovation through nanoparticles.

This wearable system continuously monitors stomach activity

California researchers have created an electrocardiogram-like system for the gastrointestinal tract that monitors electrical activity in the stomach over a 24-hour period.

The system is a wearable, non-invasive system that provides GI activity monitoring outside of clinical settings while increasing the chance of identifying abnormal activity. It is a 3D printed portable box that is connected to 10 small wearable electrodes.

Why medtech needs innovations in the law department to protect intellectual property

Here’s the scenario: after investing millions of dollars and years of resources in R&D, your company has received approval to market your cutting-edge medical device. If your flagship device does not establish a strong foothold on the market, the enterprise will likely be doomed and your investors will lose most, if not all, of their capital.

FDA grants clearance for first contact lens with light-adaptive technology

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared the first contact lens to incorporate an additive that automatically darkens the lens when exposed to bright light. The Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology are soft contact lenses indicated for daily use to correct the vision of people with non-diseased eyes who are nearsighted (myopia) or farsighted (hyperopia).

Why partnerships between medtech companies and doctors are so important

As new devices and technologies are being developed in the medtech industry, doctors and physicians have to learn about the devices on platforms that are different from what they know. One way to help make the healthcare provider’s transition into using new devices easier is to forge a partnership between the industry and the physician, according to Laura Dietch, CEO of BioTrace Medical(Menlo Park, Calif.).

This visor-like device could be a defibrillator for stroke

A portable, visor-like device has shown potential for detecting emergent large-vessel occlusion with 92% accuracy in patients who may have had a stroke. The researchers suggest that the diagnostic device could be readily accessible to emergency personnel and in public spaces in the same way a defibrillator is available for treating heart attacks.

Study: Laser lead extraction may raise mortality rate

Laser-based extraction of pacemaker or defibrillator leads could pose a higher risk of death than cutting sheath systems, according to a new meta-analysis study reported by Medscape. In the analysis, researchers found a ninefold increase in mortality associated with the procedures when they were performed using a popular excimer laser lead-extraction sheath when compared against sheaths that use a metal blade.

German team develops new blood test for Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany have developed a new blood test that can identify indicators of Alzheimer’s disease much earlier than the appearance of initial symptoms.Published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, the results of the research indicated a potential to detect at-risk individuals and allow new drug discovery opportunities.

Wheelchair of the future

Published by www.cheddar.com 

Researchers propose new approach to look deeper into brain function

To uncover connections between brain regions and specific cognitive functions, neuroscientists have long made extensive use of techniques like functional resonance imaging (fMRI). First introduced in the 1990’s, the method allows tracking the brain’s activity while a test subject performs a task or responds to stimuli in the MRI scanner.

FDA releases top 3 medical device regulation goals

FDA medical device regulators’ top priorities over the next three years include improving employee engagement, increasing simplicity and building collaborative communities, according to a new Strategic Priorities paper that FDA’s CDRH released today. The agency said the priorities further its overall goal of providing Americans with more timely access to the latest high-quality, safe and effective medical devices.

Artificially-produced diamonds could improve brain imaging

Researchers have optimised the design of laboratory-grown artificial diamonds for use in biosensing applications such as magnetic brain imaging.In ‘Designing Diamonds for Medical Imaging Technologies’, published in Applied Physics Letters, the researchers from Osaka University, the Tokyo University of Science, the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kyoto University reported they have developed diamonds with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres that can detect changes in magnetic fields.

Home genetic tests may have negative implications finds study

Widespread access to personal genetic interpretation tools has potentially negative implications on users’ understanding of their health, according to a new study by Boston University School of Public Health. The study is the first to examine the challenges that can arise when consumers contact healthcare providers because they have concerns about their DNA interpretation results.

Taxes on Pacemakers, Medical Devices Returning in 2018

Expect high acquisitions, possible bidding wars in 2018

Look for another strong year for medtech acquisitions in 2018 — and even potential bidding wars — predicts patent attorney David Dykeman.The wave of mergers and acquisitions in the medical device industry should continue this year, both in terms of value and volume, according to patent attorney David Dykeman.

New 3D tissue model of developing heart could be used to test safety of drugs during pregnancy

The heart is the first organ to develop in the womb and the first cause of concern for many parents.
For expecting mothers, the excitement of pregnancy is often offset by anxiety over medication they require. Parents and doctors often have to consider the mother’s health as well as the potential risk regarding how medication could affect their baby. 

Traumatic brain injury associated with higher risk of dementia

The risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, was significantly higher in people who had experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) than with people who had no history of TBI, according to one of the largest studies to date on that association.Findings from a review of nearly 2.8 million patient cases in Denmark were published April 10 in The Lancet Psychiatry.