Silicone heart model heart failure

Scientists at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and partners at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin have developed a silicone heart model that is intended to model heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The device, which

Cardiac surgeons among signatories address gap

Cardiac surgeons from North America, Europe and Latin America are among the signatories to a multidisciplinary group seeking to address what it describes as a “widening gap” between evidence and guideline recommendations in cardiovascular medicine.

Neovasc gains approval for protocol supplement

Neovasc has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a protocol supplement to the COSIRA-II investigational device exemption (IDE) trial.

Soft Bioresorbable Implant Controls Pain by Cooling Nerves

A team of engineers at Northwestern University led by John Rogers, the person responsible for many advances in flexible electronics, created a drug-free implant that can control pain by cooling nerves. The soft implant is intended to be wrapped around a nerve during surgical procedures that would typically involve opioid-based analgesia afterwards. As a drug-free

AI-powered robotic system performs experiments

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research in Japan have developed an AI-powered robotic system that can perform laboratory experiments in regenerative medicine, learn from the results, and perform iterative rounds of experimentation to achieve a certain goal.

Magnetic Microrobots to Brush and Floss Teeth

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a technique to manipulate magnetic microrobots into bristle and string shaped-structures that can brush and floss teeth. The iron oxide nanoparticle-based microrobots also activate hydrogen peroxide to release bacteria-killing free radicals to further target bacterial

Cardiovascular disease can be reduced with new treatment

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of VAZKEPA (icosapent ethyl; Amarin) in adult statin-treated patients at high cardiovascular risk who have elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL [≥ 1.7 mmol/L]), LDL-C levels >1.04 mmol/L (and ≤ 2.60 mmol/L) and established cardiovascular disease (CVD).^1,2 The final guidance is expected to be available on 13 July 2022.

Smart jumpsuit tracks motor development in children

Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland created a smart jumpsuit that can track toddler movements. The idea is to closely monitor motor development and identify any issues early, allowing for earlier interventions. Issues with motor development can be related to wider neurodevelopmental problems, and so tracking a young child’s activity can provide a window

Thinner strut stents in patients with small vessels

A subgroup analysis of the BIO-RESORT trial has shown a “trend towards better outcomes” with thinner strut stents in patients with small vessels (<2,5mm) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Manufactured Meta-Bots with medical potential

Engineers at the University of California Los Angeles have developed “meta-bots,” which are fingernail sized robots that can move, sense, and navigate their environment. Strikingly, the robots are essentially ready for use when they emerge from the 3D printer, and consist of piezoelectric actuators that can

Self-Regulating Footwear for diabetic foot issues

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science created footwear that can self-regulate the pressure distribution when a person walks, helping to avoid pain and friction that can lead to issues for people with diabetes. Patients with diabetes can have an abnormal gait, sometimes because of pain or numbness in the extremities, potentially leading to complications such as foot ulcers

RaDaR assay technology to track tumor-specific variants

Inivata has reported positive data from a clinical study of its RaDaR assay to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence in high-risk hormone receptor-positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer patients.

Apple Watch monitoring features for AFib, Parkinson’s cleared by FDA

• Apple received 510(k) clearance for a new feature for its smart watch that shows users an estimate of how frequently their heart rhythm shows signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Oil-based gels to help patients swallowing

Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a series of oil-based gels that are intended to help those with difficulty swallowing to take drugs orally. Some adults and many children have difficulty taking pills, and so developing other forms of medication for oral drugs is important. The gels could be particularly useful in low-resource

Isolator Synergy Clamp to treat drug-refractory patients

AtriCure has announced that the first patient has been treated in the HEAL-IST trial, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of AtriCure’s Isolator Synergy Clamp for the treatment of drug-refractory patients diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST). The first patient was treated by Mark LaMeir and Carlo de Asmundis at University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.

Virtual Reality to train staff to deal with agitated patients

Researchers at the National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, have developed a virtual reality training system that lets healthcare staff learn how to deal with agitated or aggressive patients. Patients, particularly with mental health issues, can become angry and distressed, and learning to handle such patients both with empathy

Embolic protection device presented at EuroPCR 2022

Filterlex Medical has announced results from a first-in-human (FIH) study demonstrating the safety, feasibility, and performance of the Captis device, a full-body embolic protection device that reduces risk of stroke and other complications during left-heart procedures.

Zwitterion polymer coating for implantable devices

Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles have created a zwitterion polymer coating for in-dwelling medical devices, such as urinary catheters, that prevents microbes from adhering and creating troublesome biofilms. Recurrent infection and biofouling are a serious problem for such devices, leading to the overuse of antibiotics and the consequent rise of drug-resistant microbes.

TAVI was found to be non-inferior to surgery

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was found to be non-inferior to surgery for all-cause mortality at one year among patients aged 70 years or older with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis and moderately increased operative risk according to findings of the UK TAVI trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) this month.

Pacifier monitors electrolyte levels

At Washington State University a team developed a smart pacifier that can provide continuous monitoring of electrolyte levels in saliva. The measurements could help to avoid twice daily blood draws for premature infants. Blood draws are currently routine practice to monitor for signs of dehydration, which can be dangerous for infants born prematurely.

Adept announces Prone Support product launch

Adept Medical says it has responded to the call from interventional radiologists for a device to comfortably support and manage a patient in the prone position with the launch of its new Prone Support solution, which will be available from 23 May 2022.

Organ-on-a-chip for personalised medicine

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science developed an advanced organ-on-a-chip system that incorporates heart, bone, liver, and skin tissue in independent niches that are linked with simulated vascular flows. The system even includes immune cells that circulate within the simulated vasculature. The technology represents an advance in organ-on-a-chip systems as it allows scientists to study the effects of drugs or interventions on multiple organs simultaneously.

Acutus Medical finished enrolling patients in Atrial Flutter study

Acutus Medical has completed patient enrolment in the company’s AcQForce Flutter Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical trial. The trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the AcQBlate FORCE sensing ablation catheter and system for treating right atrial typical flutter.

Microneedle to track metabolism

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego created a wearable device that uses a disposable microneedle patch to continuously sample and analyse interstitial fluid. The wearable can measure glucose, alcohol, and lactate levels, all of which could be useful information for patients with diabetes.

Cryotherapy device for heavy menstrual bleeding

Channel Medsystems, a medtech company based in California, created the Cerene cryotherapy device for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Heavy menstrual bleeding can affect quality of life for many women, and the condition can be associated with abdominal pain, cramping, and tiredness.

Bone growth stimulation device announced

Orthofix announced today that it received FDA premarket approval (PMA) for its AccelStim bone healing therapy device. Lewisville, Texas-based Orthofix designed the AccelStim device to provide a safe and effective nonsurgical treatment for indicated fresh fractures and for fractures that have not healed (nonunions).

Nanoparticle system destroy Endometriosis Lesions

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a nanoparticle system that can aid with the removal of endometrial lesions in a minimally invasive fashion. In endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing pain and affecting fertility. Surgery to remove these lesions is often unsuccessful and repeat surgeries are often required. The research team’s nanoparticle technology can aid in minimally invasively destroying such lesions.

Neurovascular technologies for stroke treatment

Wallaby Medical has acquired German company phenox, including femtos, in a deal valued at nearly $543m (€500m), including milestone payments. Established in 2005, phenox offers a portfolio of neurovascular devices for the treatment of both ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes.

IDE supplement approved by FDA

Virtual Incision announced today that it received an FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) supplement for its MIRA platform.

Multiplex Immunoassay for Dengue Diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Reading in the UK created a rapid multiplex immunoassay for the detection of Dengue fever. The technology, which the researchers call the Cygnus system, aims to provide improved sensitivity compared with lateral flow tests and improved convenience and speed compared with conventional lab tests.

Blood ammonia monitoring device

Versantis is set to receive nearly $508,753 (Sfr475,000) from Swiss national innovation agency Innosuisse for the development of a point-of-care (POC) device to monitor blood ammonia in liver disease patients.

New launched compression system for diseases

Koya Medical announced today that it commercially launched its Dayspring active compression system in the U.S.

Oakland, California-based Koya designed the wearable Dayspring compression system to treat lymphedema and venous diseases in the lower extremities. It features a soft, breathable mesh garment with Koya’s proprietary Flexframe — spring-like segments for delivering compression — technology.

Monitoring device with data in fainting, TAVR patients

SafeCross transseptal balloon gets first commercial use

East End Medical has announced the first commercial use of its SafeCross transseptal radiofrequency (RF) puncture and steerable balloon introducer system. The system is designed to provide a predictable and safe solution for performing electrophysiology and structural heart interventions requiring left atrial access, the company said in a press release.

New genetic test to prevent deafness in babies

The new test finds a gene that can result in permanent hearing loss in babies treated with a common antibiotic.

Ultrasound Transducer for intracranial applications

Researchers at the University of California San Diego created an ultrasound transducer that is intended to provide safer ultrasound treatment when working inside the brain.

Magnetic tentacle robot travels into lungs

Researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK have created a magnetic “tentacle robot” that is just 2 mm in diameter, which they hope will be able to navigate through some of the smallest airways in our lungs. At present, a bronchoscope is used to investigate the lungs, but this cannot pass into very narrow airways without an additional catheter attachment.

Partnership on AI and digital pathology

The partnership will bring the power of Ibex’s clinical-grade AI algorithms into Dedalus’ end-to-end digital pathology solution. This will benefit pathologists and patients through enhanced quality of diagnosis, at speed.

Helmet Enhances MRI Brain Scans

A team of engineers and radiologists at Boston University created a helmet that can dramatically improve MRI scans of the brain. The device consists of a series of magnetic metamaterial resonators that significantly boost MRI performance. This results in crisper images that can be obtained at twice the speed of a normal scan. The breakthrough may allow clinicians to obtain useful images from low-field MRI scanners, potentially expanding the accessibility of brain scans to people in low-resource regions of the world.

Reduced waiting list due to monitoring device

Hospitals in England are trialling a new monitoring device that patients wear at home to help improve and speed up the diagnosis of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia).

New vascular contrast for clearer imaging

Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a new imaging technique that allows them to view the vasculature of experimental animals in great detail. Research into a variety of conditions, from vascular disease to cancer, relies on acquiring images of the vasculature in animals, with a variety of imaging techniques available.

Fingertip sensor lets prostheses feel applied force

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Germany have created a fingertip sensor that allows a robot, including a robotic prosthesis, to very sensitively gauge how much force is applied to it. The system is based on a camera that is mounted inside the rubbery robot finger.

Spinal implant to enhance bone growth

Intelligent Implants, a medtech company based in Cork, Ireland, has developed the SmartFuse TLIF cage, a spinal implant intended to enhance bone healing and reduce rates of non-union following spinal fusion surgery. The implant is equipped with electrodes that are designed to enhance bone growth, as well as provide a means of monitoring bone healing.

Humanoid robot measures blood pressure

Researchers at Simon Fraser University in Canada unveiled a humanoid robot that can measure blood pressure by touching a patient’s chest. The robot uses sensors on its fingertips to perform the measurements. Inspired by blood-sucking leeches, the dry electrode sensors infer blood pressure by combining electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) readings, although happily, they don’t suck blood.

Blood clotting test on a smartphone

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed smartphone-based technology that can allow someone to perform a blood clotting test at home. The technology is low-cost and easy to use. The test involves placing a drop of blood into a plastic attachment that can be viewed by a smartphone camera. The smartphone then vibrates the blood, and the camera can detect when the blood has clotted. The approach provides an inexpensive and convenient blood testing option for patients who are taking anti-coagulants.

The slimmest personal ECG card created

A couple of weeks ago, AliveCor, a leading innovator in the FDA-cleared personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology space, announced the launch of the KardiaMobile Card.

Machine learning process on hip fractures outperforms

Two convolutional neural networks (CNNs) developed at the University of Bath were able to identify and classify hip fractures from X-rays with a 19% greater degree of accuracy and confidence than hospital-based clinicians, in results published this week in Nature Scientific Reports.

Digestive breath tester launched for gastrointestinal conditions

Anyone suffering from ongoing digestive issues such as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IBS can use this pocket-size device at home to measure and monitor their digestion in real time to help better manage their digestive health.

Electricity treatment for brain cancer receives backing

Brain Tumours are the number one killer cancer for children and adults below 40 and took away notable people such as Dame Tessa Jowell, US Senator John McCain, British football player Paul Mariner and actor Paul Ritter, and 4yo Grace Kelly. Recently, Tom Parker, singer of The Wanted, has been receiving treatment for an inoperable tumour.

Laparoscopic robot performs first autonomous surgery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed and now successfully tested the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR), a self-guiding surgical robot that can perform challenging laparoscopic procedures in gastrointestinal surgery, including intestinal anastomosis.

Low-Field MRI for New Imaging Possibilities, Fewer X-rays

Researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are using a new low-field MRI system that may expand the capabilities of MRI for patients with implanted devices, patients who require lung imaging, and obese patients. The system, which was developed in a collaboration between Siemens and Ohio State, has a magnetic field strength of 0.55 Tesla, which is low when compared with the 1.5 or 3.0 Tesla systems that are typically used. The low field strength increases the potential of the system for lung imaging, which could help patients to avoid the radiation associated with repeated X-rays, and for imaging in situations where the implanted pacemakers or defibrillators present are not safe under magnetic resonance.

New sensor system developed for COVID-19 detection

Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company and specialist in drug delivery, diagnostic and medtech devices, is collaborating with Dallas-based healthcare start-up SOTECH Health to accelerate the development of a breath-sensor system that detects COVID-19 in less than 30 seconds.

MIT team working on all-in-one diabetes app

MIT engineers are working on an app that identifies and quantifies food content, which can aid in carbohydrate counting for people with diabetes.

Distalmotion closes financing to fast-track surgical robots’ adoption

Medical equipment manufacturer Distalmotion has raised $90m in a funding round led by Revival Healthcare Capital to accelerate the commercialisation of its surgical robot, Dexter, across the world.

Employees say Intuitive, Boston Scientific, J&J, Medtronic are among the best places to work in 2022

Intuitive Surgical, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic were recently named by Glassdoor as Best Places to Work in 2022 based on employee reviews.

Labcorp’s OmniSeq selects GenomOncology Pathology for tumour treatment

Labcorp’s OmniSeq has selected GenomOncology (GO) Pathology Workbench to support the analysis of a genomic and immune profiling test, OmniSeq INSIGHT, for solid tumours.

Stryker CEO Lobo talks success of Wright Medical merger

CEO Kevin Lobo has a lot to be excited about at Stryker — the world’s largest orthopedic device company.

MedTech Europe welcomes proposal to amend IVDR transitional provisions

MedTech Europe has welcomed the adoption of the European Commission’s Proposal to amend the transitional provisions of the new EU In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVD Regulation).

Sorrento Therapeutics’ COVISTIX Covid-19 test detects Omicron variant

Sorrento Therapeutics has announced that the initial testing of its COVISTIX Covid-19 virus rapid antigen detection test showed its ability to detect Omicron besides the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and other major variants of concern.

FDA grants 510(k) clearance for Sight Sciences’ TearCare System

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for Sight Sciences’ TearCare System to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which causes dry eye disease (DED).

FDA issues draft guidance for transitioning medical devices

The FDA is proposing guidance that it give medical device makers about half a year’s notice before terminating emergency use authorizations post-pandemic.

Microbix expands QAPs portfolio with new PCR-test control

Microbix Biosystems has expanded its Quality Assessment Products (QAPs) portfolio with the introduction of the new Multiplex Respiratory PCR-Test Control.

UofL Health deploys paige AI-enabled cancer detection software suite

The University of Louisville (UofL) Health in the US state of Kentucky has deployed a complete suite of Paige artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital pathology software in a bid to enhance cancer diagnosis services.

Nanotransfection device for tissue reprogramming

Genetic modification offers huge potential in treating a wide variety of conditions, but the devil is in the details. Previously explored methods to deliver genes into cells, such as using viral vectors, have been connected with safety issues. As such, the potential of gene therapy has not yet been fully realised. Technological advances may offer us safer and more effective ways to deliver genes into the body.

PerkinElmer introduces new test kit to detect Covid-19 variants

PerkinElmer has introduced its new NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 for research use only (RUO) to boost SARS-CoV-2 variants detection.

Is technology changing the patient-doctor dynamic?

Like practically every industry, healthcare is steadily adopting technology to improve its operations, and Covid-19 has only accelerated the process. The widespread adoption of telemedicine by doctors and GPs, for example, has reduced disruption to medical diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic – but does this move towards tech-focused healthcare always benefit patients?

Europe is seeing a hiring boom in medical industry cybersecurity roles

Europe was the fastest growing region for cybersecurity hiring among medical industry companies in the three months ending September.

Counterfeit medical devices: on the rise during Covid-19?

In March 2020, as Covid-19 spread around the world, many essential medical products fell into short supply. Surgical masks, and other PPE, were particularly hard to come by, with existing supply chains buckling under this unprecedented strain.

Elizabeth Holmes reportedly expresses remorse in criminal fraud trial

Elizabeth Holmes reportedly revealed some regret over her handling of business as the ex-Theranos CEO took the stand again in a criminal fraud trial.

A new wireless electronic sensor to monitor bone health

Engineers and orthopedic specialists at the University of Arizona built an ultra-thin wireless sensor that is designed to monitor bone health over long periods of time. The battery-free device is intended to measure a variety of physiological parameters, such as temperature and bone strain, and could be useful for patients with osteoporosis or to monitor healing and guide rehabilitation after a fracture. The device is affixed to the bone surface using a calcium adhesive, which encourages the bone to grow and fuse with the device surface for long-term implantation.

3D images of bacteria for antibiotic susceptibility testing

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a highly sensitive imaging sensor that can rapidly and accurately monitor bacterial growth. The technique involves shining laser light through a bacterial sample and taking images at multiple orientations, before reconstructing the diffracted light patterns, to produce a 3D image of the bacterial colony. These 3D images provide significant detail about the growth and characteristics of bacteria, and could be very helpful in rapidly identifying which antibiotics are most effective at killing them.

MYND Diagnostics to assess MAP biomarker for Multiple Sclerosis

MYND Life Sciences’ subsidiary MYND Diagnostics has begun a clinical study on the use of its proprietary biomarker test in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnostics.

Vicarious Surgical details its regulatory plans with FDA

Vicarious Surgical (NYSE:RBOT) announced in its quarterly earnings report that it set its FDA regulatory process in motion with a pre-submission.

J&J to divide into consumer health and pharmaceutical businesses

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced plans to spin off its Consumer Health unit from its Pharmaceutical and Medical Device business, creating two independent publicly traded companies.

Revealed: the medical device companies leading the way in artificial intelligence

Johnson & Johnson and GE are among the companies best positioned to take advantage of future artificial intelligence disruption in the medical device industry, our analysis shows.

Philips augments cardiac AI diagnostic programs

Following a multibillion-dollar acquisition late last year to grow its cardiac connected care franchise, Philips is continuing the effort with a new deal to take over Cardiologs, a French startup developing artificial-intelligence-powered diagnostics.

Cloud hiring levels in the medical industry rose in August 2021

The proportion of medical companies hiring for cloud related positions rose in August 2021, with 60.4% of the companies included in our analysis recruiting for at least one such position.

England could begin to prescribe e-cigarettes as medical products

E-cigarettes could soon be prescribed through the NHS to patients trying to quit smoking tobacco products, as part of radical plans to eliminate smoking in England by the end of the decade.

Vaccine delivery device inspired by BBQ lighter

A team at Georgia Tech tinkered together a battery-free electroporation device to deliver DNA vaccines, which is inspired by BBQ lighters. The details of the workings of the vaccine injector are described in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The electric ‘spark’ that ignites the gas flowing from a BBQ gas lighter has been repurposed to provide the power behind the electroporation. The battery-free piezoelectric sparking mechanism from a lighter is attached to a microneedle patch that acts as an array of electrodes. When the device is pressed against the skin, it initiates electroporation and delivery of DNA vaccines inside cells in the treated area.

NUS researchers develop smart bandage to monitor chronic wounds

Researchers at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech) have collaborated with Singapore General Hospital’s clinical partners to develop a smart bandage for monitoring chronic wounds.

How Abbott is advancing coronary imaging through AI

Abbott’s combination of AI and OCT imaging could pave the way for coronary stent placement. X-ray imaging has typically aided the placement of coronary stents. To a degree, it’s worked, but Abbott officials believe there is a better option — one that offers more information about the blood vessel in question than seen before.

Integrating more medical devices helps patients and providers

Many patients in critical care at hospitals are hooked up to monitors or ventilators that automatically collect a continuous stream of data. Data from these integrated medical devices are pulled into a platform that gives doctors, nurses and care teams insights for making decisions about their patients, automates their documentation, and manages device alarms, among other things.

Medtech and the Internet of Medical Things

EEG test for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Bath in the UK have developed an EEG test for Alzheimer’s disease. The technique involves measuring brain waves using an EEG cap while a person watches a screen with a series of flashing images. Taking just two minutes, the test quantifies a person’s ability to differentiate between images based on whether they have seen one of them previously. Subtle changes in brainwaves tell the researchers when someone remembers an image. The test could enable early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, potentially allowing for early treatment and better outcomes.

LUMC starts research with alternative painless mammogram

Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum (LUMC) is the first hospital in The Netherlands that will start exams with the Mamma CT which will replace the mammogram. The new Mamma CT is able to take medical images of breast tissue much more comfortably, for instance for screening breast cancer. According to radiologists, this is a solution for women that experience too much pain from mammography. On October 12, the device will be put to use. 

Neural signal software receives CE mark as Class I medical device

The Wyss Center has received the CE mark Class I medical device for its Epios Cloud software. Epios Cloud is a web-based application for the online storage, processing, and review of neural signals, including the ultra-long-term data recorded by an emerging generation of devices for remote brain monitoring.

Four ways to win the future of MedTech wearables

Soaring demand for wearables has created a market saturated with the things—prompting an 18.1 percent year-over-year growth worldwide, according to Gartner. Much of that activity, Gartner reports, is driven by health tech, as more people watch their wellness from home amid COVID-19. Despite the momentum, consumers haven’t yet reached the apex of the health wearable adoption curve. Breakout innovations in biometric sensors and miniaturization point to an even bigger boom waiting just around the corner. As things heat up, new and incumbent companies are eager to capitalize on the trends. But which ones will win?

Advancing next generation medical products

An aging population and the growing threat of emerging infectious viral diseases, such as COVID-19, mean that healthcare around the world is an extremely important issue, and is changing in dramatic and dynamic ways. To meet these changes, a new generation of specialized and sustainable medical material solutions is being born. Read on to learn more about how this industry is changing, and to explore an example of medical device innovation.

The future of medical wire: developing smaller and smarter devices

Primarily, there are two ways in which medical devices are changing for the future; they are getting smaller (and therefore less invasive) and they are getting smarter (and integrated into our digital age). For medical wire components, this means that manufacturers are demanding much finer wire that still has the appropriate strength and fatigue resistance, as well as requiring much more advanced sensing and transmitting capabilities.

Algorithm shown to detect those at high risk of atrial fibrillation

An artificial intelligence (AI)-based machine learning (ML) algorithm developed by the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance has been shown to help support identification of patients at high risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), as validated in both retrospective datasets and the PULsE-AI trial.

Funding for Ibex’s AI-based prostate cancer diagnostic

The UK Government has announced funding for six new National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England that will take part in the clinical trial assessing Ibex Medical Analytics’ artificial intelligence (AI) technology to quickly detect prostate cancer.

The problematic pull of pacemakers

Magnetic interference with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) has been well-documented for several years now. Patients are advised not to linger too long near security alarms in shops or wear clothing with magnetic fasteners over the chest, should this cause interfere with the devices inside them. While these circumstances are fairly easy to avoid, modern technology has brought in a new magnetic threat to pacemaker users: Qi charging.

A next-gen patient isolation pod

Norwegian medical technology firm EpiGuard, established by clinicians at Oslo University Hospital in 2015, has now developed a patient isolation device that it says can help cut down on ambulance cleaning times – among other factors – to help ease the burden on healthcare systems.

Develop tests for detection of cancer mutation

Illumina has entered a collaboration with Merck (MSD) to develop and market companion diagnostic (CDx) and research tests that would be used in identifying specific cancer mutations.

Magnetic beads for more precise control of bionic limbs

At MIT a team of engineers have developed a system that they claim will enhance a user’s control of a bionic limb. The technology consists of implantable magnetic beads and a series of sensors that can monitor their movement. When implanted within a muscle in a residual limb, pairs of the beads can provide information on muscle movement that the sensors can relay to a prosthetic, potentially controlling its movements more precisely than existing electromyography systems.

Steerable catheter to navigate tortuous blood vessels in brain

A team at University of California San Diego invented a way to make steerable catheters that can more precisely navigate the tortuous architecture of the brain vasculature. The device was bioinspired by delicate structures found in nature, including flagella and insect legs, and uses principles from soft robotics to create a hydraulic steering system, which is encased within a tiny silicone rubber catheter. The UCSD researchers hope that the technology could allow clinicians to treat areas of vasculature that are currently out of reach.

Regenerative medicine to drive cartilage repair market

Developing implantable AI for early detection and treatment of disease

Scientists working in optoelectronics at Technische Universität Dresden say they have succeeded for the first time in developing a biocompatible implantable AI platform that classifies in real time healthy and pathological patterns in biological signals such as heartbeats, adding that it detects pathological changes even without medical supervision.

Robotic scanner for automated eye imaging

Researchers at Duke University created a robotic eye scanner that can detect signs of several eye diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The system includes several 3D cameras that track the location of the patient, who merely has to stand in front of the robot, while a robotic arm containing the scanning hardware tracks and scans the patient’s eyes. In less than a minute the system produces images that are as clear as those obtained by currently used technologies, which require a patient to use a head and chin rest to avoid any head movement.

Blood test improves prostate cancer screening

The Stockholm3 blood test developed by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has been found to improve the prostate cancer screening process.

In a recent study published in The Lancet Oncology, researchers found that Stockholm3 can decrease the number of MRI scans required by around 33%, as well as preventing the identification of minor, low-risk tumours.

3D-Printed implant for personalized knee realignments

Researchers at the University of Bath in the UK created a framework for 3D printing personalized high-tibial osteotomy (HTO) plates, using a titanium alloy, for knee realignments in osteoarthritis patients. The plates should fit nearly perfectly when implanted thanks to the new approach. The researchers have also developed an improved surgical technique, the TOKA (Tailored Osteotomy for Knee Alignment), which they claim should improve the fit of the HTO on the knee and significantly speed up HTO surgery from two hours to approximately 30 minutes.

Ultrasound patch monitors blood flow

Researchers at the University of California San Diego created an ultrasound patch that can measure blood flow in vessels as deep as 14 cm within the body. The stretchy patch can be applied to the skin and may help clinicians to monitor and diagnose various conditions, including blockages that could cause an infarct. The patch contains an array of ultrasound transducers that can measure blood flow in vessels directly beneath it and the ultrasound beam can also be steered to assess vessels that are nearby, but not directly below.

Sensing wire is changing the game for medical devices

From accurate in vivo diagnostics to making therapeutic procedures safer than ever, sensing solutions in medical devices have revolutionized the way that we monitor our health – and it’s not just medical professionals seeing the difference.

Blockchain’s potential in the medical device industry

Blockchain has been highly popularised by its core involvement in the cryptocurrency boom. Blockchain is a decentralised and secure method of storing and transferring data or information. The use of the technology outside of the finance sector and cryptocurrency is currently unpopular, but industry experts expect the technology to be fully embraced by other industries, including medical devices and healthcare. GlobalData estimates the blockchain market will be worth more than $200bn by 2030.

Researchers automate brain MRI image labeling

Researchers from the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences at King’s College London have automated brain MRI image labelling, needed to teach machine learning image recognition models, by deriving important labels from radiology reports and accurately assigning them to the corresponding MRI examinations. Now, more than 100,000 MRI examinations can be labelled in less than half an hour.

3D-printed porous titanium implant for spine surgery

NuVasive has commercially introduced its 3D-printed porous titanium implant, Modulus ALIF, for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedures in some targeted international regions.

Blood-brain barrier on a chip for neuro drug testing

Researchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, engineered a blood-brain barrier on a chip using human-derived stem cells. The device closely mimics the blood-brain barrier and allows the researchers to study its function and the effect of drugs without having to use experimental animals. By incorporating sensors, the chip can monitor barrier function in near real time.

‘Skin snaps’ and rapid tests for same-day cancer diagnosis

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has announced an investment of £20m to expedite the rollout of ‘skin snaps’ and rapid tests for same-day cancer diagnoses.

Increasing sensitivity of FITs could identify young people with bowel cancer

Increasing the sensitivity of a bowel cancer test used by GPs could help identify more cases of bowel cancer in young people with symptoms of the disease and ultimately save lives, new research co-authored by Bowel Cancer UK has found.

Chest strap system monitors severity of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, have developed a system to monitor the severity of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. The system includes a commercial chest strap sensor that measures heart rate variability and a paired app that collects, collates, and presents these data, allowing patients to monitor their condition and share information with their clinician.

Viz.ai obtains CE mark for AI-based stroke care software

Viz.ai has received CE mark to market its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven stroke care software, Viz LVO, in the European Economic Area.

Student creates device to stop stab wound bleeding

A student at Loughborough University in the UK has developed a device that quickly stops bleeding from knife stab wounds and could potentially save lives.

Cambridge University team develops spinal implant to treat severe pain

Researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, have developed an inflatable spinal implant for the treatment of severe pain without invasive surgery. The device uses soft robotic fabrication methods along with ultra-thin electronics and microfluidics.

AI symptom checking is reducing unnecessary health visits

Artificial intelligence (AI) powered symptom checkers have undergone something of a renaissance over the past decade. Patients are often inclined to research their symptoms, sometimes before they even enquire about seeing a doctor. Instead of relying on so-called ‘Dr Google’ to determine the cause of their condition, AI symptom checkers can help give some impression of what might be wrong.

Amalgam Rx obtains CE mark for basal insulin titration app

Amalgam has obtained CE mark to market its insulin titration application, iSage Rx, and its white-labelled variants in the European region.

Researchers create saliva-based Covid-19 test

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, are creating a saliva-based biosensor Covid-19 test that is quick, low cost and can be produced in bulk.

Cardiomatics on the way to better analysis of paediatric ECGs

Physicians are increasingly using software to automatically evaluate Holter ECG signals in adult patients, but so far, no software has been developed for children. Cardiomatics and the Medical University of Warsaw are on the way to a breakthrough in paediatric cardiology.

Abbott obtains CE mark for steerable delivery system for LAA occlusion

Abbott has obtained CE mark approval for its Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath for left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion (closure) procedures to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who are at increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Philips’ endovascular system yields positive data in TOBA II BTK trial

The implantable device offers continued treatment effect and progressive impact on quality of life in PAD and CLI patients. Royal Philips has reported positive two-year data from the Tack Optimized Balloon Angioplasty (TOBA) II below-the-knee (BTK) clinical trial of its dissection repair device, Tack Endovascular System (4F).

Advanced Human Imaging’s Derma AI gains CE mark approval

Derma AI can group 588 skin conditions into 133 categories, including all types of skin cancer. Advanced Human Imaging (AHI) has obtained a CE mark in the EU for its Derma AI integrated with the DermaScan for the dermatology artificial intelligence (AI) component in CompleteScan.

NEC develops AI technology for Barrett’s neoplasia detection

Trained with over one million Barrett’s oesophagus endoscopy images, the WISE VISION Endoscopy will be available in Europe soon. NEC Corporation has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can aid doctors in identifying neoplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus while performing endoscopic procedures.

Born too soon: novel device improves prediction of preterm birth

Research carried out at the University of Sheffield into electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has led to the creation of a device designed to improve the prediction of preterm birth at a fraction of the cost of current methods. The EIS device has been brought to the market by EveryBaby, a UK company backed by South Korean investors.

Mindpeak’s breast cancer cell detection software receives CE-IVD mark

Mindpeak’s AI software for identification and quantification of breast cancer cells receives CE-IVD mark. Mindpeak has received CE-IVD mark for its artificial intelligence (AI)-based software, BreastIHC, which can identify and quantify breast cancer cells for primary diagnosis.

Philips unveils new spectral computed tomography device

Philips unveils a new computed tomography system that offers spectral images for all patients to enable better diagnosis. Royal Philips has unveiled it’s Spectral Computed Tomography 7500, an intelligent system that offers spectral images for all patients to enable accurate diagnosis.

One Drop obtains CE Mark for AI-based blood glucose predictions

One Drop’s Blood Glucose Prediction Analysis Engine, which can estimate glucose levels of diabetic patients, gets CE Mark.

BD’s HPV assay for at-home self-collection obtains CE mark

BD receives CE mark for its at-home self-collection claim for BD Onclarity HPV Assay. Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has received CE mark for its at-home self-collection claim for BD Onclarity HPV Assay for human papillomavirus (HPV) screening.

Medtronic receives CE mark for severe aortic stenosis treatment system

Medtronic has received CE Mark for its Evolut PRO+ TAVI System in Europe to treat patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

NHS unveils 3D imaging technology to expedite heart disease diagnosis

The National Health Service England (NHS) has unveiled a new technology called HeartFlow to quickly detect and treat people with suspected heart disease.

University of Nottingham team develops new probe for disease diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Nottingham in the UK have created an ultrasonic imaging system, which can be inserted into the human body for three-dimensional visualisation of cell abnormalities.

Abbott’s Covid-19 antigen test receives CE mark for use on children

Abbott has received CE mark for the use of its Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device to detect the SARS-COV-2 virus in paediatric patients aged 15 years and below.

Ultrasonic Biopsy Needle for Larger Tissue Samples

Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have developed an ultrasonically actuated needle that can retrieve a large amount of tissue during a biopsy, without the pain and complications associated with using bigger needles. The technique could be very useful when clinicians need to obtain tissue samples for molecular tumor diagnostics, since obtaining high quality samples is crucial, given the expense of molecular profiling procedures. The technique may also help to reduce patient inconvenience associated with repeat biopsies because of an initial poor tissue sample.

Avacta’s SARS-CoV-2 antigen test shows 98% clinical sensitivity in study

Avacta has reported that data from the study of its AffiDX SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow test showed a clinical sensitivity of 98% for Covid-19 samples.

Seigla Medical’s guide catheter extension obtains CE Mark

Seigla Medical has received CE Mark for its LiquID Guide Catheter Extension, which can be used during coronary and peripheral vasculature interventions.

Medtronic unveils infusion set for diabetes in Europe

Medtronic has unveiled its Extended infusion set, the first set that can be worn to deliver insulin for up to seven days, in select European countries.

Incubators and innovators: tech transforming neonatal baby care

Premature babies usually require an extended hospital stay after they’re born, where they need to be closely monitored to make sure they receive the best possible start in life. Caring for this uniquely vulnerable population has always been a challenge, but new technologies mean neonates are receiving better medical treatment than ever before. Chloe Kent rounds up the smart tech helping to keep a premature baby alive and healthy.

Abbott obtains CE mark for tricuspid valve repair device

Abbott has received CE Mark for its minimally invasive tricuspid heart valve repair device, TriClip Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair System, making it available for treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in Europe.

Gold Sensor Lives Under Skin for Months Measuring Drugs and Biomarkers

Researchers at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany have developed an implantable biosensor that can measure concentrations of various biomarkers and drugs in the body. Unlike many implantable devices, the sensor can reside in place under the skin for many months without being rejected by the body or losing its functionality. The system uses receptor-studded gold nanoparticles that change color when an analyte of interest binds to them. The researchers can detect this color change non-invasively from outside the body. The technique could lead to long-term biosensing technologies.

Roche unveils EBV immunoassay panel to detect infection stages

Roche has launched the Elecsys Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) panel, which consists of Elecsys EBV IgM, Elecsys EBV VCA IgG and Elecsys EBV EBNA IgG immunoassays, in countries accepting the CE Mark. The panel uses a single blood sample to identify antibodies specific to EBV at various stages of infection.

Hearing aid aesthetics: how the appearance of devices can impact adherence

The distinctly medical aesthetic of hearing aid devices can leave some users reluctant to wear them due to perceived stigma. Medical Device Network takes a closer look at the aesthetic alterations that can help boost patient adherence.

Scientists develop tool that could alter COVID-19 vaccine priority lists

Scientists in Germany have developed a free online diagnostic tool that instantly analyses your risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19 – using personal health DNA data from providers like 23andMe, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Genotek.

UK trials new technology to detect known Covid-19 variants

The UK Government has announced the trial of a technology that can quickly identify new Covid-19 mutations by showing whether positive test specimens contain known variants.

MicroPort sees increased adoption of Kinematic Alignment for knee system

MicroPort Orthopedics has announced that it witnessed increased adoption of its Kinematic Alignment (KA) approach for the Evolution Medial-Pivot knee system to improve patient outcomes.

VR treatment launched to help needle-averse prepare for Covid vaccines

A free UK NHS treatment plan using virtual reality (VR) has been launched for patients who have trypanophobia, or needle phobia. The treatment plan has been developed by Vita Health Group, with the three-dimensional, computer-generated environments themselves created by Psious, a VR platform for psychology and mental health.

Neurostimulation and medical devices: a modern approach to long-term pain management

Pain prevention and pain management has been a long-standing issue for the medical field, particularly for patients who are suffering from a chronic condition. Long-term drug dependency can lead to a number of side effects (such as problems with the liver), especially if doses need to be periodically increased to account for patients who have grown accustomed to the drug and no longer feel

Philips ClarifEye augmented reality surgical navigation system

ClarifEye is an augmented reality (AR)-based surgical navigation system developed by health technology solutions company Royal Philips to assist minimally invasive spine surgeries in a hybrid operating room.

Disney characters will lend a hand to kids during MRI scans

Radiologists in Europe could soon have help keeping children calm as they have MRI scans from Disney favourites like Micky Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and the Little Mermaid.

Scientists develop tool to locate precise area of epileptic seizures

Scientists at the Human Brain Project have developed a computational tool to locate the areas in a patient’s brain where epilepsy seizures emerge. Now, the team is using EBRAINS to further boost the accuracy with high resolution brain atlas data.

Germany approves Roche’s SARS-CoV-2 antigen test for at-home use

The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has granted special approval to Roche’s SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test using a simple nasal swab for patient self-testing in the country.

FDA gives ankle implant humanitarian nod

Additive Orthopedics yesterday said it received FDA humanitarian device exemption for its Patient Specific Talus Spacer to treat avascular necrosis of the talus. The Patient Specific Talus Spacer will be available as a humanitarian use device to treat avascular necrosis of the ankle joint, which is a serious condition that causes the death of bone tissue stemming from a lack of blood supply to the area.

Laipac and UAE companies to unveil Covid-19 antigen test system

Laipac Technology has entered a partnership with UAE-based companies YAS Pharmaceuticals and Pure Health to launch the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-based Covid-19 antigen test system.

Robotic laser bone-cutting technology approved in Europe

A laser beam removes the bone precisely in layers, leaving no residue.

AOT AG (AOT) has obtained CE Mark certification for the world’s first contact-free, robotic laser bone cutter. The patented CARLO system developed by the Swiss MedTech startup AOT cuts bones precisely and contact-free with a specialized laser using a robot. CARLO stands for Cold Ablation Robot-guided Laser Osteotome.

Accessible 3D-printed medical diagnostic devices

A recent study by a team of scientists at the University of Bristol describes a method for the rapid development of complex microfluidic devices made of polymers using 3D-printed interconnecting microchannel scaffolds and open-source resources developed by the team. Devices with intricate interlacing channels, the width of a human hair, that move minuscule amounts of liquids, and can be used to diagnose and treat complex diseases, can now be made using a cost-effective, quick, and reliable method.

AI tool developed to predict severity of COVID-19 in patients

A group of doctors and researchers from Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, the Bicêtre Hospital – AP-HP, the French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (INRIA) and the start-up Owkin have developed a new AI-based severity score that can predict outcomes for COVID-19 patients as soon as they are diagnosed.

Philips unveils Medical Tablet for patient monitoring during emergencies

Philips is releasing a computer tablet designed to provide easy access to patient information in various emergency environments without a difficult implementation.

FDA clears J&J’s robotic surgery system for total knee replacements

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes division has received FDA clearance for its robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgical platform for total knee replacements.

Osteopore and UMC+ develop bone implant solution

Singapore company Osteopore International, in partnership with Maastricht University Medical Centre (UMC+) in the Netherlands, has developed a new bone implant solution that prevents leg amputations.

AI cancer pathology developer Paige nets $100M in venture capital funding

After scoring two European approvals last month for its artificial-intelligence-powered cancer pathology platforms, Paige has secured $100 million in new funding to boost its development of biomarkers as clinical applications.

Intuitive, J&J, Medtronic and Zimmer talk robotic surgery ambitions: JPM21

Medtech majors used this week’s virtual J.P. Morgan healthcare conference to talk up their plans in the hot, increasingly competitive robotic surgery sector.

Hologic kicks off 2021 with acquisitions in breast cancer market

Women’s health medtech specialist Hologic has hit the ground running in the new year, making two acquisitions in the first week of 2021.

Philips to buy medical device integrator Capsule Technologies for $635M

Philips has moved to acquire Capsule Technologies—a provider of data platforms that aim to connect all of the medical devices and record systems within a hospital—to help build out its integrated care and vital sign monitoring solutions.

The UK has finally left the EU: what does this mean for medtech?

Four tumultuous years on from the 2016 referendum, the UK has finally left the EU, governed by the terms of a deal reached just one week before the Brexit transition period ended on 31 December.

French medtechs Carmat, CorWave advance heart failure device plans

The two French companies are targeting different populations of the heart failure market. CorWave is developing a twist on the LVADs sold by companies including Abbott and Medtronic.

UK authorises 30 minute self-test kit to detect asymptomatic Covid-19 cases

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued exceptional use authorisation for an NHS Test and Trace Covid-19 Self-Test device.

IBM links with Salesforce to offer digital COVID-19 vaccine passports

In the final act of the 2011 film “Contagion,” people wore bar-coded wristbands to prove they had been inoculated against the deadly, pandemic virus.

Pathology AI developer Paige scores CE marks in breast, prostate cancers

Digital pathology developer Paige has received two European approvals for its artificial-intelligence-powered diagnostic platforms in breast and prostate cancers.

Challenges of fusing robotics and neuroscience

Combining neuroscience and robotic research has gained impressive results in the rehabilitation of paraplegic patients. A research team led by Prof. Gordon Cheng from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) was able to show

NOWDiagnostics Covid-19 antibody fingerstick test obtains CE Mark

NOWDiagnostics has received Conformité Européene (CE) Mark approval for its ADEXUSDx COVID-19 ‘antibody fingerstick’ Test, a rapid serology, self-contained assay.

Acutus Medical expands heart treatment portfolio in Europe with new CE marks

Acutus Medical has received two CE marks this week for heart treatment devices and access tools and has begun their European commercial launch.

LivaNova to exit heart valve business via €60M carve-out deal

After restructuring its heart valve operations and culling one of its programs last year, LivaNova has decided to sell off

iRhythm gains UK support for EKG system while awaiting key final rule from CMS

iRhythm has capitalized on the increased demand for remote patient monitoring technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

My first month at… Ovizio

The “My first month at…” column will elaborate on the experiences of professionals who recently started their new job in the Medical Devices industry.

Virtual reality helps measure vulnerability to stress

We all react to stress in different ways. A sudden loud noise or flash of light can elicit different degrees of response from people, which indicates that some of us are more susceptible to the impact of stress than others.

ICR scientists announce molecular clock test to track breast cancer spread

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in the UK and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust have announced a new blood test to watch breast cancer’s ‘molecular clock’.

Bayer signs AI imaging platform pact with Blackford Analysis

Bayer strengthened its ties with Scottish artificial intelligence developer Blackford Analysis to build a one-stop shop for applications in medical imaging.

Queen Mary partner with healthtech startup Living With to help Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

The project will develop an AI driven product to help clinicians optimise treatment of RA patients based on health data they have submitted via Living With’s remote monitoring app.

MedTech Europe backs proposed EU Health Union but flags potential hangups

The early weeks of the coronavirus outbreak exposed a lack of unity in the European Union. When Italy, the first EU country to suffer a major COVID-19 outbreak,

GE Healthcare acquires Swedish developer of CT image-boosting photon detectors

GE Healthcare has moved to acquire a Swedish startup and its next-generation photon-counting technology, which the medtech manufacturer says could help expand the clinical reach of its CT scanners.

Novocure nets European approval for its Tumor Treating Fields therapy in mesothelioma, raises cash for commercial expansion

About a year and a half after receiving approval from the FDA as a first-line treatment for mesothelioma, Novocure has secured a CE mark for its Tumor Treating Fields therapy in Europe.

Qiagen unveils multiplex test for SARS-CoV-2 in Europe

Netherlands-based Qiagen has launched NeuMoDx Flu A-B/RSV/SARS-CoV-2 Vantage Test in Europe to identify and differentiate between common seasonal respiratory infections and Covid-19.

Glympse Bio clears first-in-human safety study of its injectable biosensors

Diagnosing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—the excessive buildup of fats in the liver that can lead to liver cancer, failure and the need for a transplant—has always been a difficult prospect.

Deep Genomics nabs a CBO from Synlogics as it looks to ramp up partnering

It’s been a busy year for Deep Genomics. Since scoring $40 million in January, the Toronto-based biotech has been identifying new drug targets across multiple disease areas, turning up many more prospects than it could pursue on its own.

BD nets Dutch government contract for over 9M rapid antigen tests for COVID-19

BD has secured a purchase order from the Netherlands to provide millions of rapid COVID-19 antigen tests to the country, marking its first government contract in Europe since the diagnostic received a CE mark in September.

Digital stethoscope maker Eko nets $65M to develop home telehealth offerings

As the use of telehealth continues to surge—promising a way to deliver distanced care in spite of the coronavirus, and potentially a new normal in a post-pandemic world

Could a language test diagnose Alzheimer’s? IBM is laying the groundwork

Doctors use brain scans and spinal taps to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but these methods can be expensive, invasive and usually aren’t done until after a person has shown signs of cognitive decline—at which point it can be difficult to head off the progression of the disease.

Scottish server to allow cross-border contact-tracing

A Scottish federated server will now allow the various UK Covid-19 contact-tracing apps to become interoperable, tackling one of the key criticisms levelled at the technologies since they began to launch.

Exact Sciences snaps up liquid biopsy company Thrive in $2.15B deal

Exact Sciences is adding early cancer detection to its pipeline through its buyout of Thrive Earlier Detection for up to $2.15 billion in cash and stock. The deal comes just three months after Thrive raised $257 million in venture dollars to push its liquid biopsy test into a registrational trial.

How technology is giving ICU patients a voice

For physically weak, voiceless and ventilated patients, communication can be extremely difficult. To help such patients overcome this barrier, a team of specialists developed myICUvoice – a symptom management and communication tool for ICU patients. We take a look at how this technology and others are changing ICU experience for patients.

Fibroids treatment without the fuss

Designed to provide a less invasive alternative to hysterectomies and myomectomies, Gynesonics’s Sonata System uses radiofrequency energy to remove fibroids. Natalie Healey speaks to Gynesonics’ medical director David Toub about what the tech could mean for women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding.

Debate: will Covid-19 bring a return to single-use medical devices?

In a pre-Covid-19 world, medical device manufacturers had begun to explore the potential of multi-use medical devices in a bid to boost sustainability efforts and reduce unnecessary waste in the sector. But, as the medical industry grapples to find ways to prevent the spread of contaminants, will single-use products regain favour? Chris Lo and Chloe Kent debate the issue of single use products amid global efforts to reduce virus transmission.

Neocis raises $72M from DFJ, Fred Moll, others for its dental surgery robot

Neocis has raised $72 million in funding to help support its groundbreaking robotic surgery system for use in dental implant procedures.

Wearable wonderland: how tech is tackling Covid-19

From symptom signalling and social distancing, to contact tracing and controlling face-touching, wearable devices are being harnessed in all sorts of novel fashions to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Chloe Kent rounds up the best and brightest.

Olympus to roll out colonoscopy AI for spotting lesions, polyps in real time

Olympus has begun rolling out an artificial-intelligence-powered platform for its new endoscope, designed to automatically spot suspicious lesions and polyps during a colonoscopy in real time.

LivaNova study shows safer outcomes from its sutureless aortic heart valve

LivaNova delivered new data from its sutureless aortic heart valve, showing fewer complications and stronger clinical outcomes compared to traditional implants built on a stent frame.

Cambridge researchers use VR software to take a tour inside of their own cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed software that takes super-resolution microscope scans and transforms them into a virtual, 3D worlds, allowing scientists to don a virtual reality headset and take an interactive tour of individual cells and proteins.

Portable sequencing is reshaping genetics research

Portable sequencing is making it possible for biologists to perform DNA analysis anywhere in the world. How is this technology reshaping the way they work?

Abbott nets European approval for new FreeStyle Libre glucose sensor

Abbott has secured a European approval for the newest generation of its FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor—which the company describes as the world’s smallest and thinnest diabetes sensor, with a disc about the size of two pennies.

Medtronic to expand dialysis access position with Avenu Medical buyout

Although peripheral and venous technologies have historically been among the smallest contributors to Medtronic Cardiac and Vascular Group, produccts for ESRD patients are on the rise as prevalence and government attention to the disease grows.

LabCorp receives FDA green light for a new type of COVID-19 test using fewer reagents

LabCorp has received a new emergency authorization from the FDA for a COVID-19 test that does not require the use of chemical reagents to free the coronavirus’s RNA from a sample.

Salvia Bioelectronics migraine therapy may offer alternative to drugs

Dutch medtech startup Salvia Bioelectronics has raised €26m in a Series A funding round toward the development of its neurostimulation treatment for chronic migraine. As the demand for chronic migraine treatments grows, a new generation of therapies could end up in high demand.

Smith+Nephew to acquire Integra LifeSciences’ Extremity Orthopedics

British medical technology company Smith+Nephew has agreed to acquire the Extremity Orthopaedics business of Integra LifeSciences in a deal valued at $240m.

Power up: self-charging medical devices could be on the way

Self-powered technologies could transform medical devices, making them safer and more convenient for patients. We speak to Peter Harrop from IDTechEx about energy-generating technologies that could make changing a battery a thing of the past.

CardieX secures patent in Europe for blood pressure technology

CardieX subsidiary ATCOR has secured a new patent by the European Patent Office (EPO) for its SphygmoCor technology used in cuff-based blood pressure devices.

ReSound One: getting an earful

The majority of hearing aids on the market come equipped with a microphone situated inside an earpiece behind the ear, meaning the wearer’s experience of sound can be quite different to ‘natural’ hearing. The newly-launched ReSound One attempts to bypass this by placing the microphone inside the ear instead, using the shape of the ear to create a more familiar acoustic. Medical Device Network takes a closer look.

Fitbit to launch first ECG app in U.S., Europe next month

Fitbit’s latest smartwatch has now secured medical device clearances in the U.S. and Europe, unlocking the full use of its ECG app to help identify cases of the irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation.

Could this portable MRI operate safely in patient rooms?

Research by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital has led to the development of a portable MRI machine designed to safely and accurately operate at a patient’s bedside.

Working artificial iris could reduce light sensitivity from migraines, say Imec, Ghent University

A smart contact lens with an actively working artificial iris could become a solution for people with chronic migraines, dry eyes and oversensitivity to light, according to researchers in Belgium.

Cala Health’s wrist-worn stimulator improves tremor control in real-world study

Cala Health presented new real-world data showing that its watch-like wearable electric stimulation device could be effective in improving hand control in people with essential tremor.

LabCorp to launch single home swab test spanning COVID-19, the flu & RSV

LabCorp announced plans to launch a new at-home COVID-19 diagnostic that allows people to also get tested for the flu and respiratory syncytial virus from a single sample.

U.K. outlines post-Brexit medical device regime starting January

The U.K. left the EU earlier this year but has remained subject to its rules under the terms of the transition period agreed to smooth the Brexit process. That transition period stops at the end of the year.

OrthoPediatrics Corp. announces 1,000th procedure utilizing its innovative Pediatric Nailing Platform | FEMUR (“PNP | FEMUR”) System

OrthoPediatrics Corp., a company focused exclusively on advancing the field of pediatric orthopedics, today announced completion of the 1,000th surgery utilizing its Pediatric Nailing Platform

Smartwatch EKGs could speed diagnosis of deadly heart syndrome, small study suggests

Apple has generated some data that its smartwatch can help detect atrial fibrillation, per a study last year involving 419,000 people, and found a low likelihood of patients receiving an irregular pulse notification. Among its rivals, Verily has received 510(k) clearance for the EKG feature of its watch, and Fitbit is also studying use of its devices in detecting arrhythmias.

FDA approves Medtronic’s Bluetooth-controlled insulin pump for children ages 2 and up

The FDA has approved the latest automated artificial pancreas system from Medtronic, the MiniMed 770G, for adults and children with Type 1 diabetes as young as 2 years old.

Philips relaunches its Azurion image-guided therapy platform, with automated 3D scanning

Philips has launched the new version of its Azurion image-guided therapy platform, integrating multiple systems and tools for several minimally invasive procedures into a single footprint.

Nanox raises $190m for compact X-ray technology

Nanox has spent eight years developing the Nanox.ARC, a commercial-grade digital X-ray machine designed to be much cheaper and more compact than traditional technology.

The future for telemedicine in a post-Covid world

The arrival of Covid-19 meant health systems around the world had to adapt rapidly. But the pandemic had a particular impact on the way patients receive care from their doctors

Medtronic to buy Companion Medical

Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology, today announced the planned acquisition of privately-held Companion Medical, manufacturer of InPen

FDA approves Masimo’s Pleth variability index (PVi)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Masimo’s Pleth variability index (PVi) as a continuous, noninvasive, dynamic indicator of fluid responsiveness in select populations of mechanically ventilated adult patients.

How COVID-19 will cause a long-term shift in healthcare provisions

Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the outbreak of a new Coronavirus (COVID-19) was a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020, more than three million confirmed cases have been recorded around the world.

Health industry responds to Partnership proposal

Leaders from across the health sector released a joint statement underlining the potential of the recently-published draft proposal for a European Partnership for Health Innovation

FDA approves Medtronic devices

Medtronic has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the InterStim Micro neurostimulator and InterStim SureScan MRI leads for the treatment of bladder and bowel control conditions.

Siemens Healthineers to acquire Varian Medical

Germany-based medical device company Siemens Healthineers has signed an agreement to acquire US-based radiation oncology treatment solutions provider Varian Medical Systems in a $16.4bn deal.

Potential method for early identification of Alzheimer’s

C2N Diagnostics is set to develop blood biomarkers for the early identification of Alzheimer’s disease.

Another $59M for Nanox’s ‘digital X-ray’ device

Israeli “digital X-ray” startup Nanox has secured another $59 million from unnamed “global investors.”

Researchers 3D print a working heart pump with real human cells

In a groundbreaking new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota have 3D printed a functioning centimeter-scale human heart pump in the lab.

Researchers develop way to power implants with photonic wireless system

Medical implants, such as pacemakers, serve various functions in patients and help to improve their quality of life. But, to power these devices, re-implants and invasive surgery are often required, which may lead to a risk of surgical complications.

Terumo Acquires Quirem Medical to Enhance its Interventional Oncology Field

Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543) announced it has completed the acquisition of Quirem Medical B.V.

Medical AI in 2020: Europe lags behind, Covid-19 steams ahead

Medical artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), much like almost every other facet of modern technology, have been drastically sidetracked by Covid-19.

New country on European regulatory affairs map ll

Blog by Nickolay Romanok, CEO and founder of Archimed Medical

This is the second blog written by Nickolay Romanok.

Ukraine – new country on European regulatory affairs map

Blog by Nickolay Romanok, CEO and founder of Archimed Medical
The historical association with the Soviet Union gives believes that Ukraine belongs to the list of countries with a specific and incomprehensible regulatory system.

8 tips for telehealth regarding providers & patients

Over the past several months, providers and their patients have had to ramp up telehealth in a hurry. Although reviews are early, usage is on the rise and both clearly acknowledge the potential for telehealth in everyday practice.

The SEMI Virtual Healthtech Summit solutions

BERLIN, Germany ─ July 8, 2020 ─ The latest healthtech innovations driven by microelectronics will be presented at the SEMI Virtual Healthtech Summit, Europe’s first online event to explore the critical role of semiconductors in solving the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges including COVID-19. Registration is open for the July 16, 2020, summit.

A Virtual Experience of Medical Device Trials

London – Join us on 16 July for a virtual experience of Medical Device Trials conference.

MedPhab: Medical pilot line for European SMEs

MedPhab, is an open-access medical pilot line that enables researchers, SMEs and businesses to turn their diagnostic and treatment devices that use photonics into industrially-relevant demonstrators.

Telehealth and next big hurdles: integration and payment

Four experts with the VA, Providence St. Joseph Health, Microsoft and One Medical shared what is needed for continued adoption of telehealth. Most pointed to better integration with clinical workflows and new payment models as future drivers for growth.

A Virtual Experience of Clinical Operations in Oncology Trials

London – Join us on 15 July for a virtual experience of Clinical Operations in Oncology Trials conference (www.arena-international.com/oncologyvirtual/).

Research centre medical devices launched in Scotland

A new research centre to develop and manufacture medical devices in Scotland has been launched.

From hospital to….. Training and Education Specialist

Marco de Ruijter is a Dutch Training and Education Specialist. During his career, he experienced memorable moments at some of the most well-known medical devices companies.

Interview with Medtronic CEO: Geoff Martha

As MD+DI reported in April, Medtronic was already bracing for its fiscal fourth quarter to reflect significant revenue declines, thanks to COVID-19.  But CEO Geoff Martha said the company is focused on emerging from this pandemic even stronger.

Community member on the spot: Dušan Popov-Čeleketić

In the ‘Community member on the spot’ column, we take a dive into the career, challenges and professional passion of one of our community members active in the medical devices sector.

Medtronic’s Resolute Onyx receives one-month DAPT

Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), the global leader in medical technology, today announced it has received CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark for a one-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) indication for high bleeding risk (HBR) patients implanted with the Resolute Onyx™ Drug-Eluting Stent (DES).

SightGlass Vision nets European approval

SightGlass Vision received a CE mark allowing its first suite of lenses—for eyeglasses specially designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children—to be sold throughout Europe.

Feedback receives CE mark for Bleepa

Feedback has received the CE Mark for Bleepa, its imaging-based communication platform for clinicians to access medical grade images through smartphones, tablets and desktops.

Medtronic makes ‘artificial lung’ therapy available

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) is temporarily modifying product indications so that health providers can use its extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology to treat people with severe cases of COVID-19. ECMO could be described as a type of “artificial lung” technology that pumps blood from a person’s body to an oxygenator that provides long-term oxygen and carbon-dioxide transfer.

EU group sets path for pre-MDR notified body renewal

The Medical Device Regulation, a more stringent replacement to the existing Medical Devices Directive, would have taken force this week if not for a one-year delay finalised at the end of April given the “extraordinary circumstances” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philips’ biosensor for clinical surveillance

The company touts its next-generation device as being able to enhance clinical surveillance to help clinicians detect risks so they can intervene earlier and help improve care in lower acuity care areas.

ResMed, Medtronic embrace remote tech amid crisis

Spurred by regulatory flexibility from FDA, companies like GE Healthcare, Medtronic, and ResMed have developed and rapidly deployed remote programming and monitoring capabilities for their devices to help frontline providers reduce exposure to the deadly virus.

Global Medical Devices Packaging Market value – 2025

The “Global Medical Devices Packaging Market: Growth, Trends and Forecast (2020-2025)” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

Nevro receives CE marking for SCS system

Nevro has received CE mark approval for the Senza Omnia spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system for the treatment of chronic pain.

DigitalHealth.London opens apps for accelerator plan

DigitalHealth.London has opened applications for its flagship accelerator programme for the next generation of digital health companies to transform health and care.

Clinical trial safety reporting, Eudamed start dates

The European Commission’s Medical Device Coordination Group published guidance Wednesday on reporting safety events involving investigational devices under the incoming regulations.

EU signs contract with Philips on ventilators

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Dutch electronics giant Philips signed a contract with the European Commission to supply medical ventilators to EU hospitals, the company and EU officials said, in a deal that comes as most EU countries reached the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Community member on the spot: Maria Isabel Castellanos Arboleda

In this first community member on the spot, we take a dive into the career, challenges and professional passion of one of our community members active in the medical devices sector.

Digital health passport: deal for integrating technologies

International Digital Health Technology firm Circle Pass Enterprises (CPE) has signed a deal with VST Enterprises (VSTE), the British cybersecurity company, to integrate its VCode & VPlatform technologies into the COVI-PASS Digital Health Passport.

Thinklabs produces advanced electronic stethoscope

Electronic stethoscope company Thinklabs, has developed technological advances aimed to help keep healthcare workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing Safe Distance Auscultation.

Seoul institute looks at technology to prevent COVID-19 transmission

The Seoul Institute of Technology is working with open innovation firm InnoCentive to try and prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Conference

London – Arena International announced that the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Conference will be held as a Virtual Experience on Wednesday, 27 May 2020, providing the ideal platform to talk about the impact of crisis on the pharma industry and discovering best approaches to CRO, Sponsor and Patient relationships.

VR surgery technology given AAOS accreditation

Surgical training tech provider FundamentalVR, has announced that all the orthopaedic education simulations available on the Fundamental Surgery platform have been reviewed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and awarded accreditation status.

EU finalises 1-year Medical Device Regulation delay

A 13th notified body has been designated under the EU Medical Device Regulation, per a listing published in the European Commission’s NANDO database on Saturday. 

NHS Trust to use combined imaging & messaging tool

Medical imaging company Feedback Medical has announced that Bleepa will be rolled-out across the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust with immediate effect as a key patient management tool to assist its Coronavirus response.

Novartis to acquire digital therapeutics maker Amblyotech

Financial terms of the deal were kept confidential. Novartis will work with Ubisoft and McGill University to accelerate development of a digital therapeutic for amblyopia, also known as lazy eye.

European COVID-19 data platform

Today, the European Commission together with several partners launched a European COVID-19 Data Platform to enable the rapid collection and sharing of available research data.

Clinical trial seeks to find ventilator alternatives

Researchers will deliver a clinical trial that aims to recruit approximately 4,000 patients in order to find effective alternative solutions for patients with COVID-19 to reduce the need for treatment with a ventilator and improve patient outcomes. 

How Abbott became a leader for COVID-19 testing

Diagnostic companies across the world have stepped up over the past couple months to bring much-needed testing to the COVID-19 frontlines. But Abbott has emerged as a leading test maker in this battle as the company has launched three COVID-19 tests and has a fourth test on the way.

Apple and Google building Covid-19 contact tracing tool

Apple and Google revealed on Friday that the two tech rivals are collaborating to launch a contact-tracing app for Covid-19. The system would use a Bluetooth signal that would bounce between users’ mobile phones to trace who they had been in contact with recently.

Medical imaging services expanded through alliance

Nanox is onboarding key players in the artificial intelligence space to help improve the accessibility and affordability of early-detection services. The latest collaboration is with Qure.ai. Nanox Imaging has struck a partnership with Qure.ai that could have an impact on medical imaging.

Xerox partners with Vortran to make portable ventilators

Xerox (NYSE:XRX) and Vortran Medical Technology announced that they are collaborating to speed and scale production of Vortran’s GO2Vent ventilator and related APM-Plus airway pressure monitor in the fight against COVID-19.

Shortage of medical devices an extreme concern during COVID-19

Verdict has found that there’s an extreme concern over the shortage of medical devices such as ventilators during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Do hospitals have an adequate patient safety system?

Notwithstanding their entrance into the healthcare world and lexicon 15 years ago, Patient Safety Organizations continue to represent a source of uncertainty, confusion and frustration with respect to their promise of sweeping confidentiality protection for provider efforts to analyze system errors.

ZOLL Medical receives FDA approval for TherOx System

ZOLL Medical has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its TherOx System that delivers SuperSaturated Oxygen (SSO2) Therapy and reduces heart muscle damage in ‘widowmaker’ heart attack patients.

COVID-19: Thermoformer develops face shields

Prent Corp., a thermoformer of custom plastic medical device packaging, has designed a new face shield for healthcare workers and dedicated a new line to producing the shields, in just 48 hours. As of March 30, the company had produced and donated

MedTech Europe calls for delay of MDR until coronavirus crisis passes

The COVID-19 pandemic is placing particular strains on medtech companies, which are dealing with the effects of the outbreak on their organizations while trying to meet unprecedented demand for personal protective equipment, diagnostics,

FDA authorizes hand-held COVID-19 diagnostic test

In response to the coronavirus crisis, we’ve seen COVID-19 diagnostics quickly evolve from early, multistep kits to high-throughput versions to fast point-of-care tests, all in just a few weeks.

Johns Hopkins uses Emocha’s tool to monitor Covid-19

Johns Hopkins Medicine is using digital health startup Emocha’s telehealth tool to monitor healthcare providers for Covid-19 symptoms. The health system had previously used Emocha’s software for other infectious diseases.

Roche urges international collaboration to tackle Covid-19 pandemic

Pharmaceutical giant Roche has called on governments around the world to work closely with the life sciences industry to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roche ships 400K coronavirus test kits in the U.S.

Roche Diagnostics said that it has begun deploying its newly authorised cobas coronavirus diagnostic to hospitals and reference laboratories, with a wave of 400,000 swab-testing kits expected to arrive this week.

Biggest threat to medtech revenue growth

In a new report, Needham & Co.’s Mike Matson says he doesn’t expect an economic slowdown to weigh directly on medtech revenue growth, but that doesn’t mean the industry will be unaffected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Handheld 3D printer could be game changer in burn&trauma care

A new handheld 3D printer that looks sort of like a packing tape dispenser can apply sheets of skin to cover large burn wounds, and its “bio ink” can accelerate the healing process, according to researchers from University of Toronto Engineering and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.

FDA bans shock devices against aggressive behaviours

The FDA has exercised a rarely used authority to completely ban a product from the market: the use of electric shock devices for conditioning a person against self-harm or aggressive behaviours.

Covid-19 patients: Chest CTs reveal nature and extent of damage

A multi-centre study has used computed tomography (CT) scans to gain insights into the nature and extent of the lung damage caused by novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pneumonia.

Device introduced to manage in-flight medical events

Aberdeen University spinout MIME Technologies has unveiled a smart device called Aiber, which could completely alter how medical emergencies are managed on flights.

Can AI really distinguish between back pain?

Researchers from Mount Sinai have developed an artificial intelligence model that has the ability to tell the difference between acute or chronic lower back pain.

Pricing watchdog ICER taps Aetion’s real-world evidence platform for value assessments

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, also known as drug-pricing watchdog ICER, has partnered with medical data firm Aetion to help analyse the real-world performance of different treatments as it scrutinises their broader value.

My first month at… Frencken Europe

The “My first month at…” column will elaborate on the experiences of professionals who recently started their new job in the medical devices industry.

Could an Apple Watch app reduce stroke risks?

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Apple (NSDQ:AAPL) announced today that they’ve opened enrollment for the Heartline Study, which will look at the ability of Apple Watch heart health features to reduce stroke risks.

Robotics could assist surgeons with real-time training

Teaching surgical residents has been a practice that is relatively unchanged over the course of decades and even, perhaps, centuries. Instruction by observation and eventual supervised hands-on practice forms the basis of the transfer of knowledge and skill between an experienced surgeon and a beginner.

ADHD: initial success in treating adult with deep magnetic stimulation

Magnetic treatment developer BrainsWay—which previously received clearances for deep, magnetic stimulation aimed at recalcitrant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder—has delivered new clinical results examining the feasibility of its non-invasive device on adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).

Three questions every healthcare company should ask

As health care goes digital, and technology becomes an inseparable part of its delivery, companies should ask three questions to help them evaluate when to invest and when to pass. Investor interest in health care technology soared in 2019 and remains strong for 2020, reflecting excitement about its potential – and the deep need for integrated solutions.

Antimicrobial touchscreens for hospital computers unveiled by Cybernet

Cybernet Manufacturing, maker of medical-grade computers, tablets and monitors, has unveiled a new, large touchscreen designed to resist the growth of infection-causing (antimicrobial) organisms and limit their spread throughout a hospital.

Startup uses fine retinal movements as window into neurological health

By measuring the minuscule motions of the human eye—and tracking the movements of the retina on a cellular level—a startup hopes to open new windows into a person’s neurological health. 

Medtronic to boost AI & robotic surgery work with Digital Surgery

Medtronic is looking to augment not only its work in robotic surgery, but efforts across all of its procedural offerings through the acquisition of Digital Surgery, the London-based makers of data analytics, artificial intelligence and training programs for the operating room.

Oxford VR secures $12.5m investment for VR therapy tech

UK-based virtual reality (VR) therapy company Oxford VR has announced the completion of a $12.5m Series A funding round led by Optum Ventures and supported by Luminous Ventures. The capital will fund the firm’s efforts to increase the US presence of its automated VR therapy solution for behavioural health issues, as well as continuing the expansion of its treatment pipeline into conditions such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Senseonics, Companion Medical to integrate sensor glucose and insulin data

Senseonics (NYSE:SENS) will integrate its Eversense continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system’s real-time glucose data with Companion Medical‘s InPen smart insulin delivery system.

Serenno introduces device for kidney monitoring

Serenno Medical, a portfolio company of Alon Medtech Ventures, has introduced a new automatic device, dubbed Sentinel, for continuous monitoring of kidney function. For use within the hospital, the Sentinel device works by continuously measuring urine output and volume to help identify cases of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Sentinel device is compatible with existing catheters, as well as urine bags and needs a short and simple, non-invasive installation.

MDR looms. Three key questions on medtech’s future in Europe

The U.K. has left the European Union. However, while U.K. politicians sought to frame that outcome as getting Brexit done, in practice the divorce process is ongoing and many questions critical to the future of medtech remain unanswered. Here, we look at the current understanding on three key questions for medtech, starting with the status of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and its in vitro diagnostic sibling.

FDA clears surgery video-sharing platform of Sony

Multinational conglomerate Sony has received a clearance from the FDA for its digital workflow collaboration platform for hospital operating rooms and catheter labs. The company’s NUCLeUS software is designed to provide imaging management at 4K resolution as well as still images and patient data, plus it has the ability to capture and share live or archived surgical videos for teaching purposes.

Olympus Announces FDA Clearance of Duodenoscope

Olympus, a global technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, announced today the FDA clearance of its TJF-Q190V duodenoscope with a sterile, disposable distal endcap.

Medtronic acquires Stimgenics to buy spinal cord tech

Medtronic announced it acquired Stimgenics, a Bloomington, Illinois-based startup that’s developed a novel spinal cord stimulation waveform Medtronic plans to deliver via its Intellis implantable neurostimulator to treat chronic pain. Medtronic expects the deal to be neutral to fiscal 2020 earnings and did not disclose other financial terms.

FDA clears new AI system to spot stroke

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 501(k) clearance to radiology company Aidoc’s AI based system for the detection of large-vessel occlusion (LVO), ischaemic strokes that result from a blockage in one of the major arteries of the brain.

Virtual Incision raises $20 million for mini surgical robots

Virtual Incision raised $20 million for the development of its miniaturized surgical robot to help support its regulatory programs and clinical testing. The company recently submitted its initial filings with the FDA, seeking an investigational device exemption that will allow it to begin confirmatory studies in colon resection surgeries at a number of U.S. sites.

Innovation for Health 2020 focuses on Brain and AI

Innovation for Health is a conference where the most relevant persons from the life-science industry come together. On 13 February 2020 the seventh edition of the conference will take place in De Doelen ICC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Innovation for Health is Netherlands’ premier conference for innovators in Health and Life Sciences.

Zap Surgical raises $81M for RadioSurgical Robot

US-based medical technology company ZAP Surgical Systems has raised $81m in the recently completed equity financing round led by Primavera Capital. Established in 2014, ZAP Surgical Systems is engaged in the design and manufacturing of the ZAP-X radiosurgery platform.

Abbott’s new designation helps advance LVAD market

Abbott Laboratories has won a nod from FDA for a new alternative surgical technique for the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). This technique will not only allow more advanced heart failure patients the opportunity to avoid open-heart surgery, but it will help advance the firm’s position in the LVAD market. 

Using imaging for early intervention after a heart attack

Insights into how the heart recovers after myocardial infarction (heart attack) can be obtained with a new radiotracer that targets fibroblast activity prior to it causing permanent damage. According to research published in the December issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 68Ga-FAPI-04 positron emission tomography (PET) can effectively image fibroblast activation after myocardial infarction, identifying a time window during which cardiac fibrosis can be prevented and the disease course altered.

Allurion raises $34M for swallowable weight-loss balloon

Gastric weight-loss balloon manufacturer Allurion Technologies has raised $34 million in new funding to boost its commercialization efforts and entry into the U.S. market, pending FDA approval. Through a securities financing and a growth capital term loan, the round was led by Novalis LifeSciences and Romulus Capital, with additional backing from IDO Investments and former Covidien CEO Jose Almeida. The loan was provided by Bridge Bank.

Researchers develop device for swallowing disorders

A wearable monitoring device could make treatment of swallowing disorders easier and more affordable. Researchers from Purdue University have created a skin-mountable sensor sticker that attaches firmly to the neck and is connected with small cables to a wireless transmitter unit.

My first month at… Ormco

The “My first month at…” column will elaborate on the experiences of professionals who recently started their new job in the medical devices industry.

Johnson & Johnson fires up the surgical robotics market

The New Brunswick, N.J.-based company said it would acquire the remaining stake in Verb Surgical, a joint venture the company has with Verily. Earlier, MD+DI asked if Johnson & Johnson was becoming a surgical robotics powerhouse.

Roche launches Zika blood screening test

Roche is launching its in vitro diagnostic test for the Zika virus in countries accepting the CE mark, intended to help screen and protect the global supply of blood donations. For use on the company’s cobas 6800/8800 automated molecular testing systems, the test detects RNA strands that can be traced back to the Zika virus in human plasma samples.

The biggest medtech deals stories of 2019

Medtech has seen some major funding rounds, mergers and acquisitions in 2019. Chloe Kent rounds up some of the most influential digital health deals of 2019.

Dexcom CEO apologizes for remote monitoring outage

Dexcom CEO Kevin Sayer on Friday issued a public apology to the company’s customers for the outage two weeks ago of an app-based service that enables caregivers to remotely monitor diabetes patients’ blood sugar readings taken by a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

Dekra NL notified body gains EU MDR designation

Dekra Certification B.V., the Netherlands-based notified body of the worldwide product certification firm, is now designated to review products under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), per an official listing Saturday in a European Commission database.

Beta Bionics gets FDA breakthrough device status

Boston-based medtech Beta Bionics said Tuesday it received priority review from FDA as part of the Breakthrough Devices Program for its​ iLet system​, which uses mathematical dosing algorithms to automatically control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

CMR Surgical to bring on new CEO

U.K.-based robotics developer CMR Surgical plans to bring on a new chief executive at the top of the year, not long after kicking off the global commercialization of its modular, minimally invasive Versius system following a £195 million ($240 million) funding round.

Enzyre and Takeda to develop home haemophilia device

Enzyre has entered into a research collaboration with the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company to develop a device for haemophilia patients to quickly determine their coagulation status at home.

ViewRay investors inks deal with Elekta and Medtronic

Radiation therapy player ViewRay plans to collaborate with Medtronic and Swedish medtech Elekta, the company said Monday, moves it hopes will bolster clinical understanding of its image-guided radiation technology and significantly strengthen its cash position.

Medical device failures brought to light now bolster lawsuit and research

Lorraine Bonner felt as though she was the only one. The surgical staples used to seal her colon after surgery had leaked, she has alleged in a lawsuit, spurring additional surgeries and a long, difficult recovery.

EU Parliament panel adopts MDR delay

A European Parliament committee voted to adopt changes to the EU Medical Device Regulation that would push back the compliance deadline for certain Class I medical devices by four years.

FDA takes action to reduce EtO use

FDA is moving forward on recommendations from a public advisory committee meeting earlier this month regarding ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization concerns and facility closures. 

DePuy Synthes launches new cervical spine system

Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE:JNJ) DePuy Synthes said it has launched its Symphony occipito-cervico-thoracic system to expand its portfolio of surgical treatments for the neck and upper back.

Medtronic’s IN.PACT AV DCB receives FDA approval

Medtronic has secured the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its IN.PACT AV drug-coated balloon (DCB), a paclitaxel-coated balloon to treat failing arteriovenous (AV) access in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis.

EU MDR: the challenge of compliance by may 2020

Medical device manufacturers are less mature in their labeling management compared to peers in other regulated industries, because until now regulatory measures around traceability and reporting have been less pronounced. But with EU MDR (Medical Device Regulations) due to go live in just a few months, how will device manufacturers cope with the numerous implications for patient-facing content?

MyVal transcatheter heart valve reports positive trial

Indian medtech company Meril’s MyVal 1 transcatheter heart valve (THV) has demonstrated a high procedural success rate in a one-month clinical trial.

Sera Prognostics raises $36m to market its PreTRM test

Health diagnostics company Sera Prognostics has secured $36m funds to advance the commercialisation of its PreTRM test. The PreTRM test is a clinically-validated blood test, which offers an early and individual risk prediction for spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic and singleton pregnancies.

Invitae to buy DNA-counseling chatbot developer

The genetic testing firm Invitae aims to scale up its ability to provide personal guidance alongside its DNA test results—through the planned, $50 million acquisition of Clear Genetics, developers of digital counseling software.

Exact Sciences closed its acquisition of Genomic Health

Molecular diagnostics firm Exact Sciences has closed its approximately $2.8bn acquisition of genomic diagnostics maker Genomic Health. In July, Exact Sciences signed a definitive agreement to acquire genomic diagnostics maker Genomic Health in a cash-and-stock deal.

World’s first robot-assisted brain aneurysm surgery

A team of Toronto doctors has completed the world’s first brain aneurysm surgery using robotics, leading to hope of better treatment for aneurysm and stroke patients, especially in areas where specialized surgical expertise isn’t available.

Abbott circulatory support system Class I recall

The FDA recently labeled two device recalls as Class I, the most serious, after they were launched by Philips and Abbott earlier this year—including the latter’s CentriMag cardiac support system for open-heart surgeries following the death of a patient. 

Breakthrough tag for tackling biofilm infections

FDA has awarded breakthrough device status to Garwood Medical Devices’ technology for tackling biofilm infections on prosthetic knee implants, the company said.

Medical device maker Stryker to buy Wright Medical

Medical device maker Stryker Corp (SYK.N) said on Monday it would buy smaller rival Wright Medical Group (WMGI.O) for about $4 billion in cash, expanding into the fast-growing business of implants for shoulders and wrists.

FDA pitches black box warning for breast implants

FDA on Wednesday proposed that manufacturers add a black box warning to breast implant products, a move the agency teased earlier this year after convening an advisory panel on a form of cancer some believe is linked to textured versions of the products.

2 companies apply Google AI to patient monitoring

Google has been no stranger to the industry’s rush to bring artificial intelligence (AI) software to healthcare—with programs in diabetic retinopathy, electronic patient records and cancer-seeking CT scans—but now they’re looking to supply the hardware, too.

Fresenius gets breakthrough tag

Fresenius Medical Care North America (NYSE:FMS)  said that it won breakthrough device designation from the FDA for the new hemodialysis system it’s developing.

Fitbit partners up on early atrial fibrillation detection

Fitbit is teaming up with Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer to help bring atrial fibrillation detection capabilities to its line of wearable fitness trackers as part of a larger campaign toward earlier diagnoses among those at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Blood-cleaning machine eliminates carbon monoxide

Hemoglobin in the body’s red blood cells binds carbon monoxide 200 times more tightly than it does oxygen, which explains why exposure to the gas can be so deadly.

Research questions safety benefit of robotic colectomies

The use of robotics in colectomies has shot up in recent years but research published in JAMA Surgery questions the value of the high-tech approach over open and laparoscopic procedures.

3M completes $6.7B deal Acelity

3M Co. said Friday it has completed its acquisition of San Antonio medical technology company Acelity Inc. in a transaction valued at about $6.7 billion.

Sandoz drops out of partnership with Pear Therapeutics

Sandoz pulled the plug on its commercialization partnership with Pear Therapeutics, ending its experiment with digital treatments for substance use disorders that first kicked off in April 2018.

Brexit: UK floats device contingency

The U.K. government has described a proposed Medicines and Medical Devices Bill to support the life sciences sector after Brexit, roughly two weeks before a key deadline that could see the country exiting the European Union.

Medtronic stent graft system wins breakthrough designation

A stent graft system being developed by Medtronic for minimally invasive repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) received breakthrough device designation from FDA, the company announced Tuesday.

Qiagen and Illumina sign 15-year deal for IVD tests

Diagnostic solutions providers Qiagen and Illumina have collaborated to boost the availability and use of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests, including companion diagnostics, for clinical patient management.

Paralysed man moves in mind-reading exoskeleton

A man has been able to move all four of his paralysed limbs with a mind-controlled exoskeleton suit, French researchers report.

BD to appoint new as the medtech’s CEO

BD COO Thomas Polen, 46, will take over as the medtech’s CEO on Jan. 28, 2020, per a unanimous vote by the company’s board of directors announced in a leadership succession plan Thursday.

Australia enforces new regs on all breast implant makers

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is following through on plans to temporarily or permanently remove certain textured breast implants and tissue expanders from the Australian market after concluding a safety review of the devices it initiated in May.

New drug-eluting stent data in patients at high risk for bleeds

In late-breaking clinical data, Medtronic showed that its Resolute Onyx drug-eluting stent showed success in patients at a high risk for bleeding, a group that is often excluded from stent and drug studies.

Virtual reality could improve surgical outcomes

A new study led by UCLA Health in the US has shown that three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality models could improve surgical outcomes by enabling better visualisation of a patient’s anatomy. When tested in preparation for kidney tumour surgeries, the models led to shorter operating times, less blood loss during surgery, and a shorter hospital stay following the procedure.

CMR Surgical raises £195m in Series C round

UK-based medical robotics company CMR Surgical has raised £195m in its Series C funding round, pushing the company value to over £1bn before the launch of its first product.

A swifter way towards 3D-printed organs

20 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant in the United States, and while more than 30,000 transplants are now performed annually, there are over 113,000 patients currently on organ waitlists.

Omron’s HeartGuide: blood pressure monitoring for the modern age

High blood pressure is often managed through at-home self-monitoring, a routine which can be difficult to manage for patients with hectic lifestyles. Now, Japanese medtech giant Omron may have the solution.

Brexit threatens U.K. robotic surgery innovation

The United Kingdom robotic surgery sector is likely to suffer if a U.K. hard split from the European Union hinders cross-border collaborations, according to a study published in BMJ Open on Tuesday. According to the analysis, the U.K. has become one of the most innovative places for robotic surgery on the strength of its collaborations with other EU member states. If the U.K. can replace EU partners with top-performing United States collaborators, Brexit could boost the robotic surgery sector but the researchers said that will likely be very difficult and expensive to achieve.

Hope is not a strategy – Insights from the MedTech Summit

Written by Angela Leek – Medical Devices Community

From 17 until 21 June 2019, the MedTech Summit took place in Brussels. Over 150 expert speakers came together at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to navigate professionals from the industry through current challenges by giving presentations, holding discussions and in-depth case studies. On behalf of the Medical Devices Community, I was present to get insights on the most recent developments.

Biotronik obtains the world’s first MDR certification

The First Class III Medical Device is Certified Under the New European Medical Device Regulation

BIOTRONIK  announced that it is the world’s first manufacturer to receive European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certification for a Class III (highest risk) medical device. Following a successful conformity assessment, BIOTRONIK also obtained MDR certification for its quality management system.

Studying heart cells with nanovolcanoes

Researchers at EPFL and the University of Bern have developed a groundbreaking method for studying the electrical signals of cardiac muscle cells. The technology has numerous potential applications in basic and applied research – such as improving the search for mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias.

iRhythm links with Verily to help diagnose ‘silent’ afib

Wearable electrocardiogram maker iRhythm Technologies has begun working with Verily Life Sciences to develop ways to better screen, diagnose and manage patients living with so-called “silent” atrial fibrillation.

Abbott launches trial of its tricuspid valve repair device

Abbott has begun its first randomized, pivotal trial to test a new method of fixing leaky tricuspid heart valves, where there are currently no approved minimally invasive repair therapies available.

5G meets medicine: separating fact from fiction

5G has been hailed as the next frontier for medicine, introducing new remote surgery capabilities and expanding patient access to the internet in hospitals. But not everyone is convinced. We take a look at the realistic impact that 5G could have on the industry.

Urine test shows promise for cancer detection

A laboratory study in mice demonstrates that a colour-change urine test based on nanosensors could help detect colon cancer / bowel cancer. Researchers at Imperial College London, UK and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US developed the new technology to enable early cancer identification.

Elekta fortifies treatment planning offering with acquisition of ProKnow

STOCKHOLM, August 29, 2019 – Elekta (EKTA-B.ST) announced that it has acquired ProKnow Systems, LLC, in order to expand its offering of cloud-based solutions for advanced radiation therapy. With ProKnow’s products, such as ProKnow DS, Elekta’s customers will have access to high-quality, cloud-based, treatment planning analytics to standardize their practices.

FDA approves first spinal tether implant for correcting childhood scoliosis

The FDA approved the first spinal tether medical device to correct the most common form of scoliosis in children and adolescents—a ropelike implant that pulls the vertebrae into shape as the child grows, following the failure of treatments like external braces. Zimmer Biomet’s new tethering system for idiopathic scoliosis is intended for children whose sideways curvature of the spine has become so severe that surgery such as a bone fusion procedure may be necessary.

Researchers develop 3D printing for heart valves

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University recently developed a method to rebuild components of the human heart using 3D printing. The team of researchers made an advanced version of Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) technology in order to 3D print collagen with complexity to construct components of the human heart. The method spans from small blood vessel to valves and beating ventricles. The FRESH technology was recently awarded a U.S. patent and is being licensed to FluidForm.

Tiny lensless endoscope captures 3D images of objects smaller than a cell

Researchers have developed a new self-calibrating endoscope that produces 3D images of objects smaller than a single cell. Without a lens or any optical, electrical or mechanical components, the tip of the endoscope measures just 200 microns across, about the width of a few human hairs twisted together.

As a minimally invasive tool for imaging features inside living tissues, the extremely thin endoscope could enable a variety of research and medical applications. The research will be presented at the Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science (FIO + LS) conference, held September 15-19 in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

Trump administration delays law to curb unneeded MRIs

Five years after Congress passed a law to reduce unnecessary MRIs, CT scans and other expensive diagnostic imaging tests that could harm patients and waste money, federal officials have yet to implement it. The law requires that doctors consult clinical guidelines set by the medical industry before Medicare will pay for many common exams for enrollees. Health care providers who go way beyond clinical guidelines in ordering these scans (the 5% who order the most tests that are inappropriate) will, under the law, be required after that to get prior approval from Medicare for their diagnostic imaging.

ZipLine’s wound closure alternative outperforms staples

Two recent clinical studies from ZipLine Medical showed that its surgical wound closure system demonstrated improvements in both patient outcomes and overall costs compared to surgical staples. The company’s Zip device is used to help close and hold together the outer skin after deeper layers of sutures are applied within a surgical incision. Its non-invasive, flexible design aims to minimize scarring compared to staples, sutures or glue, while the wound heals following a procedure.

Ethylene oxide sterilization for medical devices

Why Is Ethylene Oxide Used to Sterilize Medical Devices?

Medical devices are sterilized in a variety of ways including using moist heat (steam), dry heat, radiation, ethylene oxide gas, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and other sterilization methods (for example, chlorine dioxide gas, vaporized peracetic acid, and nitrogen dioxide). Ethylene oxide sterilization is an important sterilization method that manufacturers widely use to keep medical devices safe.

UBS surgeon poll points to neuromodulation market slowdown

Analysts at UBS said the worldwide neuromodulation spinal cord stimulation market appears to be slowing and will likely be down year over year, based on feedback from the bank’s survey of surgeons. Significant deceleration in growth over the past two quarters is due to a lack of new product launches, price discounting, turnover among sales representatives, and use of alternative pain treatments, UBS said. Among device makers, Boston Scientific and Abbott reported weaker spinal cord stimulation growth rates in the second quarter, while Medtronic appeared to be gaining market share, the bank said. Fewer surgeons were using devices from Nevro in the latest survey, compared to the third quarter of 2018, UBS said.

Born in space? The shift in the mission’s program

A follow-up interview with Dr. Egbert Edelbroek – CEO & Founder of SpaceBorn United

In the previous article, we spoke Dr. Edelbroek about the ambitious space missions that his organisation SpaceBorn United is preparing. SpaceBorn United is a biotech and space mission development company. The company wants to contribute to the learning process of human reproduction in space. Currently, when humans are exposed to the many challenges of space, it leaves them unable to reproduce. The mission program is divided into three missions, Ark, Lotus and Cradle. In this article we will dive a little deeper into these missions.

AI improves efficiency and accuracy of digital breast tomosynthesis

Artificial intelligence (AI) helps improve the efficiency and accuracy of an advanced imaging technology used to screen for breast cancer, according to a new study published in the journal Radiology: Artificial Intelligence.

Blood pressure monitoring much easier in the future

Blood pressure monitoring might one day become as easy as taking a video selfie, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, an American Heart Association journal.

Two health tech startups among European funding competition winners

Xploro, a digital therapeutics platform developed in Manchester, and Triple Tread, a high-performance tricycle manufacturer based in Congleton, were both winners in the final round of the European Institute of Technology’s (EIT) Health Headstart Awards.

Worrisome increase in some medical scans during pregnancy

Use of medical imaging during pregnancy increased significantly in the United States, a new study has found, with nearly a four-fold rise over the last two decades in the number of women undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans, which expose mothers and fetuses to radiation. Pregnant women are warned to minimize radiation exposure.

Prosthetic arm can sense touch, move with your thoughts

Keven Walgamott had a good “feeling” about picking up the egg without crushing it. What seems simple for nearly everyone else can be more of a Herculean task for Walgamott, who lost his left hand and part of his arm in an electrical accident 17 years ago. But he was testing out the prototype of a high-tech prosthetic arm with fingers that not only can move, they can move with his thoughts. And thanks to a biomedical engineering team at the University of Utah, he “felt” the egg well enough so his brain could tell the prosthetic hand not to squeeze too hard.

Mobile app tests impact of mental health on cognitive performance

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and University College London (UCL) have developed a mobile app which allows users to track how their mood and emotions impact their cognitive performance.

Australia on watch for EU notified bodies shortage

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said it is aware of industry concern about whether a sufficient number of notified bodies will be designated under the new European Union Medical Device Regulation in time for the May 2020 effective date. The Australian regulator said it is monitoring the situation and will consider the impact on manufacturers seeking certification for new products or looking to maintain existing certification. The agency also said it has expanded the range of assessments and approvals from overseas regulators that medical device makers can use when submitting applications for inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

Ultrasound-assisted optical imaging to replace endoscopy

Carnegie Mellon University’s Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Maysam Chamanzar and ECE Ph.D. student Matteo Giuseppe Scopelliti today published research that introduces a novel technique which uses ultrasound to noninvasively take optical imaging through a turbid medium such as biological tissue to image body’s organs. This new method has the potential to eliminate the need for invasive visual exams using endoscopic cameras.

My first month at… Esaote Europe

The “My first month at…” column will elaborate on the experiences of professionals who recently started their new job in the medical devices industry.

Nanowear to launch trial of heart failure-monitoring underwear

Nanowear said today that it has launched a heart failure management and alert diagnostic validation study of its medical-grade, cloth-based nanosensor technology.

Medtronic to distribute Viz.ai’s stroke-spotting AI imaging software

Medtronic is tapping Viz.ai, a developer of artificial intelligence programs to help spot strokes, for a distribution partnership to bring its technology to more hospitals and centers.

Viz.ai’s software links with CT scanners to identify and triage potential large vessel occlusion strokes, or LVOs, and can automatically notify specialists while providing the radiological images to their smartphones.

New implant uses microcurrent to strengthen heart muscle

A clinical study by the Medical University of Vienna and Vienna General Hospital has demonstrated that Berlin Heals’ electroceutical device can exercise and strengthen the heart muscle in people with cardiomyopathy. The implant delivers a microcurrent to stimulate cell regeneration in the affected heart muscle. This is expected to help patients avoid or delay heart transplant surgery.

3D body mapping device improves post-chemo cell therapy success

Purdue University researchers have developed a 3D mapping technology to monitor and track the behaviour of engineered tissues and cells.

Low-cost retinal scanner could help prevent blindness worldwide

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a low-cost, portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner that promises to bring the vision-saving technology to underserved regions throughout the United States and abroad.

Wearable body patch allows early detection of sepsis

A body-worn monitoring system developed by UK-based Isansys Lifecare has the potential to speed up sepsis diagnosis in hospitals.

Google Doodle honours pioneering heart surgeon René Favaloro

“‘We’ is more important than ‘I.’ In medicine, the advances are always the result of many efforts accumulated over the years,” wrote Dr. René Favaloro, the Argentinian surgeon who introduced coronary artery bypass surgery into clinical practice and is celebrated in today’s Doodle.

GDPR: Study highlights data protection challenges for research

The introduction of laws like the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can complicate the operations of scientific journals and funding bodies, according an Uppsala University-led study presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics.

AI tool for smart speakers could save lives

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new contactless artificial intelligence (AI) tool to monitor at-risk patients for cardiac arrest, even when they’re asleep.

Scientists discover new medical imaging method

In an advance for medical imaging, scientists from University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a method for creating radioactive tracers to better track pharmaceuticals in the body as well as image diseases, such as cancer, and other medical conditions.

Parkinson’s disease new discovery could lead to new screening tools

Changes to the serotonin system of the brain could act as a crucial early warning signal for Parkinson’s disease and may lead to the development of new screening tools for the chronic condition.

Music-based therapeutic for stroke survivors

What if the steady beats of music, coupled with personalized neuroscience, could help stroke survivors regain their ability to walk?

AI in ultrasound, threat or chance?

Blog by Stevan Stuit – Former diagnostic radiographer and diagnostic medical sonographer

It is everywhere in the news nowadays; the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The influence of AI on economics, labour and our position.

Autonomous brain-computer interface to enable robotic prosthetics

Engineers at the University of Houston in the US have found that a brain-computer interface (BCI) could allow the development of robotic prosthetics with a more natural performance.

‘Virtual biopsy’ device to detect skin tumours

Using sound vibrations and pulses of near-infrared light, a Rutgers University scientist has developed a new “virtual biopsy” device that can quickly determine a skin lesion’s depth and potential malignancy without using a scalpel.

Ultrasound to enable targeted drug delivery for brain diseases

Columbia Engineering researchers have devised an ultrasound-based technique to restore dopaminergic pathway in the brain of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Trial stem cell heart patches for damage repair

Researchers from Imperial College London have devised an approach to grow heart patches made of up to 50 million human stem cells as part of a project funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

MedFit 2019

Held on the 25th and 26th of June 2019 in Lille – France, and gathering 700 international participants from over 25 countries, MedFit is the leading European business convention dedicated to innovation partnerships in the fields of medical technology, diagnostics and digital health sector.

Thermo Fisher agrees to terminate $925m Gatan acquisition

Thermo Fisher Scientific has agreed to abandon the proposed acquisition of Gatan from software developer Roper Technologies.

Home-based brain stimulation treatment for depression launches in UK

An at-home, medical-grade brain stimulation headset has launched in the UK, and claims to offer an alternative to pharmacological treatment for depression. The system is used in conjunction with a therapy app. 

Born in space in 2028

Interview with Dr. Egbert Edelbroek – CEO & Founder SpaceBorn United

SpaceBorn United is determined to become the first company that will enable childbirth in space by 2028. Says CEO & Founder, Dr. Egbert Edelbroek: “It is not going to be an easy journey. Space is a hostile environment for living organisms.”

UK researchers test virtual reality technology to detect Alzheimer’s

Researchers at University of Cambridge in the UK have found that virtual reality (VR) could detect early Alzheimer’s disease more accurately compared to existing ‘gold standard’ cognitive tests.

Thinking outside the box: ‘Seeing’ clearer and deeper into live organs

Scientists using a unique approach have developed a new biomedical imaging contrast agent. They say the breakthrough overcomes a major challenge to “seeing” deeper into live tissue, and opens the way for significant improvements in optical imaging technology.

My first month at… Illumina

The “My first month…” column will elaborate on the experiences of professionals who recently started their new job in the medical devices industry.

This article is about the experiences of  Arthur Jacobs (51) who recently started as a Trade Compliance Specialist at Illumina. We asked him a few questions about his first month at Illumina. If you want to know more about the company, Arthur and his experiences working at Illumina. Then keep on reading.

The cold facts about the cold chain in medical devices

Blog by Tim Broekhuizen – Regional Manager, Centre of Excellence, Supply Chain Management (APAC) at DKSH

Tim Broekhuizen is a Dutch national, currently stationed in Asia as Regional Manager, Center of Excellence, Supply Chain Management (APAC) at DKSH.

AI surpasses humans in predicting heart attack and death

An algorithm has learned how to identify imaging patterns correlating to heart attack and death in cardiac patients and can predict the occurrence of these events with superior accuracy to human doctors, according to a study presented at 2019’s International Conference on Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT (ICNC) in Lisbon, Portugal.

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

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.

We would like to wish you a merry Christmas!

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

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

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.

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.

To incorporate wearable tech into total knee replacements

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 brain cancer

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.

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.