FDA approves 1st contact lens to slow myopia in children

Concentric rings in the lens focus light in front of the retina in a process that is thought to reduce the stimulus that causes myopia to advance.

By Susan Kelly • Nov. 19, 2019

Incoming Medtronic CEO to prioritize 'aggressive' tuck-in M&A, 'reinvigorating' diabetes unit

Growth accelerated for Medtronic in its recent quarter but competitive pressures in areas like arrhythmia management and diabetes had president and future CEO Geoff Martha pledging to "get back to share-taking mode."

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 19, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from MedTech Dive

From the top medtech trends to watch in 2026 to haphazard layoffs at the Food and Drug Administration and the evolving use of AI in the medtech sector, here is a collection of top stories from MedTech Dive.

By MedTech Dive staff

AdvaMed wants FDA to define 'significantly' improved for Safer Technologies Program eligibility

Although the trade association said it supports efforts to speed safer medical devices to market, it believes the agency's draft guidance lacks the specificity needed for industry to understand which devices would be eligible.

By David Lim • Nov. 19, 2019

Edwards has edge over Medtronic in TAVR registry studies

The data presented at the American Heart Association meeting favor Edwards' Sapien valve, but confounding factors may explain the differences. Large, randomized trails are needed to generate more evidence, cardiologists said.

By Nick Paul Taylor • Nov. 19, 2019

FDA clears Pentax duodenoscope with disposable part in bid to cut infection risk

Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Jeff Shuren called the clearance "another major step toward lowering the risk of infection among patients," and said duodenoscope safety is a top priority for the agency.

By David Lim • Nov. 18, 2019

Edwards recalls Pascal valve guide sheath in Europe amid potential for embolizations

A manufacturing problem resulting in damage to the inner lining of the sheath in fewer than 1% of devices prompted the recall. No adverse events were linked to the issue.

By Susan Kelly • Nov. 18, 2019

Qiagen in talks with potential buyers amid weak results, restructuring

The molecular test maker confirmed Friday it has received several non-binding indications of interest, days after Bloomberg reported Thermo Fisher was eyeing a takeout of Qiagen.

By Susan Kelly • Nov. 18, 2019

In stents v. statin debate, analysts call potential impact of ISCHEMIA trial overhyped

The study seemed to favor a conservative approach to treating stable heart disease. But many sell-side analysts called results expected, predicting they won't meaningfully hurt sales for device makers like Boston Scientific.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 18, 2019

Abiomed's Impella may be associated with higher costs, more adverse events than balloon therapy, studies find

"In the long term, who knows how this will play out?" Jefferies analyst Raj Denhoy told MedTech Dive Monday morning amid a 10% drop in its share price. "In terms of the stock, it isn't great." 

By Dana Elfin • Nov. 18, 2019

Titan Medical puts robot system on hold amid cash crisis

CEO David McNally blamed the move on "inhospitable conditions in the equity capital markets," pledging the company will continue to attempt to secure financing.

By David Lim • Nov. 15, 2019

FDA advisers: Metal implants need beefed up ingredient labels

Industry representative Whitney Christian, a toxicologist at Medtronic, told the panel that medical device manufacturers support patients' and doctors' "right to know" what's in implants and are willing to work with FDA on the issue. 

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 15, 2019

BioSig targets 9 installations of cardiac technology in 2020

BioSig expects the rollout of PURE EP next year to generate its first revenues, allowing it to grow its sales team and enter Europe in 2021.

By Nick Paul Taylor • Nov. 15, 2019

Feds sue South Dakota surgeon, distributorships over alleged spinal implant kickbacks

The suit comes amid a backdrop of growing fraud concerns related to physician-owned entities providing medical products to doctors. 

By Dana Elfin • Nov. 14, 2019

Axonics wins PMA for urinary indication in sacral neuromod, potentially tripling market

The latest approval for overactive bladder positions the medtech to challenge Medtronic for dominance in the sacral neuromodulation market. Shares rose 16% in late morning trading.

By Dana Elfin • Nov. 14, 2019

FDA overhauls export certificate guidance after negative feedback

AdvaMed said the draft suffered "from inaccuracies and omissions that FDA must correct." The final guidance provides more information on the appeals process and grounds for denials.

By Nick Paul Taylor • Nov. 14, 2019

FDA experts weigh evidence on patients' adverse reactions to common device metals

Suggestions from speakers at Wednesday's advisory panel included conducting comparative effectiveness studies, bolstering the informed consent process and requiring more stringent adverse event reporting.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 13, 2019

Boston Scientific faces lower reimbursement despite White House lobbying bid

In an Office of Management and Budget meeting days before release of CMS' hospital outpatient payment final rule, execs argued the change would deter doctors from a procedure using a device that could reduce opioid dependence.

By David Lim • Nov. 13, 2019

Abbott names Robert Ford new CEO, ending Miles White's 21-year tenure in March

The leadership handoff to Ford, an Abbott insider currently serving as COO, is seen as a continuation of current strategy, with Freestyle Libre, Mitraclip and Alinity driving core growth. 

By Dana Elfin • Nov. 13, 2019

TransEnterix cuts 18% of staff, doesn't take questions from analysts

The company will focus less on selling robotic surgery systems, newly appointed CEO Anthony Fernando told investors during its third quarter earnings call. Instead, he wants to expand use among existing customers.

By Nick Paul Taylor • Nov. 13, 2019

Eudamed 2-year delay doesn't mean free pass for manufacturers

"The Eudamed project is expensive both in time and resources. It is not just an IT project, this is a change project," said Eudamed.eu CEO Richard Houlihan.

By Dana Elfin • Nov. 12, 2019

Medtronic's Micra AV pacemaker meets study goals, submitted for FDA review

The company wants to expand the transcatheter pacing system​ first approved in 2016 to patients with atrioventricular block, a condition marked by impaired electrical signals between the heart's upper and lower chambers.

By Susan Kelly • Nov. 12, 2019

Establishment Labs sees 40% rise in breast implant sales, on track for $100M benchmark in 2020

As it awaits U.S. marketing authorization, the Costa Rican medtech is expanding its direct sales force in Europe and Brazil amid a 45% year-to-date decline in Allergan's worldwide breast implant revenues.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 12, 2019

Life Spine, execs settle implants kickback case for nearly $6M

The medtech said it had made significant progress strengthening its compliance program even before it began negotiations with the government.

By Dana Elfin • Nov. 11, 2019

Wright Medical growth slowed in run-up to Stryker deal

While Wright's Cartiva big toe treatment dragged on sales for a second straight quarter, Stryker expects the acquisition to bolster its broader extremities business, particularly in shoulder devices.

By Susan Kelly • Nov. 11, 2019

Duodenoscope reprocessors' poor work conditions exacerbate infection problem, FDA panel says

The advisory meeting followed FDA disclosing reports of three deaths, 45 patient infections and 159 cases of device contamination related to inadequate device reprocessing between October 2018 and March 2019.

By David Lim • Nov. 8, 2019