• Competitive Technologies (CTT; Fairfield, Connecticut) said that it has applied for FDA 510(k) authorization for US sales of its pain management therapy device. The CTT product is a non-invasive method for rapid treatment of high-intensity oncologic and neuropathic pain, including pain resistant to morphine and other drugs. The pain management device uses a multi-processor designed to create self-like neurons by applying surface electrodes to the skin to simultaneously treat multiple pain areas. Aris Despo, executive VP of business development, said the device has been used successfully on over 2,000 patients in seven hospitals in Europe. CCT is a technology transfer and licensing provider.

• InspireMD (Tel Aviv, Israel) reported continued positive results from the ongoing MGuard coronary stent first-in-man, multi-center trial in Germany. This study aims at establishing the safety and efficacy of MGuard coronary sent in high-risk patients with complex lesions. The study's primary end point demonstrated zero major adverse cardiac events after 30 days in 60 patients, with 100% procedural success rate. The MGuard is a bare-metal stent merged with an embolic protection device, the latter comprised of an ultra-thin polymer mesh protective sleeve, wrapped around the stent. The protective sleeve is composed of a micron-level-fiber knitted mesh, engineered in an optimal geometric configuration and designed for utmost flexibility while retaining strength characteristics of the fiber material. The sleeve is designed to expand seamlessly when the stent is deployed, without affecting the structural integrity of the stent, and to prevent plaque detachment during and post procedure. The sleeve is designed to diffuse stent pressure on the vessel wall, thereby reduce injury and lower the likelihood of restenosis. InspireMD specializes in stent platform technology.