SAN FRANCISCO – The accelerating confluence of information technology and medical devices is transforming the latter into a true embodiment of med tech. That was the conclusion of early keynote sessions at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) that began here yesterday.

Dublin-based med-tech conglomerate Medtronic plc took the time to show off its investigational minimally invasive robotic surgery system that's expected to squarely take on long-time segment leader Intuitive Surgical Corp. Ahead of the robotic surgery-focused investor event on the afternoon of Sept. 24, Medtronic unveiled details of the system in an SEC filing.

BOSTON – What are companies doing to be successful in the current environment of med-tech M&A valuation? That question was posed to panelists from three top device makers during the Medtech Conference Tuesday morning. Specifically, the panel, which featured representatives from New Brunswick, N.J.-based Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic plc and Boston Scientific Corp., looked at overall valuations across the sector, as well as what it takes to produce a successful M&A strategy.

Irvine, Calif.-based Axonics Modulation Technologies Inc., which has developed an implantable rechargeable sacral neuromodulation (r-SNM) device for the treatment of urinary and bowel dysfunction, has won the FDA's nod for its system to help patients with fecal incontinence.