Boston Scientific Corp. reported positive results for its Emblem subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD) system and next-generation Watchman Flx left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device at the Heart Rhythm Society scientific sessions, which were online only this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LONDON – A new technique for analyzing solid tumor DNA has been shown to significantly improve scoring of mutation burden, making it possible to identify patients who will respond to immunotherapy.

Wearables giant Fitbit Inc. has kicked off its first large-scale, virtual study to evaluate how well its wrist-worn technology can spot episodes of irregular heart rhythm that might indicate atrial fibrillation (AF). The study, part of a broader plan to equip Fitbit devices with new tools to speed the detection of a range of conditions, is open to people in the U.S. ages 22 and older who own a Fitbit that tracks heart rate.

Stem cells haven’t exactly panned out as hoped when it comes to approved therapeutics. There are only a couple that have received a nod from the FDA in very specific indications. But the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could push stem cells back into the limelight and more firmly establish them as therapeutically relevant.

Pasadena, Calif.-based Circularity Healthcare LLC has initiated a clinical trial to evaluate its transdermal microcirculation device in COVID-19 patients with underlying health conditions. The aim is to see if use of the noninvasive deoxyhemoglobin vasodilator (from which the product derives its name) improves outcomes in patients suffering from coronavirus-related complications.

Oxford, U.K.-based Perspectum Diagnostics Ltd. is recruiting patients for a study to determine the degree of damage sustained by major organs following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The company will use its multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices and other means to evaluate post-COVID-19 organ damage, track healing and evaluate impact on survivors.

Paris-based health care startup Cardiologs Technologies SAS has launched a clinical study to assess the use of its artificial intelligence (AI) platform to remotely monitor cardiac safety in COVID-19 patients being treated with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine. The study could help to detect and prevent serious cardiac effects of the drug.

Stony Brook Medicine has launched an FDA-approved, randomized investigational new drug (IND) trial to determine whether plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19 can aid in the recovery of patients currently fighting the disease. Chembio Diagnostics Inc.'s COVID-19 rapid serological point-of-care test will be used to identify potential plasma donors.

The human body constantly assaults medical devices that are implanted within it. The traditional solution to that has been to encase them in titanium. But that’s not the best option in the brain, where it remains difficult to place a high number of electrodes without damaging the brain, while protecting the device from long-term damage.

PARIS – Diabeloop SAS, of Grenoble, France, has launched a real-world study of its automated insulin delivery DBLG1 system, incorporating the Dana-I pump from Sooil Development Co. Ltd., of Seoul, South Korea.