The EU approved the first drug-coated balloon for treatment of in-stent restenosis nearly a decade ago, but U.S. physicians continue to have their hands tied in treating the fairly common problem. Results from Boston Scientific Corp.’s investigational device exemption trial for its Agent paclitaxel-coated balloon presented in San Francisco at Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics could finally put the tool in the hands of cardiologists. The device demonstrated a nearly 50% reduction in the risk of target lesion revascularization and target vessel myocardial infarction compared to conventional balloon angioplasty.
An analysis of real-world data pulled from Truveta’s electronic health records of 30 U.S. health care systems found that patients treated for pulmonary embolism (PE) using Boston Scientific Corp.’s Ekos endovascular system had lower rates of adverse events, particularly intracerebral hemorrhage, than those treated with Inari Medical Inc.’s Flowtriever system.
Anteris Technologies Ltd. presented multiple sessions at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2023 annual meeting in San Francisco this week on its novel Duravr biomimetic heart valve, a balloon-expandable, single-piece transcatheter aortic valve designed to closely replicate the shape and performance of a human aortic valve. The device was used for the first time earlier this year in a valve-in-valve replacement procedure and began its early feasibility study, both of which were reviewed at the cardiology meeting.
No matter how you look at it, guiding percutaneous coronary interventions to treat complex lesions with optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) produces similar results in patients with complex lesions, a study presented Oct. 23 at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) annual meeting in San Francisco indicated.
The North American Spine Society Annual Meeting provided a positive view of one area in orthopedics that may be immune from the effects of widespread use of GLP-1 medications. Recent data indicates volumes and seasonality have finally recovered from pandemic impacts. Major trends discussed at the conference included expanded use of robotic systems, increased customization and adoption of augmented reality technology.
In interviews with BioWorld, med-tech industry leaders in Israel noted upfront that a hasty exit mid-conversation could occur in response to sirens alerting to missile attacks. Despite constant disruption, most companies said they were determined to maintain business as close to usual as possible. Still, challenges abound, including the potential mandatory military activation of CEO and key personnel, ongoing attacks and potential disruption or diversion of critical resources. The tenor remains positive, however, with companies praising strong support from the venture capital community and other investors and partners worldwide and the benefits of operations in the U.S.
An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm using voice technology developed by Klick Inc. could be a game changer for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, helping to identify the 50% of individuals who unknowingly have the disease. The technology uses a six- to 10-second voice clip spoken into a smartphone plus basic health data to detect diabetes in close to nine out of 10 individuals, a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Digital Health found.
Johnson & Johnson will excise less profitable lines and markets within its Depuy Synthes orthopedics business over the next two years, management revealed in its quarterly investor call on Oct. 16. Paring its products and related pursuits could cost as much as $800 million by the end of 2025, J&J Chief Financial Officer Joe Wolk said.
Olink Holding AB likely has some euphoric investors following Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.’s announcement of an agreement to acquire the proteomics company for $26 per share in cash. The price represents a premium of nearly 75% on its recent trading average and brings the deal’s value to a stunning $3.1 billion, with net cash of $143 million.