CHICAGO — Sometimes logic and anecdotal information just can't connect the dots. Such was the case with the long-awaited CLOSURE 1 randomized controlled clinical trial results to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NMT Medical's (Boston) STARFlex septal closure system that were reported this week at the American Heart Association (AHA; Dallas) 2010 Scientific Sessions. (Medical Device Daily)

CHICAGO – The initial excitement and big buzz about Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery®(NOTES) has been replaced with the heavy lifting of entering hard, long clinical trials that carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks associated with the novel technique. The 5th meeting of the Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research® (NOSCAR) was held here with exciting news of initial human trials being performed. (Medical Device Daily)

Chicago — With a backdrop of the newly passed Healthcare Reform Bill, cancer surgeons whose practices may be altered forever, met here for the advancement of pure science and humanitarianism. The objective of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG; Durham, North Carolina) is to study cancer patient outcomes using clinical trials as a measure for new advanced methods in order to further advance patient care. (Medical Device Daily)