Disappointment and frustration are perhaps two terms that best describe the tone of Guided Therapeutics' (Norcross, Georgia) conference call revealing the news about the company receiving a not approvable letter from the FDA for its LuViva device.

The toll on the economy is starting to visibly show in the med-tech sector - especially since medical device stocks lagged a considerable amount in 4Q11, according to the Morgan Stanley Team 4Q Preview Call held earlier this week. While in the past, med-tech stocks have been reported as performing relatively well - it seems as though the space has hit a few rough patches that have caused it to slow its pace down a bit.

My wife and I are very cautious when we spend. Every penny is accounted for, and every surprise is documented. With a new baby in the household - we cannot afford any surprises that could possibly lead to longterm extra expenses. It's an interesting position that we find ourselves in - a position that isn't so different from what small med-tech companies have stated they're facing with the upcoming med-device tax. Already, we've seen Stryker send a loud message to the industry, by announcing a reduction of 5% of its staff. Aanalysts are saying that we could see more companies...