The story coming out of Avinger Inc. isn’t so much that the Redwood City, Calif.-based company significantly lowered guidance for 2016 revenue, but rather it received FDA clearance for an enhanced version of its lumivascular atherectomy system. Analysts sang tunes of praise – almost totally overlooking the firm’s ultra conservative stance on revenue. Consensus had estimates at $38 million, but Avinger gave guidance at between $25 million and $30 million. “The approval of Pantheris is the most important milestone in the company’s [nine-year], history,” said Jason Mills, an analyst with Canaccord Genuity. Analysts are championing Pantheris, as a product...

Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc. won FDA clearance to treat patients with hemiplegia due to stroke, with its exoskeleton. The clearance could give the Richmond, Calif.-based firm greater penetration in the rehabilitation center market. Ekso's strategy differs from competitors in the space, which are focused on home and community use for the devices.