Each year between 150,000 and 180,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is significantly less invasive than open surgery and is associated with a mortality rate six times lower. Patients recover faster, leave the hospital sooner, and return to activities of normal daily life more quickly.

Just what is a "quiet earthquake"? According to Cohera Medical (Pittsburgh), a developer of surgical adhesives and sealants, its TissuGlu application could be considered as one, because it has the potential to eliminate the need for post-surgical drains in abdominoplasty procedures. The private firm had plenty of reasons to speak about TissuGlu on Monday, as it revealed that it has received FDA approval for the technology.