SI-Bone (San Jose, California), a company that says it is pioneering the use of a minimally invasive surgical device to treat the sacroiliac (SI) joint, has closed on an $11 million financing round for the expansion of clinical and commercial operations. New investor Skyline Ventures of Palo Alto, California led the round. (Medical Device Daily)

Medtech giant Medtronic (Minneapolis) is set to boost its market share in the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) space by acquiring Osteotech (Eatontown, New Jersey) for $6.50 a share in cash, or about $123 million. The company plans to make the new acquisition part of its Medtronic Biologics (Memphis, Tennessee) business. (Medical Device Daily)

W. L. Gore & Associates (Flagstaff, Arizona) reported that the first patient in an investigational device exemption study evaluating its self sealing Gore Acuseal Vascular Graft in patients on hemodialysis, has been surgically implanted with the device.(Medical Device Daily)

Zimmer (Warsaw, Indiana) reported the first implantation of its NCB (Non-Contact Bridging) Periprosthetic Plating System. According to the company, the new orthopedic trauma product could "revolutionize" periprosthetic fracture care. (Medical Device Daily)

The cataract surgery space has been heating up this summer – almost as quickly as the 2010 heat wave scorching most of the U.S. in recent weeks – and now one company has decided to focus on cataract treatment exclusively in hopes of becoming the leader. (Medical Device Daily)

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT; Cambridge, Massachusetts) Spectroscopy Laboratory are working on a noninvasive way for diabetes patients to measure blood glucose levels using light, instead of having to prick their fingers several times a day to draw blood for testing. (Medical Device Daily)

The financial solvency of Medicare should last until 2029 – 12 years longer than previous projections – thanks to cost-cutting measures and increased revenues included in the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA), according to an annual report released Thursday by the Hospital Insurance (HI) and Supplemental Medical Insurance (SMI) boards of trustees. (Medical Device Daily)

Just as diabetics have to keep a close watch on their blood glucose levels, the companies that make self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) devices would be wise to keep a close eye on trends that impact the SMBG market. (Medical Device Daily)

After losing a patient due to an accidental IV line disconnect, George Lopez, MD, a practicing internist, imagined that there must be a better way of securing IV lines. He conceived a product, later known as the Click Lock, which provided a locking mechanism for IV systems and also was comprised of a protected needle to prevent healthcare workers from accidental needle sticks. (Medical Device Daily)

Sometimes having too many choices for something is not a good thing. Other times – as is the case for GenSpera (San Antonio) right now – having a lot of options is a very good thing. (Medical Device Daily)