Abbott (Abbott Park, Illinois) has agreed to buy Evalve (Menlo Park, California), a company that makes devices for minimally invasive repair of cardiac mitral valves, for up to $410 million. Abbott says the acquisition gives it a presence in the growing area of non-surgical treatment for structural heart disease. (Medical Device Daily)

Erik Weihenmayer has climbed the Seven Summits – the highest peaks on each of the seven continents – including Mount Everest. This world adventurer's quests are made even more remarkable by the fact that he has conquered them all while visually guided by others. (Medical Device Daily)

Covidien (Waltham, Massachusetts) had a lot to celebrate over Labor Day weekend as the company learned on Friday and reported on Tuesday morning that it has received FDA approval for its DuraSeal spine sealant. According to the company, this is the first product that has been approved specifically as an adjunct to suturing for intra-operative dural sealing in spine procedures. (Medical Device Daily)

Abbott (Abbott Park, Illinois) has agreed to acquire Visiogen (Irvine, California) for $400 million in cash, providing the company with a next-generation accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) technology to address presbyopia for cataract patients. (Medical Device Daily)

Zoll Medical (Chelmsford, Massachusetts) has received FDA approval to market and sell a new model of its LifeVest wearable defibrillator. The device is intended for patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), allowing their doctors time to assess their long-term arrhythmic risk and make appropriate plans, including potentially the decision to implant a cardioverter defibrillator, Zoll said. (Medical Device Daily)