It's not always about bells and whistles. Sometimes the most useful medical devices are simple products developed in response to clinicians' needs. Such is the case with the Boost, a head-stabilizing device from US Endoscopy (Mentor, Ohio) designed to hold a patient's head still during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). (Medical Device Daily)

Even in a good economy turning a company around from bankruptcy, Nasdaq delisting, and an SEC investigation to achieving profitability is no simple task. In an economic state as dire as the current environment – it's nearly impossible. Yet, one life sciences company has done just that, and within only three years. (Medical Device Daily)

Having brain surgery today doesn't necessarily mean an open-skull surgery (crainiotomy) like it used to. With surgical navigation devices such as endoscopes and high-definition cameras in their tool belts, brain surgeons are often able to remove tumors via a minimally invasive procedure through the patient's nose. It's like having "GPS for the brain," neurological surgeon Daniel Kelly, MD, told Medical Device Daily. (Medical Device Daily)

Eighteen patients in Europe on Monday received the first CE mark approved drug-eluting stent (DES) designed specifically to treat severe blockages in the challenging and largest artery in the leg, according to Cook Medical (Bloomington, Indiana). The device — the polymer-free Zilver PTX drug-eluting peripheral stent — opens up a treatment option to patients in Europe that didn't exist before this week. (Medical Device Daily)

When Sunshine Heart (Tustin, California) sought an investigational device exemption (IDE) from the FDA last year to begin a feasibility trial of its C-Pulse heart assist device, the agency asked the company to pay special attention to female heart failure patients, CEO Don Rohrbaugh told Medical Device Daily. (Medical Device Daily)

Rob Kuhling has a message for med-tech investors: Don't wait for healthcare reform to take effect before investing in medical technology. (Medical Device Daily)

Just because you can't teach an old dog new tricks (or so they say) doesn't mean you can't turn new tricks with an old device. Doctors at Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus, Ohio) have found a new way to use a pacemaker – an implantable device typically used to treat heart problems in adults. (Medical Device Daily)