A story about DSM Biomedical (Berkeley, California) that appeared in Thursday’s issue of Medical Device Daily drew a comparison between companies like DSM and the film industry’s production crew that works behind the scenes adding invaluable elements to help make the movie a success but are much less recognized and appreciated than the starring cast members. So just for fun let’s imagine what it would be like if the med-tech industry had its own televised version of the Academy Awards. Instead of an Oscar, the coveted trophy would resemble a big gold stent. Before the show CEOs from big players...

I’m not proud to admit this, but once in a while I do get bit by the green-eyed monster – only when it comes to medical innovation though. Hey, nobody’s perfect – right? About eight years ago I had major colorectal surgery following a pretty wicked battle with ulcerative colitis. Basically the surgeon had to take out my entire colon, creating a stoma (artificial opening in the abdomen wall through which the end of the intestine is brought). I wore an ileostomy bag for 15 months before having a “take down” surgery so that I no longer needed the bag...