Blaming changes in the cardiac rhythm management (CRM) market and recent "disruptions" in the credit and equity markets, Boston Scientific (Natick, Massachusetts) said it had to write down the value of its 2006 purchase of cardiac rhythm management company Guidant. The $2.7 billion write-down led to a substantial fourth-quarter loss for the company. (Medical Device Daily)

By using a new method of measuring blood flow to the heart, cardiologists may be able to refine the coronary stenting procedure in a way that would lead to fewer artery-opening stents being used – and ultimately better patient outcomes and reduced hospital costs. (Diagnostics & Imaging Week)

Abbott (Abbott Park, Illinois) has agreed to acquire Advanced Medical Optics (AMO; Santa Ana, California) for $22 a share in cash, or about $2.8B, including debt. That price took some analysts by surprise last Monday. (Diagnostics & Imaging Week)