| December 11, 2007 | News for medical technology professionals |
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- U.S., China collaborate to ensure device safety
The U.S. and China have signed two agreements that aim to ensure the safety of food, drugs and medical devices imported from China. The deals, which were signed at the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade meeting, call for the creation of bilateral mechanisms to offer information on imported goods and for improved access to production facilities in China by U.S. officials. The Oregonian (Portland)/Associated Press
(12/11)       
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- Volcano to acquire CardioSpectra for $25M
Volcano Corp. will acquire San Antonio-based CardioSpectra for $25 million in a deal that will enable it to expand in the high-resolution imaging market. The deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year, will allow Volcano to access CardioSpectra's optical coherence tomography technology, which offers detailed images of blood vessels, blood clots and stents. American City Business Journals/Sacramento
(12/10)
- Exactech to purchase Altiva
Gainesville, Fla.-based Exactech has announced plans to acquire spinal products firm Altiva Corp. for $25 million to expand its market presence. The deal, which is anticipated to conclude in the first quarter of next year, will allow Altiva to keep its own sales, marketing, engineering and operational functions. The Boston Globe/Associated Press (free registration)
(12/10)
- St. Jude Medical welcomes new board member
St. Jude Medical on Monday announced it has elected Barbara B. Hill to a newly created position on its board. Hill, whose experience in the health care industry spans about 30 years, is chief executive and president of ValueOptions and served as president of Express Scripts. The Boston Globe/Associated Press (free registration)
(12/10)
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| Science & Health |  | |
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- Study: Colon cancer screening rates decline
The number of Medicare recipients getting screening tests for colorectal cancer, such as colonoscopy and barium enemas, has dropped since the program started paying for the tests, a new study found. Experts attribute the decline to the lack of a preventive mind-set in many doctors and the failure of patients to discuss colon cancer screening with their physicians. Forbes/HealthDay News
(12/10)
- Brain electrodes treat tinnitus, depression
Electrically stimulating the surface of the cerebral cortex with electrodes placed under the skull helped reduce the sounds heard by patients with tinnitus and reduced the symptoms of depression in some patients. Small early trials have shown no serious side effects or complications. Some scientists think the treatment has potential for many neurological conditions. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(12/10)
| Emerging Technologies | | |
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- Imaging technique uncovers skin cells' internal structure
A team of German researchers has developed a new twist on cryo-electron tomography, a process of slicing frozen cells into thin sections to provide 3-D images of the internal structure of human skin cells. The high-resolution images provided by the new method could allow scientists to study the functions and interactions between proteins in a cell without disrupting their environment, the lead researcher said. M.I.T. Technology Review
(12/11)
- Devices remind patients to take drugs on time
Indiana-based Jinsitec has developed pocket-sized timers that could help improve the compliance of patients to their medication schedules. The devices, which attach to blister packs and pill bottles, produce signals at preset hourly intervals to alert patients when to take their drugs. The company is working with major drug chains and expects to launch the products in six to 12 months. The Indianapolis Star
(12/11)
- Baxa unveils drug-tracking system
Baxa Corp. has unveiled its MedBoard application, which uses bar-code technology and scanners to track drugs from their preparation in pharmacies to when they are dispensed to patients. The technology, which is intended for use within provider organizations, also gives information on order status and time-sensitive orders. Health Data Management
(12/10)
| Government & Regulatory | | |
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| AdvaMed News | | |
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AdvaMed welcomes China's postponement of medical-device import rule
Officials from China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine recently announced that they would indefinitely postpone implementation of a rule that would have required inspections of up to 100% of U.S.-manufactured medical devices. In response, AdvaMed President Stephen J. Ubl welcomed the announcement, noting that such inspections would seriously delay patient access to innovative technologies. Read AdvaMed's complete statement.
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AdvaMed-MTLI helps you prepare for the regulatory process in 2008 with two great courses
Gear up for your company's 2008 business by joining the first AdvaMed-MTLI course of the year, Jan. 22 and 23 in Orlando! "Complaints, MDRs, Reports of Removals and Corrections and Recalls" will teach you how to navigate the regulatory process for medical device reporting, complaint handling and corrective actions. Sign up now.
AdvaMed-MTLI is offering this course in conjunction with "Integrating Your Complaint Handling System with CAPA and Management Review," Jan. 23 and 24 in Orlando. Preview this agenda.
Register for both courses and save up to $200!
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