Covidien launches surgical tech; SCOTUS may take middle road in Myriad case;

 @FierceMedDev: Post-pharma Abbott soars on Dx, struggles with devices. Article | Follow @FierceMedDev

 @MarkHFierce: Rather than sell its healthcare division outright, Panasonic is now looking for an investor. More | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: The first quarter wasn't all that kind to St. Jude, but the company still believes it can chart a big 2013. Story | Follow @DamianFierce

> Covidien ($COV) is launching two new surgical access devices designed to protect wounds from contamination in minimally invasive surgeries. More

> Swedish surgical device giant Getinge posted a drop in profit last quarter but is forecasting a rise on the year thanks to emerging markets growth. Article

> Quest Diagnostics ($DGX) plans to buy the lab-related clinical outreach service operations of Dignity Health, a California-based hospital system. News

> In the Myriad Genetics ($MYGN) case, the Supreme Court may end up allowing patents for synthetically created genes but not isolated ones, according to an intellectual property attorney. Story

> Medical device startups founded by physicians tend to produce more worthwhile patents, according to a new study. Release

> The latest advance in WiFi technology could be a boon for medical device connectivity. Report

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Alkernes announces positive PhII results for antiepressant ALKS 5461. More | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @RyanMFierce: Top 10 Biotech IT Investments in the past year. Special Report | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Thiel's Breakout Labs awards new grants to biotech startups. More

> Biogen Idec, big biotechs trounce pharma players on multiple fronts this decade. Story

> Eli Lilly rolls the dice on combo approach against Alzheimer's disease. Article

Pharma News

 @FiercePharma: U.S. lawmakers introduce "dual-eligibles" bill to hike rebates on drugs for low-income Medicare patients. More | Follow @FiercePharma

 @EricPFierce: FDA decision on OxyContin tough for some drugmakers but a boost for others. Article | Follow @EricPFierce

> Amgen to pay $25M to wrap up Aranesp kickbacks case. Article

> Dual-eligibles bill sets up another pharma fight over Medicare rebates. More

> Vivus revs up new Qsymia sales plan after FDA removes a roadblock. Story

Biomarkers News

> Scientists use fMRI, neurological pattern to diagnose pain. Item

> Presence of certain bacteria could indicate dangerous infant disorder. More

> Biomarker could help guide treatment for aggressive breast cancer. Report

> Discovery: Thousands of genes mark schizophrenia risk. Article

> Biomarker for liver problems also predicts lung cancer likelihood. Story

Drug Delivery News

 @MichaelGFierce: UCLA team uses diamonds to tackle tricky form of breast cancer. Report | Follow @MichaelGFierce

> Inner-ear drug delivery draws $50.6M for Auris Medical. Story

> Delivery nanotech gives RNAi potential a boost. More

> Novaliq pulls in $18.1M for ocular delivery tech. News

> Self-propelled 'microrockets' carry drugs in active delivery approach. Article

> BIND Therapeutics completes PhI trial of first Accurin cancer drug. Item