> ev3 Inc., a global endovascular device company, has filed the final module of its premarket approval application with the FDA for the Pipeline Embolization Device. Release
> Ethicon Endo-Surgery says Intuitive Surgical, maker of the da Vinci robot, is raiding its work force, and it's fighting the recruitments in court. Report
> It turns out glucose, the naturally occurring sugar compound that provides energy to living things (including us humans), can be harnessed to power electronic devices, according to new research out of Joseph Fourier University in France. The breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for makers of medical devices ranging from pacemakers to artificial organs. Story
> Cameron Health has announced the publication of study results online in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighting the development and potential benefits of the company's S-ICD System, the first minimally invasive, subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator, for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. Release
> Boston Scientific has announced FDA approval of its Genesys HTA System for the treatment of menorrhagia. The Genesys HTA System is a next-generation endometrial ablation system designed to ablate the endometrial lining of the uterus in premenopausal women with menorrhagia. Release
> Zarlink Semiconductor announced that it has sold the assets of its Optical Products group to Tyco Electronics for approximately US$15 million in cash. Release
> The recent recession took a toll on many area companies, but NeuWave Medical has continued to plow ahead and was recently named a "Wisconsin Company to Watch" by the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network. Report
> Apnex Medical has announced that preliminary data from a first-in-man clinical study showed significant improvements in sleep for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Item
> Since Boston Scientific announced on April 15 it would return to selling implantable cardioverter defibrillators following a month-long halt, the company's stock has gone nowhere, but it has managed to hurt competitor St. Jude Medical, which investors expected to benefit from BSX's fumble. News
> Toshiba America Medical Systems has announced that Catherine Wolfe has been promoted to senior director, Corporate and Strategic Communications. In her new role, Wolfe will guide the team in researching and analyzing industry trends, defining messaging, providing essential communications in relation to marketing programs and managing all external and internal communications. Release
> W. R. Grace & Co. has earned an additional certification for the Quality Management System at its facility in Hesperia, CA. This ISO 13485:2003 certification was issued by SGS Inc., a global provider of certification and testing services, for Class I medical devices manufactured at this location. Release
> Boston Scientific workers in Galway fear that there will be further job cuts as management meets employee representatives. The medical device manufacturer currently employs around 2,800 people at its facility in Galway. It is understood that the job losses will affect 85 skilled employees including engineers, technicians and supervisors. Story
> Shares of $17.5 billion (market cap) medical device maker Becton, Dickinson are up $1.30, or 1.8 percent, at $75.08 after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reported in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission that Berkshire raised its stake in the company dramatically in Q1, from 1.5 million shares to 7.1 million. News
And Finally... A device that looks more like a medieval implement of torture may roll away your wrinkles, age spots, even stretch marks. And it's more affordable than lasers. But does it really work? Story