IDev Technologies, Inc. Closes $25 Million Financing

HOUSTON - (Business Wire) IDev Technologies, Inc., an emerging leader in the development and marketing of minimally invasive stent systems for the treatment of peripheral vascular and non-vascular diseases, today announced that it has closed a $25 million Series C round of financing. The financing was secured entirely by existing investors which include: PTV Lifesciences, Rivervest Venture Partners, Bay City Capital, Heron Capital, members of the senior management team, corporate advisors to the company and initial independent investors.
Thomas M. Tully, Chairman and CEO commented, “We are very pleased to have completed this round of financing as we enter into the full commercialization phase of the SUPERA® Transhepatic Biliary System. We also continue to be steadfast in our clinical trial and regulatory initiatives. The unanimous support from our existing investor base is just one indicator of the exceptional business opportunity that exists for this organization.”
full article >> http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/idev-technologies-inc-closes-25-million-financing,361087.shtml

Angiotech elects to suspend Vascular Wrap(TM) pivotal clinical trials

VANCOUVER, April 21 (HSMN NewsFeed) - Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANPI, TSX: ANP), a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company, today announced that it has elected to suspend enrolment in its U.S. and EU human clinical trials for its Vascular Wrap product candidate in patients undergoing surgery for hemodialysis access, pending a safety review to evaluate an imbalance of infections that have been observed between the two study groups. The U.S. and EU trials each consist of two study groups; (1) patients who received the graft/Vascular Wrap combination; and, (2) patients who received the graft alone.

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CoolTouch Introduces CoolBlue Duet(TM) Laser Lipolysis Suction Handpiece

Reduces Lipolysis Procedure Time by Half
ROSEVILLE, Calif., April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- CoolTouch Inc., a
pioneering manufacturer of medical lasers, announced today the introduction
of their new CoolBlue Duet(TM) laser lipolysis suction handpiece set
designed specifically to be used with the CoolLipo(TM) 1320 laser system.
Using a standard liposuction cannula, ablation with aspiration and skin
tightening are accomplished all in one action, which dramatically reduces
the time of the laser lipolysis procedure.
"The CoolBlue Duet suction handpiece doubles the speed of laser
lipolysis and liposuction with better results and increased patient
satisfaction," states Robert Weiss, MD, FACPh, Associate Clinical Professor
of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
FDA cleared for laser-assisted lipolysis and general dermatological
surgery, the CoolLipo 1320 laser procedure improves the outcome of
conventional liposuction in small areas such as the neck, chin and arms and
now is fast enough to be effectively used on larger areas such as the
abdomen and thighs. The excellent tissue absorption properties of the 1320
nm wavelength tighten the skin by directly targeting collagen and
connective tissue. The CoolLipo procedure is performed in a physician's
office under local anesthesia. Patient benefits include minimal, if any
bruising, and less recovery time and cost than a face or neck lift.

full article >> http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-18-2008/0004795480&EDATE=

FDA Approves Medtronic's Talent(TM) Abdominal Stent Graft for Repairing Aortic Aneurysms

Innovative Medical Device Enables Minimally-Invasive Treatment of Potentially Fatal Condition
MINNEAPOLIS--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT ), today announced approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use of the Talent™ Abdominal Stent Graft on the CoilTrac Delivery System, an innovative medical device that expands patient access to a minimally-invasive treatment option for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Present in an estimated 1.2 million people and responsible for approximately 15,000 annual deaths in the United States, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous bulge or weakening of the body’s main artery that can rupture with fatal consequences if left untreated. Ruptured AAAs are currently the 10th leading cause of death among U.S. men over age 55, with fewer than 20 percent of people surviving a rupture. But early detection through painless ultrasound screening and minimally invasive treatment with a technique called endovascular repair (EVAR) have historically shown a significant improvement in the survival rate for patients of all ages.

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Angiotech's novel 5-FU Central Venous Catheter receives FDA 510(k) clearance

Angiotech's novel 5-FU Central Venous Catheter receives FDA 510(k) clearance
VANCOUVER, April 17 (HSMN NewsFeed) - Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANPI, TSX: ANP), a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its innovative 5-Fluorouracil-coated (5-FU) Central Venous Catheter (CVC) in the United States.

"The 5-FU CVC represents our first drug-eluting medical device product to be researched and developed completely in-house by Angiotech's R & D and clinical teams, without the aid of a corporate partner," said Dr. William Hunter, President and CEO of Angiotech. "This is an important milestone in our Company's history, and we look forward to moving into the commercial phase of our 5-FU CVC product, as well as developing other implantable devices that utilize this novel and proprietary anti-infective technology platform."

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Pathway Medical Technologies, Inc. Secures $24.5 Million Financing

KIRKLAND, Wash., April 15 (HSMN NewsFeed) --Pathway Medical Technologies, Inc., an innovator of endovascular treatments for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), announced today that it has successfully secured a $24.5 million Series C-1 round of financing. The financing was obtained from existing investors HLM Venture Partners, Latterell Venture Partners, Oxford Bioscience Partners, Forbion Capital Partners, Giza Venture Capital and individual investors.

Pathway Medical Technologies, Inc. was founded to design, market and manufacture medical devices for the treatment of arterial disease. The company's initial focus is treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) more quickly and effectively than existing technologies. An estimated 8-12 million people are afflicted by PAD in the U.S., and that number is projected to grow to over 20 million during the next 10 years. The company's Pathway PV(TM) Atherectomy System allows for a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore circulation in the peripheral arteries by removing both hard and soft diseased tissue. For further information, visit the company's Web site at www.pathwaymedical.com .

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Medical Ventures Announces FDA Application Update for Metricath Gemini

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 15, 2008) - MEDICAL VENTURES CORP. (TSX VENTURE:MEV), a medical devices company specializing in products for the vascular and surgical markets, provides the following progress update on its pre-market approval (PMA) application for the Metricath Gemini® dual-balloon angioplasty catheter:- The Company received an interim response to its PMA application from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The response requests additional information related to clinical and non-clinical aspects of the application that was submitted in Q4 2007. Medical Ventures is assembling the requested information with the assistance of the investigational sites that participated in the GAAME (Gemini Angioplasty and Arterial Measurement Evaluation) clinical trial and is targeting to submit this information to the FDA in June.

full article >> http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=843829

Sirtex Receives FDA Approval for FAST Clinical Trial

WILMINGTON, Mass. - (Business Wire) Sirtex, a leading developer of targeted and innovative cancer therapies, has received FDA approval under Investigational Device Exemption to conduct the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety of concurrent administration of FOLFOX6 and bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic, with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) using SIR-Spheres®1 microspheres (FAST) as first-line treatment of patients with colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver. Dennis L. Carter, M.D., radiation oncologist, and Charles Nutting, D.O., interventional radiologist, will serve as principal investigators for the FAST trial.
It is estimated that 70 percent of colorectal cancers will metastasize to the liver, and less than 10 percent of liver metastases can be surgically removed. Without any treatment, the median survival after detection of liver metastases is approximately nine months, depending on the extent of the disease.
“Although SIR-Spheres microspheres are FDA approved for colorectal liver metastases, SIRT is typically used in the United States much later in the treatment course when patients have exhausted other options,” says Dr. Samuel Putnam, medical director of U.S. operations for Sirtex. “However, there is a great deal of data suggesting that combining SIR-Spheres microspheres with newer chemotherapies and biologics earlier may improve survival rates and the patient’s quality of life. This study marks an important step in determining the best way to utilize these combination therapies for treating advanced liver tumors.”

full article >> http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/sirtex-receives-fda-approval-for-fast-clinical-trial,353238.shtml

BSD Medical Submits 510(k) Premarket Notification for MicroThermX®-100 Microwave Ablation System

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BSD Medical Corporation (AMEX:BSM) today announced that the company has provided its 510(k) Premarket Notification submission to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the MicroThermX-100 Microwave Ablation System. The MicroThermX-100 Microwave Ablation System represents a major step into another market for BSD’s products. Clearance from the FDA of the 510(k) Premarket Notification submission is required before a Class II product can be sold commercially in the United States.
A 510(k) Premarket Notification includes documentation regarding compliance to applicable standards (UL, IEC, EMC, EMI, etc.), demonstration of substantial equivalence to predicate devices, documentation of required testing—including biocompatibility, shelf life, sterilization, software, hardware, and other required performance testing and documentation. The company’s 510(k) submission involves 1,251 pages.
BSD Medical’s product line includes systems that have been designed strategically to offer a complete range of thermal treatment products using microwave and RF (radiofrequency) technology. BSD is the leading developer of hyperthermia systems. Hyperthermia is used to treat certain types of cancer using heat to increase the effectiveness of companion radiation therapy. The MicroThermX-100 Microwave Ablation System represents an expansion of BSD’s products into new applications, as the MicroThermX-100 is designed as a stand-alone therapy that is used to ablate diseased tissue using heat alone.

press release >> http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080415005407&newsLang=en

Ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis "safe and effective" in DVT

Ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis is more effective for DVT lysis than thrombolysis alone, a small US study has suggested [1]. This relatively new technique involves the delivery of low-intensity ultrasound energy alongside thrombolytic agent delivery into the occluded vessel.The study authors evaluated the clinical outcomes of ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis in 47 patients with 53 cases of DVT, including lower and upper extremity and hepatic locations.They reported partial lysis in 91 per cent, with complete lysis of the occlusion in seven out of ten patients. Major complications were seen in just two patients who developed a hematoma at the site of earlier surgery.The group concluded: "The present… study demonstrates a considerable improvement versus previous studies of catheter-directed thrombolysis alone for the treatment of DVT, with fewer complications, reduced drug doses, and shorter infusion times.

full article >> http://www.medicexchange.com/mall/departmentpage.cfm/MedicExchangeUSA/_81675/4297/departments-contentview

HealthTrust Purchasing Group Awards Contract to Arrow Central Venous Catheter Line

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--HealthTrust Purchasing Group, LP has announced a new contract award to Teleflex Medical for Arrow® Central Venous Catheters. The new agreement began April 1, 2008 and extends through December 31, 2010.
The Arrow brand offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive ranges of central venous catheters and related products: from ARROWg+ard® impregnated catheters and uncoated catheters to scores of comprehensive kits that include an array of options, such as large barrier drape and safety needles. Arrow recently introduced the industry’s first pressure injectable central venous catheter rated to 10 mL/sec, which is included on the HealthTrust agreement.

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Covidien Unveils the Next Generation in Advanced SurgeryLigaSure Advance(TM) Instrument for Laparoscopic Procedures

BOULDER, Colo.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that its Energy-based Devices business unit has introduced LigaSure Advance™, the first multifunctional laparoscopic instrument that offers surgeons fingertip control of both tissue fusion and monopolar dissection.
LigaSure Advance™ was created in response to what surgeons said they need to optimize efficiency and safety in the operating room. This latest innovation in the LigaSure™ lineup is a 5 mm hand-activated instrument that provides surgeons with the ability to create fusion cycles in two to four seconds, and when used with Valleylab™ mode, the unique energy modality delivers dissection and hemostasis.With sterile-field control of mode and power settings, LigaSure Advance™ is designed to enable surgeons and perioperative staff to focus more effectively on the procedure and patient. Its versatility reduces the need for instrument exchanges, making procedures more efficient and potentially reducing overall operating time.

full article >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?ID=2024124

Microwave Treatments For Enlarged Prostate Cause Blood Pressure Surges, Study Shows

ScienceDaily (Apr. 11, 2008) — Many men who receive microwave therapy for enlarged prostates experience significant surges in blood pressure that could raise their risk of a heart attack or stroke, according to new research findings published recently in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
The Mayo Clinic-led study of 185 consecutive patients who received transurethral microwave therapy at four medical centers found that 42 percent experienced systolic blood pressure surges of more than 30 mm Hg, while 5 percent had surges of more than 70 mm Hg.
"Men who are candidates for this minimally invasive microwave therapy tend also to be at higher risk for cardiac events," says Lance Mynderse, M.D., the Mayo Clinic urologist who authored the study. "Blood pressure surges of the magnitude identified in this study are troubling side effects of treatment that need to be monitored and managed."

full article >> http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408105820.htm

AngioDynamics Pursues Asset Purchase Agreements With Diomed Holdings, Inc.

QUEENSBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AngioDynamics (NASDAQ: ANGO - News), a leading provider of innovative medical devices used by interventional radiologists, nephrologists and surgeons for the minimally invasive treatment of cancer and peripheral vascular disease, today announced that it has entered into asset purchase agreements with Diomed Holdings, Inc., Diomed, Inc. and Diomed Limited for the acquisition of certain assets of Diomed’s business in the United States and United Kingdom. The agreement with Diomed Holdings, Inc. and Diomed, Inc. is subject to an auction process administered by the bankruptcy court, as a result of Diomed's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, which commenced on March 14, 2008, and other customary closing conditions.

AngioDynamics has agreed to pay $8 million in cash for the assets of Diomed’s U.S. business engaged in the sale of systems for the endovenous laser treatment of varicose veins. In addition, AngioDynamics has agreed to pay $3 million in cash for the assets of Diomed’s U.K. business based in Cambridge, England. Diomed’s U.K. operations manufacture and distribute systems used in the endovenous laser treatment of varicose veins and was placed under the control of a U.K. Insolvency Administrator on March 14, 2008. The offer to purchase Diomed’s U.S. assets is conditioned upon AngioDynamics’ purchase of Diomed’s U.K. assets. The offer to purchase Diomed’s U.K. assets is conditioned upon the entry of an order in the U.S. bankruptcy court authorizing the purchase of the U.S. assets.

press release >> http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080410/20080410006210.html?.v=1

Vascular Solutions Settles Diomed Case

Vascular Solutions Settles Diomed Patent Case for $3.58 Million

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Medical device manufacturer Vascular Solutions Inc. said Wednesday it will pay $3.58 million to settle Diomed Holdings Inc.'s patent lawsuit.
In March 2007 a federal jury in Massachusetts awarded Diomed $4.1 million. Vascular said it recorded a $5 million litigation provision in the 2007 first quarter, which was later raised to $5.2 million because of interest on the jury's award.

full article >> http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/75721e0e41ee93df1e66c002b95d00d9.htm

Gore Revise Study Receives Approval from FDA

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FDA approval to proceed with the Gore REVISE (VasculaR AccEss ReVision with Viabahn® EndoproSthesis vs PercutanEous Transluminal Angioplasty) Study was announced today by W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore). The Gore REVISE Study is a randomized, multi-center clinical trial intended to establish efficacy and safety of the GORE VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis with PROPATEN Bioactive Surface to revise arterio-venous grafts at the venous anastomosis in hemodialysis patients. The study will randomize patients to the GORE VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis and to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).
Tom Vesely, MD, Medical Director on the Gore REVISE Study and an Interventional Radiologist at Vascular Access Center in Frontenac Grove, Mo., states, “The study is designed to demonstrate the clinical benefit of using a stent-graft for AV graft revisions, rather than PTA alone.” Dr. Vesely continues, “With a focus on target-lesion primary patency, the study is designed to show an increased amount of time between interventions in dialysis access grafts.”
press release >> http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080407006421&newsLang=en

NKF: HCV Outbreaks at Dialysis Units Linked to Outmoded Infection Control

DALLAS, April 7 -- Four outbreaks of hepatitis C at dialysis centers were caused by infection control practices that disregarded CDC recommendations, according to an investigation by the agency. Each outbreak was associated with at least two and as many as six practices that did not conform to CDC recommendations for infection control at dialysis centers, the agency's Nicola Thompson, Ph.D., reported at the National Kidney Foundation's spring clinical meetings here. Practices commonly associated with HCV infection at dialysis centers include re-use of IV medication vials and contamination of equipment and the environment by use of mobile carts and inadequate cleaning, she noted.
full article >> http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/NKF/tb/9027

Sixty-Two Died After Allergic Reactions to Heparin

April 8 (Bloomberg) -- Sixty-two people given the blood- thinner heparin died since January 2007 after suffering allergic reactions or low blood pressure, up from 19 previously reported, U.S. regulators said.
The symptoms were consistent with those that led to a recall of Baxter International Inc.'s version of heparin, Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Karen Riley said today after the data were posted on the agency's Web site. Riley couldn't immediately say how many of the deaths occurred in patients who used Baxter's version of the drug.
The agency increased the toll from the 19 reported last month after reviewing additional information, Riley said. The FDA hasn't determined whether the reported deaths are the result of a contaminant that has been identified in Baxter's heparin. Regulators are investigating whether the cheaper ingredient was added to raw heparin from China accidentally or intentionally to boost profits.

full article >> http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a2cDgR2LlfdA&refer=home

Vascular Solutions Wins $4.5 Million Jury Verdict in Litigation With Marine Polymer Technologies

MINNEAPOLIS, April 8, 2008 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Vascular Solutions, Inc. (NasdaqGM:VASC ) today announced that the jury has returned a verdict in its favor in the litigation against Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc. for product disparagement concerning statements made regarding the safety of Vascular Solutions' D-Stat Dry hemostat product. In its verdict the jury found that Marine Polymer's statements were false and disparaged the D-Stat Dry product and awarded Vascular Solutions $4.5 million in monetary damages. The jury rejected Marine Polymer's counterclaims in their entirety. This verdict is subject to customary post-trial motions in the United States Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts and appeal.

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RF Ablation Plus Chemoembolization Comparable to Surgery for Early Liver Cancer

NEW YORK APR 02, 2008 (Reuters Health) - Radiofrequency ablation combined with chemoembolization provides comparable overall and disease-free survival as hepatectomy for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, Japanese investigators report.
In their study, the overall survival rate at 5 years was 75% with the combined treatment and 81% with surgery. The corresponding recurrence-free survival rates were also similar, 27% and 26%.
The findings suggest that "radiofrequency ablation combined with chemoembolization provides patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma similar results to surgical intervention," lead author Dr. Koichiro Yamakado told Reuters Health. He added that his team is now planning to conduct a randomized trial to confirm this.
Surgical resection is considered the gold standard for treating early-stage disease, but only 9% to 29% of patients are eligible for this procedure either because of underlying pathology that limits their hepatic reserve or because tumor nodules are spread throughout the liver, according to the report in the April issue of Radiology.
full article >> http://www.cancerpage.com/news/article.asp?id=12068

Abraxis BioScience Initiates Patient Enrollment in Phase II Study of Coroxane(TM) for Prevention of Restenosis in Peripheral Vascular Disease

LOS ANGELES, Apr 02, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Abraxis BioScience, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABII), a fully integrated biotechnology company, today announced it has initiated enrollment in its Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Coroxane(TM: 97.98, -2.06, -2.05%) for the prevention and reduction of restenosis following revascularization of the superficial femoral artery (SFA).
Coroxane(TM: 97.98, -2.06, -2.05%) (nanometer-sized paclitaxel, ABRAXANE(R: 62.96, -1.36, -2.11%), under the trade name Coroxane(TM: 97.98, -2.06, -2.05%)) is a novel, solvent free, albumin-bound form of paclitaxel used for cardiovascular applications. ABRAXANE(R: 62.96, -1.36, -2.11%) is the first and only approved protein-bound nanometer-sized solvent-free taxane and is the first commercial product to validate Abraxis' proprietary nab(TM: 97.98, -2.06, -2.05%) technology platform. ABRAXANE(R: 62.96, -1.36, -2.11%) (for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound)) is marketed for the treatment of breast cancer.

full article >> http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/health-care/article/abraxis-bioscience-initiates-patient-enrollment-phase-ii-study-coroxanetm_544886_10.html

BioSphere Medical Highlights Patient and Economic Benefits When Ob/Gyns and Interventional Radiologists Collaborate

ROCKLAND, Mass., Apr 03, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- BioSphere Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: BSMD: 4.36, +0.05, +1.16%) today announced that more than 41,000 ob/gyns around the country are expected to receive a supplement in the April 2008 Contemporary OB/GYN which highlights the clinical benefits that result when ob/gyns and interventional radiologists (IRs) work in collaboration to treat women suffering with symptomatic uterine fibroids. The supplement, entitled "Expert Exchange: How to Formulate the Relationship Between the Ob/Gyn and the Interventional Radiologist for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids," was funded by BioSphere Medical.

full article >> http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/health-care/article/biosphere-medical-highlights-patient-economic-benefits-ob2fgyns-interventional_547184_10.html

Update: New Venous Journal Articles

Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther. 2008 Apr 2 [Epub ahead of print]
Laser and Radiofrequency Endovenous Ablation of Venous Reflux.
Golan JF, Glenn DM.
North Shore Vascular Associates.
Endovenous modalities to treat superficial venous reflux of the lower extremities have revolutionized management of patients with varicose veins. Laser and radiofrequency probes have both found their way into the arsenal of physicians treating venous reflux. Although both offer distinct advantages and minor drawbacks, they each offer the convenience of in-office treatment, faster recovery, and improved safety over traditional surgical procedures. This article will briefly discuss the technique, treatment results, and potential complications associated with each procedure.


N Engl J Med. 2008 Apr 3;358(14):1525-6.
Links
Microembolism during foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins.
Ceulen RP, Sommer A, Vernooy K.


J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2008 Feb;49(1):19-26.
Links
Options in the management of varicose veins, 2008.
Hirsch SA, Dillavou E.
Department of Vascular Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. hirssa@upmc.edu
Modern management of varicose veins requires knowledge of the principal procedures currently utilized, which are compression sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, radiofrequency closure, microincision phlebectomy, transilluminated powered phlebectomy, radiofrequency closure of perforating veins, perforation invagination stripping, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery, saphenous valvuloplasty and external laser therapy. A review of the above procedures is presented with a brief description of their indications, performance and results.


J Vasc Surg. 2008 Apr;47(4):901-2.
Links
Regarding "Light assisted stab phlebectomy: Report of a technique for removal of lower extremity varicose veins".
Samson RH.
Florida State University Medical School, Mote Vascular Foundation, Inc, Sarasota, Fla.

Boston Scientific Announces Sale of TriVascular Endovascular Aortic Repair Program

NATICK, Mass.-- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX ) today announced the sale of Boston Scientific Santa Rosa Corp., formerly known as TriVascular, Inc., to TV2 Holding Company, a privately held company based in Santa Rosa, California. Boston Scientific Santa Rosa Corp. holds equipment and intellectual property related to the TriVascular endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) program. Terms of the sale include $30 million in cash paid at closing to Boston Scientific and a warrant allowing Boston Scientific to purchase a minority interest in TV2.

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Hydromer, Inc. Enters Into a Royalty Generating Coatings Supply Agreement for Neurovascular and Cardiovascular Catheters

BRANCHBURG, NJ, Apr 02, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Hydromer, Inc. (OTCBB: HYDI) announces that it has entered into a two-year, self-renewing Supply and Support Agreement with an undisclosed medical device company.
Under the terms of this non-exclusive agreement, Hydromer will supply its proprietary and patented Hydromer(R: 64.79, +0.56, +0.87%) hydrophilic coatings for use on various Pebax(R: 64.79, +0.56, +0.87%) plastic neurovascular and cardiovascular catheters. This Hydromer coating system becomes slippery when made wet, improving the ease of catheter placement and removal by the physician during complicated procedures within the patient's vascular system.

full article >> http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/industrials/article/hydromer-enters-royalty-generating-coatings-supply-agreement-neurovascular_545537_6.html

Luminetx Launches GS Model

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Luminetx Corp. today announced it has launched the next generation of the VeinViewer − the VeinViewerGS. This “Global Standard” model was specifically designed to meet the rigorous quality requirements for the international marketplace.
From today forward, the GS model will be offered to both international and domestic clients as Luminetx’s flagship product. According to the company, this model was born as a result of the Luminetx global expansion strategy allowing Luminetx to market and sell the VeinViewer outside of the United States.
“Clinically speaking, this is the same technological powerhouse that’s been on the market for the last year,” said Chris Schnee, vice president of global marketing for Luminetx. “So our domestic clients can rest assured that their current device is still as leading-edge and as relevant as the GS model is today.”

full article >> http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080401005218&newsLang=en

Cook Wins Injunction Against Competitor and Former Sales Representatives Over Violations of Employee Non-Compete Agreements

Court ruling also places limitations on Endologix’s hiring of Cook sales reps
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cook Medical has won a preliminary injunction against Endologix, Inc. and four former sales reps barring them from violating Cook’s non-compete agreement. The ruling, handed down March 25 in the United States District Court Southern District of Indiana, also enjoins Endologix, which manufactures a device to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) that is a direct competitor to Cook’s global sales leading Zenith line of AAA endografts, from hiring Cook sales reps and placing them in their former territories and accounts.
“This ruling further supports Cook’s position that it is improper for competitors to ignore non-compete agreements that are fair and reasonable,” said Pete Yonkman, executive vice president for sales and marketing of Cook Medical. “In addition, we believe the practice of hiring a direct competitor’s sales representatives contributes to unnecessary escalations in health care costs. We spend a great amount of time and resources training our sales representatives to be valued partners in the delivery of quality health care to patients.”

press release >> http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080331005197&newsLang=en