The 2009 meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology showcased the latest developments in cataract/refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina, and other ophthalmic subspecialties. The cataract/refractive surgery market has been under significant economic pressure recently due to a recessionary drop in elective ophthalmic procedures. However, evolving treatments for "back of the eye" conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, are making significant inroads toward improved patient outcomes for these common and devastating diseases and continue to energize the retina products market. . . . [MORE . . .]

Injectable products that can alleviate pain and even reverse the disease process are on the horizon for treating degenerative orthopedic and spinal conditions, such as damaged articular joint cartilage and deteriorated spinal discs. With no available long-term treatment options for these conditions short of invasive surgical procedures like joint replacement or spinal fusion, injectable technologies that offer the possibility of being used upstream in the continuum of care are potential billion-dollar market opportunities. In fact, in a post health care reform environment, injectable therapies may prove to be the most cost-effective way for treating many degenerative conditions. . . . [MORE . . .]

Brief summaries of recent advances in device research and clinical trials, including a neural interface for prosthetic limbs, new tools to detect cancer, and results of a multicenter study of the costs of treating MRSA. . . . [MORE . . .]

The safety profile of drug eluting stents appears to be improving with second and third-generation designs that utilize thinner struts (which are believed to reduce vessel injury and turbulent blood flow) and minimize or eliminate the polymer coating. However, many researchers in this field believe the future of stenting will be defined by completely biodegradable stents that do their job of propping open the vessel until healing occurs, and gradually degrade over a period of months or years, leaving nothing permanently behind in the vessel. . . . [MORE . . .]

Among the biggest challenges in medical technology is the search for therapies to help patients regain body function after suffering a paralyzing spinal cord injury. Research in this area is producing some very promising theories and applications that eventually could lead to substantial breakthroughs. Teams of doctors and scientists continue to work diligently in what can be described as a dedicated, niche market, where the driving force is tied to the very basic medical goal of improving these patients' quality of life. . . . [MORE . . .]

In August 2009, vertebral compression fracture treatment was dealt an unexpected blow when The New England Journal of Medicine published two articles that detailed prospective randomized controlled trials in which vertebroplasty did not result in a statistically significant clinical benefit over a sham procedure. The spinal community responded quickly to these articles, pointing out shortcomings of the two trials. . . . [MORE . . .]

The push for more efficient, cost effective ways to provide health care is a never-ending vigil filled with inherent complications and obstacles to success. However, on close examination, it becomes apparent it is not for lack of good ideas and techniques that improvement efforts are hampered, but rather a lack of uniform clout to force the wide assortment of vested players to come together and agree on a single solution. This has been a chief impediment in preventing the health care supply chain from realizing a standardized product identification system--until now. . . . [MORE . . .]

Brief summaries of recent medtech market and industry developments. This month we cover refractive surgery highlights from AAO, Novartis' takeover of Alcon, and DOJ's increased interest in device manufacturing and safety issues. . . . [MORE . . .]

A roundup of recent medtech strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions and financings. . . . [MORE . . .]

Noteworthy news from medtech start-ups. This month we profile Epicardial Technologies Inc., which is developing technology for percutaneous epicardial ablation of heart arrhythmias, Svelte Medical's technology for enhancing stent deliverability, Bioring's biodegradable annuloplasty ring and Advanced BioSensor's second-generation glucose monitoring device. . . . [MORE . . .]