medical devices

New Device to Help Paralyzed Patients Walk Again

An Israel-based company plans to launch a device in January that uses motors and sensors to help paralyzed patients stand, walk and, in some cases, climb stairs, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

FDA Considers Weight-Loss Implant for the Barely Obese

Allergan's Lap-Band, a device implanted in the stomach to limit the amount of food that can be ingested, is already on the market to help the very obese lose weight. But now the company hopes to win approval for less obese patients to use the band.

Medtronic Cuts 2011 Guidance on Weaker Demand

Medtronic, the world's largest medical device maker, reported fiscal first-quarter earnings Tuesday in line with Wall Street expectations, but weaker global demand for medical implants forced the company to slash 2011 earnings expectations.

FDA Eyes Overhaul of Medical Device Regulation

The Food and Drug Administration is proposing to revamp its regulations of medical devices, the agency said Wednesday. While seeking to improve device safety, the FDA also wants to ease the regulatory environment and foster innovation. But the proposals have the industry concerned.

Health-Care Sector Appears to Rally As Reform Chances Dim

President Obama can't be pleased by the loss of a Democratic Senate seat which jeopardizes passage of his cherished health-care reform. The news, however, appears to have fueled a mini stock rally in the health-care and pharma sectors wary of how any reform would affect their businesses. The uptrend is expected to continue.