FDAnews Device Daily Bulletin

Medicis Pharmaceutical, a maker of acne medications and antiwrinkle products, and breast implant maker Inamed said that the FTC has requested additional antitrust information related to their pending merger.

Medtronic has announced the results of a study that shows rapid patient recovery time after a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) procedure -- a surgical option for patients who suffer from chronic back or leg pain -- using the company's line of Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST).

Venetec International, maker of StatLock safety securement devices for catheters and other medical applications, has signed an agreement with Vygon for distribution of StatLock in the UK.

Thoratec, a company specializing in products to treat cardiovascular disease, has recognized the new outpatient reimbursement codes for ventricular assist device (VAD) supplies and accessories issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Siemens Medical Solutions demonstrated its commitment to innovation for the electrophysiology lab with the launch of enhancements to its successful AXIOM Sensis hemodynamic and electrophysiological recording system.

Fresenius Medical Care said it will acquire U.S.-based Renal Care Group in a $3.5 billion deal that would make it one of the world's biggest dialysis care firms.

Ash Access Technology has unveiled a glimpse into laboratory results showing the effectiveness of their emerging catheter lock product, MethLock, against dangerous catheter-related bacteria that cause serious infections.

ResMed announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Saime SA, a developer and distributor of ventilation products in France and Germany.

Eye care product maker Advanced Medical Optics said that it exercised its option under a research and evaluation agreement to acquire Quest Vision Technologies.

CSMA has recently developed a unique range of tests for the characterization and analysis of catheter tubing. CSMA is the only company in Europe to offer a standard suite of tests related specifically to catheter tubing manufacturers.

NIR Diagnostics, a developer of handheld reagentless medical instruments based on its proprietary near infrared light technology, announced a change in the status of the patent licenses issued by NIR Diagnostics to Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (OCD) under the terms of the Nov. 1, 2000, worldwide license agreement.

Duraswitch PushGate pushbutton switch technology has been selected for depth of consciousness monitoring equipment. Duraswitch licensee, Eastprint, is manufacturing the 10-key control panels, which were designed by Eclipse Product Development.

Scientists are identifying a variety of abnormalities in autistic children that might make it possible to diagnose the disorder at a much earlier age, when it may be possible to mitigate its effects or perhaps prevent it, researchers said.

Dj Orthopedics, a global medical device company specializing in rehabilitation and regeneration products for the nonoperative orthopedic and spine markets, announced that the company has completed an amendment to its credit agreement that lowers the company's interest rate and provides greater flexibility for strategic and financial purposes.