The global med-tech industry has experienced a significant upswing in recent times with high level of competition and rapid introduction of innovations, irrespective of significant pressure to lower prices.

MDBR Innovation Award 2013

The medical devices market is dynamic and fragmented with diverse players and a huge platform for new entrants.

Medical Devices Business Review, in its endeavor to recognize major innovations in the med-tech industry, has launched MDBR Innovation Award.

Four innovative technologies from the fields of cardiovascular, diabetes care management, neurology and dental devices have been shortlisted for the award and the winner will be unveiled shortly.

Echo Therapeutics –Symphony CGM System

Symphony CGM system is a non-invasive, wireless, transdermal glucose monitoring system, designed to provide real-time blood glucose data continuously.

The system incorporates a prelude skin permeation device, a transdermal sensor, wireless tranceiver and data display technologies.

Symphony does not require insertion of glucose sensor and thus does not give rise to the risks or discomfort associated with needle-based CGM systems.

The company, in November 2013, submitted positive results from its multi-center clinical trial of the Symphony CGM system in surgical patients in hospital critical care units.

GORE — Helex Septal Occluder

The GORE Septal Occluder device provides a treatment option where the discs are designed to conform to the anatomy of the individual patient.

The Occluder, which is composed of ePTFE patch material supported by a single nitinol wire frame, bridges and eventually occludes the septal defect to stop the shunting of blood between the atria.

Over the course of several weeks to months, cells begin to infiltrate and grow over the ePTFE membrane, ensuring successful closure of the defect.

Autonomic Technologies — Neurostimulation System

The ATI neurostimulator is a small, minimally invasive, rechargeable implant approved for the treatment of cluster headache.

Designed for the facial anatomy, it can be activated by a patient-controlled remote controller.

The device relieves severe headaches when the lead tip of the implant is placed at the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) nerve bundle deep in the face on the predominant side of the headache.

The neurostimulation system received the CE mark approval for the treatment of cluster headache. Earlier in February 2013, the company also reported positive results from its robust, multi-center, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical in cluster headache.

Zimmer Dental — Trabecular Metal Dental Implant

The Trabecular Metal Dental Implant features an osteoconductive midsection, formed from Trabecular Metal material, designed for ingrowth as well as ongrowth in a new dental implant process, osseoincorporation.

Trabecular Metal technology is a 3D material, not an implant surface or coating, with a structure similar to cancellous bone. The interconnected porosity is designed to enhance secondary stability through a high volume of ingrowth.

The Implant is placed with the Zimmer Instrument Kit System and restored using the extensive selection of Tapered Screw-Vent prosthetic components.