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4DMedical and Imbio Merge to Create Comprehensive Cardiothoracic Image Analysis Portfolio

Radiology by Comments are Disabled

Acquisition brings complementary line of advanced analytical imaging technologyLOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — 4DMedical announces it has entered a binding agreement to acquire Imbio (a portfolio company of Minneapolis-based Invenshure). As the creators of groundbreaking lung imaging technologies, 4DMedical aims to revolutionize respiratory imaging and ventilation— for improved lung disease detection and management. Imbio technology complements those products perfectly, delivering quantitative and personalized imaging analysis for patients suffering from both acute and chronic diseases.
Core to both companies is a desire to improve the way lung disease is detected and subsequently managed. The acquisition aligns with 4DMedical’s growth strategy, providing physicians with a comprehensive suite of products combining structure and function in assessing lung disease, effectively “owning the lung.”
4DMedical XV Technology® current and pipeline software products provide regional quantification of lung function using existing imaging equipment, or the dedicated XV Scanner. Imbio’s fully automated technology transforms chest CT studies into rich visual maps of a patient’s lungs. Accompanying reports provide detailed data on the type and extent of abnormalities found in the images. Imbio algorithms support multiple clinical initiatives such as lung cancer screening, smoking cessation, surgical planning, and pulmonary embolism management programs—and can be used in clinical trials and academic research for numerous diseases.
Combining 4DMedical and Imbio existing technologies into a unified offering and development platform will drive respiratory health improvements around the globe. Imbio’s current portfolio provides validated and market-leading insights to highly specialized healthcare providers. By combining this toolset with 4DMedical’s novel technology and automated point-of-care radiology workflows, 4DMedical will revolutionize lung disease diagnosis by making it simultaneously more comprehensive, objective, personalized, and, most importantly, more widely available.The combined technology offering holds the potential to turn any standard Chest CT into a much broader Cardiothoracic Analysis—immediately providing functional, structural, and risk-based analysis for both lung and heart disease.4DMedical’s commercialization of XV Technology® in the US will benefit from the opportunity to be delivered into established Imbio contracts. This opens up the exciting opportunities of providing patient screening programs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), lung cancer and heart disease in the Australian and US markets.4DMedical Founder and CEO Dr. Andreas Fouras said, “We are extremely pleased with the acquisition of Imbio; it is a highly complementary strategic fit for 4DMedical, expanding our addressable market. Imbio’s suite of products deploy AI solutions to add quantification and visualization to lung structure from CT scans, bringing new indications to 4DMedical. The acquisition also provides additional inroads to engage with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, boosting 4DMedical’s mission to improve healthcare for Veterans.””Imbio is very excited to join forces with 4DMedical to offer expanded capabilities and customer support. Together we can help clinicians utilize the vast quantitative information obtained from patients’ diagnostic chest images for lung pathologies to ultimately drive actionable decision-making for better patient care,” said Dave Hannes, CEO at Imbio.About ImbioImbio is a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) medical imaging solutions for chronic lung and cardiothoracic diseases. Imbio’s regulatory cleared solutions transform the way patients are discovered, diagnosed, and treated, enabling physician productivity and more personalized care for patients. For more information, please visit www.imbio.comAbout 4DMedical4DMedical Limited (ASX:4DX) is a global medical technology company that has created a step change in the capacity to accurately and quickly understand the lung function of patients with respiratory diseases.Through its flagship patented XV Technology®, 4DMedical enables physicians to understand regional airflow in the lungs and identify respiratory deficiencies earlier and with greater sensitivity as they breathe. This technology powers 4DMedical’s FDA-cleared XV Lung Ventilation Analysis Software (XV LVAS®)—the first modality to dynamically quantify ventilation throughout the lungs, and its Computed Tomography-enabled counterpart software, CT LVAS™.XV LVAS and CT LVAS reports are prepared using 4DMedical’s Software as a Service delivery model using existing hospital imaging equipment or the Company’s revolutionary XV Scanner.To learn more, please visit www.4dmedical.com.Contact:Colin Reed[email protected]SOURCE 4DMedical

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Terumo Medical Corporation’s New AZUR HydroPack™ Peripheral Coil System Provides a Soft-Packing, Long-Lasting Solution to Embolotherapy

Peripheral/Endo by Comments are Disabled

– Enhances a comprehensive platform of AZUR™ hydrogel technologies with versatile and reliable packing for embolization –
SOMERSET, N.J., Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Terumo Medical Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of its new AZUR HydroPack Peripheral Coil System in the United States. The AZUR HydroPack Coil System is a soft, universal-shaped platinum and hydrogel coil designed to find and fill empty space within the vessel. It is also the only packing coil to use proprietary designed hydrogel technology to create a gel core for mechanical occlusion, a unique feature of AZUR peripheral coils.[1] Terumo received Food and Drug Administration clearance for the AZUR HydroPack Coil System earlier this year; it is fully available starting today.
“The AZUR HydroPack Peripheral Coil System provides optimized stability and precise delivery. Its versatility and efficiency provide interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons with an ideal solution to ensure the best possible outcome for patients,” said Chris Pearson, Executive Vice President, Terumo Interventional Systems (TIS) – North America. “Its state-of-the-art design and uniform microcatheter compatibility set it apart from other packing coils. This is important as the market for peripheral coil embolization expands and diversifies.”
The AZUR HydroPack Peripheral Coil System has a true .018″ primary wind and is available in long lengths – ranging from 5 to 60 cm – making it the longest gel core coil on the market.[1] It allows for flexible sizing and can be deployed through 2.4Fr or 2.8Fr microcatheters in a single-coil platform. With no requirements for vessel-diameter sizing other than placement of an anchor coil, this may reduce the amount of inventory required to support a wide variety of peripheral embolization procedures.[1] The soft coil design paired with an enhanced pusher allows for ease of delivery, optimized trackability and microcatheter stability.[1]
“Our unique hydrogel technology is a key differentiator as it creates a gel core and promotes new tissue growth versus the basic thrombogenic response of a traditional platinum coil. It also will allow physicians to fill open vessel space confidently and efficiently while minimizing reperfusion,” said Michael J. Martinelli, MD, FACC, FSCAI and Chief Medical Officer, Terumo Medical Corporation. “Additionally, the tight packing and durable occlusion associated with hydrogel technology put the AZUR HydroPack Coil System in a category of its own in the peripheral coil market.”
The AZUR HydroPack Peripheral Coil System – the latest addition to the TIS embolotherapy portfolio – is designed to fill volume behind the Terumo AZUR™ CX Peripheral Coil System for vessel occlusion and to fill volume inside of the AZUR™ Framing Coil System for aneurysm occlusion. To learn more about the AZUR HydroPack Peripheral Coil System, click here: https://bit.ly/47VVAQZ.

[1] Data on file

About Terumo Interventional Systems
Terumo Interventional Systems (TIS), a division of Terumo Corporation, is a market leader in minimally invasive entry site management, lesion access, and interventional technologies. TIS offers a complete, solution-based product portfolio used in advanced coronary, peripheral and endovascular treatments with strategic initiatives in Transradial Access, Complex Coronary Intervention, Peripheral Artery Disease and Embolotherapy.  TIS combines innovative research and development with a deep market understanding to create a pipeline of industry-leading devices that deliver clinical value, economic benefit, and enhanced patient outcomes.
About Terumo Medical Corporation
Terumo Medical Corporation (TMC) is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation, founded in 1972 as the United States expansion of our larger Tokyo-based parent. For over 50 years, TMC has continued the Terumo mission of offering the best possible solutions to healthcare providers and the people they serve. TMC provides products and services across four divisions: Terumo Health Outcomes (THO), which provides healthcare systems with solutions designed to reduce care variation, improve quality metrics, minimize cost and maximize revenue; Terumo Interventional Systems (TIS), which offers solutions for entry site management and lesion access; Terumo Medical Products (TMP), which provides devices for injection and infusion therapy; and Terumo Pharmaceutical Solutions (TPS), which develops drug delivery devices.
About Terumo
Terumo (TSE:4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for over 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 30,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large. More information can be found at www.terumo.com.
SOURCE Terumo Medical Corporation

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Biobeat Wearables for Enhanced Remote Patient Monitoring Partners with Best Buy Health’s Care at Home Platform, Current Health

Rhythm by Comments are Disabled

PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Biobeat, a global leader in wearable remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions for the healthcare continuum, today announced its plans to integrate with Best Buy Health’s care at home platform Current Health.
Biobeat’s wrist and chest monitors will be featured as one of the technology solutions for healthcare organizations utilizing Current Health to scale their care at home capabilities. Biobeat’s monitors continuously provide accurate patient readings of 13 health parameters, including cuffless blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, stroke volume, cardiac output, one lead ECG (only chest-monitor) and more. Data collected using Biobeat’s monitors will then integrate with Current Health, a care at home platform acquired by Best Buy in 2021, which enables care teams to monitor and manage patients at home across clinical conditions and acuity levels.
“Current Health enables healthcare organizations to personalize the delivery of healthcare at home solutions, and we are thrilled that Biobeat’s wearables will be integrated as a technology solution that is available for remote patient monitoring. This milestone will further strengthen Biobeat’s footprint with healthcare providers throughout the United States and will provide clinicians with the ability to monitor patient vital signs of patients outside of the clinical care setting,” commented Arik Ben Ishay, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Biobeat.
“Technology is a crucial component of delivering care to patients and improving their experiences and outcomes,” states Chris McGhee, CEO of Current Health. “We are excited to continuously improve our remote patient monitoring offering to make receiving care in the home a simplified experience for patients and providers.”  

About Biobeat

Biobeat provides a comprehensive wearable platform designed to elevate the standard of care for both short and long-term healthcare environments. Biobeat’s disposable short-term chest-monitor and long-term wrist-monitor continuously provide accurate patient readings of 13 health parameters, including cuffless blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, stroke volume, cardiac output, one lead ECG (only chest-monitor) and more. Aggregated patient health data is viewed by medical staff via Biobeat’s secure HIPAA and GDPR compliant cloud-based patient management platform, which utilizes an automated real-time early warning score (EWS) system that incorporates advanced AI-based algorithms to provide alerts on patient health status and potential deterioration. Biobeat’s wearable devices are the first devices to be FDA-Cleared for cuffless non-invasive PPG-based blood pressure monitoring and are also CE Mark certified. Founded in 2016, Biobeat is headquartered in Petah Tikva, Israel.
For more information, visit: https://www.bio-beat.com/.
Follow Biobeat on LinkedIn.

Company Contact:

Rebekah Bargraser[email protected]

Media Contact:

Maddie Stabinski[email protected]
SOURCE Biobeat

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BioStar Capital Closes Fund V at $130.3 Million, Surpassing Previous Funds

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PETOSKEY, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioStar Capital, a strategic venture capital firm focusing on transformative medical technologies primarily in the fields of cardiovascular disease, orthopedics, and robotics, has announced it has closed its fifth fund at $130.3 million, more than its three previous funds combined. “We have been encouraged by the level of […]

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Vaso Corporation, a Diversified Medical Technology Company Currently Trading on the OTCQX Market, to List on Nasdaq via SPAC Merger

Financial by Comments are Disabled

Business Combination with Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I is Expected to Be Completed in First Quarter of 2024

Merger with Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I (NASDAQ:AVHI) expected to improve capital market access for existing and prospective investors of Vaso Corporation (OTCQX:VASO).
The transaction values Vaso at a pro forma equity value of approximately $176 million at $10 per share.
Upon closing of the transaction, existing Vaso shareholders will receive consideration consisting entirely of shares of the surviving public combined company.

PLAINVIEW, NY, Dec. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Vaso Corporation (“Vaso,” or “the Company”), a diversified medical technology company currently trading on the OTCQX market, today announced its plan to uplist from the OTCQX market to the Nasdaq Stock Market via a business combination (the “Transaction”) with Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I (“Achari”, NASDAQ:AVHI). Upon the closing of the Transaction, Vaso common stock and warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbols “VASO” and “VASOW”, respectively. Vaso’s common stock will continue to trade on the OTCQX market under the symbol “VASO” until trading on Nasdaq commences following the consummation of the proposed business combination.
Vaso is led by Chief Executive Officer Jun Ma, who will continue to lead the combined company following the proposed business combination. Achari is led by Chief Executive Officer Vikas Desai, who is also Chairman of Achari’s Board of Directors.
Company Overview
Vaso Corporation is a diversified medical technology company with several distinctive but related specialties: managed IT systems and services, including healthcare software solutions and network connectivity services; professional sales services for diagnostic imaging products; and design, manufacture and sale of proprietary medical devices.
The Company operates through three wholly owned subsidiaries:

VasoTechnology, Inc. provides network and IT services through two business units: VasoHealthcare IT Corp., a national value added reseller of Radiology Information System (“RIS”), Picture Archiving and Communication System (“PACS”), and other software solutions from various vendors as well as related services, including implementation, management and support; and NetWolves Network Services LLC, a managed network services provider with an extensive, proprietary service platform to a broad base of customers.
Vaso Diagnostics, Inc. d.b.a. VasoHealthcare, provides professional sales services and is the operating subsidiary for the exclusive sales representation of a large healthcare diagnostic imaging equipment manufacturer in certain market segments in the United States.
VasoMedical, Inc. manages and coordinates the design, manufacture and sales of proprietary medical equipment and software, as well as operates the Company’s overseas assets including China-based subsidiaries.

Transaction Overview
The Transaction values Vaso at a pro forma equity value of approximately $176 million, at $10.00 per share. The Boards of Directors of Vaso and Achari have each approved the Transaction, the consummation of which is subject to various customary closing conditions, including the filing and effectiveness of a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (as amended or supplemented, the “Registration Statement”) by Achari with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the filing and clearance by the SEC of a proxy statement by Vaso and the approval of the stockholders of both Achari and Vaso of the proposed business combination (although Vaso shareholders representing 44% of Vaso’s outstanding shares have entered into support agreements committing them to vote in favor of the Transaction). The Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.
Additional information, including a copy of the business combination agreement, will be provided in Current Reports on Form 8-K to be filed by each of Achari and Vaso with the SEC.
Advisors
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. is serving as financial and capital markets advisor to Vaso. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is acting as legal advisor to Achari and Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP is acting as legal advisor to Vaso.
About Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I
Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I (NASDAQ: AVHI) is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
Achari intends to file with the SEC the Registration Statement, which will include a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus of Achari, which will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Achari’s common stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the vote by Achari’s stockholders with respect to the proposed business combination and related matters as may be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer and sale of the securities to be issued in the business combination. Vaso intends to file with the SEC (the “Company Proxy Statement”) a preliminary proxy statement of Vaso, which will be the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Vaso’s common stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the vote by Vaso’s stockholders with respect to the proposed business combination and related matters as may be described in the proxy statement.
After the Registration Statement is declared effective, Achari will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its stockholders. After clearance from the SEC with respect to the Company Proxy Statement, Vaso will mail a definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents to its stockholders. Achari’s and Vaso’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus to be filed by Achari, and any amendments thereto, the preliminary proxy statement to be filed by Vaso, and any amendments thereto, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus to be filed by Achari and the definitive proxy statement to be filed by Vaso, because such documentation will contain important information about Achari, Vaso and the proposed business combination. This press release is not a substitute for the Registration Statement, the Company Proxy Statement, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus to be filed by Achari, the definitive proxy statement to be filed by Vaso or any other document that Achari or Vaso will send to their respective stockholders in connection with the business combination.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, COMPANY PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND THE PARTIES TO THE BUSINESS COMBINATION.
The definitive proxy statement/prospectus to be filed by Achari and the definitive proxy statement to be filed by Vaso will each be mailed to Achari and Vaso’s respective stockholders as of record dates to be established for voting on the proposed business combination and related matters. Stockholders of Achari and Vaso may obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus to be filed by Achari and the proxy statement to be filed by Vaso, when available, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing requests to each of: Vaso Corporation, 137 Commercial Street, Suite 200, Plainview, New York 11803 or Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I, 60 Walnut Avenue, Suite 400, Clark, NJ 07066, as applicable.
INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE BUSINESS COMBINATION OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Participants in Solicitation
This press release is not a solicitation of a proxy from any investor or security holder. However, Achari and Vaso and their respective directors, officers and other members of their management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Achari’s and Vaso’s stockholders with respect to the proposed business combination and related matters. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of the directors and officers of Achari and Vaso in the proxy statement/prospectus to be filed by Achari relating to the proposed business combination when it is filed with the SEC and the proxy statement to be filed by Vaso relating to the proposed business combination when it is filed with the SEC. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecasted,” “projected,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or otherwise indicate statements that are not of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) the effect of changes taking place across the intersection of the information technology and healthcare industries, (ii) continuation of the Company’s agreement with a major healthcare diagnostic imaging equipment manufacturer, (iii) the impact of competitive technology and products and their pricing on the Company’s technology and products, (iv) medical insurance reimbursement policies, (v) unexpected manufacturing or supplier problems, (vi) unforeseen difficulties and delays in product development programs, (vii) the actions of regulatory authorities and third-party payors in the United States and overseas, and (viii) the risk factors reported from time to time in the Company’s and Achari’s SEC reports. The forgoing factors are not exhaustive and additional factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of negotiations and any subsequent definitive agreements with respect to the business combination; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Achari or Vaso, the combined company or others following the announcement of the business combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (3) the inability to complete the business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Achari or Vaso or to satisfy other conditions to closing; (4) changes to the proposed structure of the business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the business combination; (5) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the business combination; (6) the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Vaso as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; (7) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; (8) costs related to the business combination; (9) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (10) the possibility that Vaso or the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors and (11) Vaso’s estimates of expenses and profitability. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.
The reader should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Achari’s final prospectus dated October 14, 2021  (Registration No. 333-258476), related to its initial public offering, Achari’s and Vaso’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and other documents filed by Achari and Vaso from time to time with the SEC.
The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made, are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Achari and Vaso. Achari and Vaso expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the expectations of Achari or Vaso with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
SOURCE Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I

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Medtronic announces cash dividend for third quarter of fiscal year 2024

Financial by Comments are Disabled

DUBLIN, Dec. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The board of directors of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) on Thursday, December 7, 2023, approved the company’s cash dividend for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 of $0.69 per ordinary share. This quarterly declaration is consistent with the dividend increase announcement made by the company in May 2023. Medtronic is a constituent of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index, having increased its annual dividend payment for the past 46 consecutive years. The dividend is payable on January 12, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 20, 2023.
About MedtronicBold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @Medtronic on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts:

Erika Winkels           
 Ryan Weispfenning

Public Relations       
 Investor Relations

+1-763-526-8478       
 +1-763-505-4626

SOURCE Medtronic plc

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Ajax Health Establishes Cortex, a Comprehensive AFib Ablation Technology Company, with $90 Million Investment Led by KKR and Hellman & Friedman

Rhythm by Comments are Disabled

Cortex’s fully integrated solution will include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic pulsed field ablation catheters supported by innovative mapping technology.
MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Ajax Health announced today the formation and funding of Cortex, a medical technology company developing an integrated mapping and ablation solution suite for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 30 million patients worldwide. Cortex has raised $90 million in funding commitments led by KKR and Hellman & Friedman (H&F) with participation by other investors including AI Life Sciences, an affiliate of Access Industries.
Cortex brings together expert teams with complementary innovations in electrophysiology to accelerate the continued development and clinical validation of next-generation ablation solutions and differentiated AFib mapping technology. The fully integrated solution suite is designed to enable more precise therapy planning and delivery and optimize clinical outcomes and safety for AFib patients, while simplifying workflows and improving procedural efficiency.
“Cortex’s vision is to enable more intelligent AFib treatment,” said Duke Rohlen, CEO of Ajax Health and CEO of Cortex. “We are developing solutions that prioritize precision, simplicity, and efficiency to simultaneously improve patient outcomes and lower procedural cost.”
Cortex is focused on developing diagnostic and pulsed field ablation catheters with a comprehensive mapping and navigation solution powered by Ablacon’s innovative Electrographic Flow® (EGF) mapping technology. EGF mapping allows physicians to detect AFib sources and is designed to support personalized ablation therapy to potentially improve outcomes. The recently completed randomized, controlled FLOW-AF trial (NCT04473963) showed that EGF-guided treatment of AFib sources in persistent AFib patients improved freedom from AFib at one year post-ablation by 51% on an absolute basis compared with patients randomized to control, who received conventional pulmonary vein isolation therapy only. Ablacon’s latest Ablamap® X mapping system is 510(k) cleared. Following on the favorable results of FLOW-AF, the company has launched the RESOLVE-AF trial (NCT05883631), a large, international, multi-center clinical trial to further evaluate benefits in AFib patients and support CE mark application. 
“Duke Rohlen and the Ajax team have cultivated an exceptional ecosystem of engineers and clinical experts with a clear plan to bring impactful new technology to clinical settings,” said Ali Satvat, Partner, Co-Head of Americas Health Care and Global Head of Health Care Strategic Growth at KKR. “We are pleased to continue our long-standing strategic partnership with Duke and join with a strong investor group to support Cortex as it pursues improved outcomes for cardiac arrhythmia patients.”
KKR and H&F are investing in Cortex through the Cordis Accelerator, Cordis-X, which was established in 2021 as part of their investment in Cordis, a leading provider of cardiovascular and endovascular medical devices. KKR is investing additional capital in Cortex through its Health Care Strategic Growth Fund II.
About CortexCortex (CortexEP.com) is developing an advanced, seamlessly integrated, comprehensive platform for evaluating and treating AFib. The company has assembled a proven team of highly skilled and experienced engineers and clinical experts focused on bringing this innovative suite of technologies to market.
About Ajax HealthAjax Health is a turnkey growth solution for commercial-stage medtech companies. The Ajax team draws on decades of experience as entrepreneurs, operators, and investors to create value for its strategic partners by developing product portfolios through novel business models and creative deal structures. Ajax Health is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Austin.
SOURCE Cortex

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BioGenCell Announces the Launch of BioGenCell’s Fifth Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Clinical Trial Site in the United States

Peripheral/Endo by Comments are Disabled

BioGenCell has announced the inauguration of the fifth Phase II cell-therapy-based clinical trial site for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI) in the United States at the University of Maryland Medical Center. This initiative is committed to dramatically reducing the incidence of amputations in patients afflicted with severe CLTI.
BALTIMORE, Md, Dec. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — BioGenCell, a pioneer in personalized cell therapy solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its fifth Phase II clinical trial site in the United States at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The trial is focused on significantly reducing the need for amputation in patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). The University of Maryland Medical Center has joined this ambitious, global, placebo-controlled trial designed to offer transformative results for patients.
The prognosis for CLI patients is currently disheartening: within a year of diagnosis, nearly 20% of patients succumb to the disease while 30% will undergo amputation. Tragically, nearly 70% of these amputees do not survive beyond five years post-amputation.
BioGenCell’s innovative yet low-risk technology harnesses the immune, stem, and progenitor cells from the patient’s own blood, drawn in a simple procedure. Upon reinjection into the affected limb, these “trained” cells stimulate the formation of new, healthy blood vessels, restoring blood flow, potentially averting limb amputation or even death, and significantly enhancing patient quality of life. BioGenCell’s previous clinical trial revealed an encouraging long-term amputation-free survival rate.
“We’re thrilled to embark on this journey with a significant institution like the University of Maryland,” said Dr. Yael Porat, BioGenCell co-founder and CEO. “Our aim is to bring tangible relief to individuals who have been living with CLI.”
Patients living with CLTI, their friends and relatives and interested physicians, are encouraged to visit www.biogencelltrial.com or reach out to the Study Coordinator (details) for more information on participating in this clinical trial.
About BioGenCell
BioGenCell, based at Laniado Hospital in Netanya, Israel, is dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from degenerative microvascular diseases. BioGenCell aims to extend its reach to address a wider range of vascular and other diseases in the future. For more information, please visit https://www.biogencell.net.
For more info:
Ifat Shomrony I [email protected] I +972-52-874-3030
SOURCE BioGenCell

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Blue Shield of California Members Can Now Treat Heart Disease From Home, with Digital Expansion of Ornish Lifestyle Medicine

Coronary/Structural Heart by Comments are Disabled

Nonprofit health plan adding new virtual offering after seeing 71.4% reduction in angina and 23.3% decrease in total cholesterol from nine-week in-person program
OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Shield of California members now have virtual access to Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, an innovative intensive cardiac rehab program designed to help prevent, treat, and even reverse heart disease through lifestyle change.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in California and across the nation, and the expansion of this program aims to help more Californians improve their cardiac health by providing a virtual access option to a successful in-person program.
“At Blue Shield of California, we believe making lifestyle changes have the power to help people with chronic conditions,” said Jennifer Christian-Herman, Blue Shield of California vice president of MindBody Medicine. “Dr. Dean Ornish is an influential leader at the forefront of lifestyle medicine and together we are driving easier access to quality care and creating better heart health outcomes for our members.”
Ornish Lifestyle Medicine is a 72-hour, 9-week heart disease reversal program through lifestyle intervention methods. Participating members can join 4-hour virtual sessions twice a week – with the time equally dedicated to exercise, stress management, interactive lessons, and a support group.  
To enhance the experience of participating from the comfort of home, participants receive:

FOOD – Two weeks’ worth of fresh, delicious, and heart healthy premade meals (three meals a day, plus snacks) to kickstart a new way of eating.
TECHNOLOGY – A heart rate monitor, scale, and blood pressure cuff for continuous tracking.
EQUIPMENT – An activity mat and other equipment for exercise and relaxation.
SUPPORT – Throughout the 9 weeks, participants will connect with each other in support group sessions, supporting each other through making important lifestyle changes, in addition to classes and coaching.

Until now, Blue Shield of California members had access to the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program in-person at Marin Health and UCLA Health. Those 159 participating members saw significant improvement in their health outcomes after nine weeks. The results include:

71.4% reduction in angina
23.3% decrease in total cholesterol
36.8% decrease in LDL cholesterol
10% decrease in triglycerides
40.4% decrease in depression
3.5% decrease in A1c levels
20.1% increase in exercise capacity

“Backed by over 45 years of research, Ornish Lifestyle Medicine remains the only program scientifically proven to often reverse heart disease without drugs or surgery,” said Dean Ornish, MD, founder of Ornish Lifestyle Medicine. “I have seen what a powerful difference this program can make to people’s lives and am proud to expand this program to reach more Californians by offering it virtually through Blue Shield of California. Everyone deserves the chance to change their health – no matter where they live, or what their mobility and transportation limitations might be.”
The program is available to members enrolled in Blue Shield’s employer-sponsored, individual and family, and Medicare PPO plans who have a history of heart disease or a cardiac event. The collaboration is part of the company’s larger effort to reimagine health care through lifestyle medicine. Members can also access Blue Shield’s award-winning Wellvolution program, which offers a suite of lifestyle medicine-based digital solutions, focusing on diabetes, mental health, tobacco cessation, and weight loss.
About Blue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with more than 4.8 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $24 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $97 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities.
For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. 
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About Ornish Lifestyle MedicineOrnish Lifestyle Medicine is the only program that is scientifically proven to reverse the progression of heart disease in randomized controlled trials. Ornish Lifestyle Medicine has spread across the country and begun to revolutionize the way that Americans treat heart disease. Today, the program is reimbursed by Medicare and many other commercial payers, offered in more than 18 states, and delivered with a turnkey process that is optimized by years of operating knowledge. Most importantly, since 2014 alone, it has helped thousands of people from across the country take back their lives. For more information, visit www.ornish.com.

CONTACT:
Kelly Nuckols

Blue Shield of California        

510-607-2359

[email protected]

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

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Artivion Appoints Lance A. Berry as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer; Announces Retirement of D. Ashley Lee, Chief Financial Officer

Financial by Comments are Disabled

Reaffirms Financial Guidance Provided on November 2, 2023
ATLANTA, Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Artivion, Inc. (NYSE: AORT), a leading cardiac and vascular surgery company focused on aortic disease today announced the appointment of Lance A. Berry as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective as of December 4, 2023. In this role, Mr. Berry joins Artivion’s executive leadership team and replaces Mr. D. Ashley Lee, who will retire at the end of the year after a successful and long tenure with the Company and a distinguished career in the medical device industry. Artivion also reaffirmed its full-year 2023 financial guidance that was provided on November 2, 2023.
Mr. Berry, 51, most recently served from January 2019 until November 2020 as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Operations Officer of Wright Medical Group N.V. (“Wright”), until Wright was acquired by Stryker in November 2020. Before that, Mr. Berry served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer for Wright from 2009 to 2018, successfully spear-heading its merger with Tornier N.V. Additionally, Mr. Berry served as Wright’s Vice President, Corporate Controller from 2002-2009. Mr. Berry also currently serves on the Boards of two public companies, Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. and Vapotherm. Throughout his eleven years as the Chief Financial Officer and a senior executive at Wright, working with Wright’s Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Berry led the Company’s strategic transformation and execution to drive shareholder value and cultivated an extensive background in, among other areas, strategy, M&A, financing, business development, digital strategy and investor relations.
“I am thrilled to welcome Lance to Artivion’s leadership team as Chief Financial Officer,” said Pat Mackin, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “His broad experience and proven leadership in growth MedTech companies make him an ideal addition to our leadership team, and he will add significant value in advancing Artivion and its strategy through our next stage of growth.”
“I am excited to join Artivion as Chief Financial Officer and continue my commitment to driving focus, execution and significant shareholder value,” said Mr. Berry. “I look forward to working with Artivion’s exceptional team to continue to grow Artivion into a powerhouse leader in aortic technology and innovation.”
Mr. Lee, 59, who has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since 2004, will retire after a transitional period. Mr. Lee, a proven leader and a winner of Georgia BioTech’s CFO of the Year award in 2018, has decades of medical device experience. He helped lead the Company’s efforts that resulted in a more than doubling of the Company’s size since 2015. Mr. Lee will remain with Artivion in an advisory capacity to ensure a seamless transition. Mr. Lee expressed his confidence in Mr. Berry’s abilities to take on the role, stating, “I have no doubt that Lance will be an excellent addition to the Artivion leadership team. His deep financial expertise and experience in the medical device industry make him ideal to lead the Company’s finance, information technology, human resources and business development functions.” 
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ashley for his leadership at Artivion during a period of incredible growth and transformation,” added Mr. Mackin. “Artivion would not be where it is today without Ashley’s deep expertise and experience, and we wish him the very best on the next leg of his journey.”
Mr. Berry officially began his role as Chief Financial Officer on December 4, 2023.
About Artivion, Inc.Headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, Artivion, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing simple, elegant solutions that address cardiac and vascular surgeons’ most difficult challenges in treating patients with aortic diseases. Artivion’s four major groups of products include: aortic stent grafts, surgical sealants, On-X mechanical heart valves, and implantable cardiac and vascular human tissues. Artivion markets and sells products in more than 100 countries worldwide. For additional information about Artivion, visit our website, www.Artivion.com.
Forward Looking StatementsStatements made in this press release that look forward in time or that express management’s beliefs, expectations, or hopes are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the views of management at the time such statements are made. These statements include our beliefs that we remain on track to achieve or exceed the revenue and EBITDA growth targets for this year; and we remain on a path to meet or exceed our current year guidance, as well as to achieve our 2024 commitments to deliver double-digit compounded annual constant currency revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA in excess of $75.0 million. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, estimates, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations, including that the benefits anticipated from the Ascyrus Medical LLC transaction and Endospan agreements may not be achieved at all or at the levels we had originally anticipated; the benefits anticipated from our clinical trials may not be achieved or achieved on our anticipated timeline; our products may not be able to consistently retain their existing regulatory approvals or special regulatory approvals in order to be commercialized; products in our pipeline may not receive regulatory approval at all or receive regulatory approval on our anticipated timelines; or our products that obtain regulatory approval may not be adopted by the market as much as we anticipate or at all. These risks and uncertainties include the risk factors detailed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 31, 2023. Artivion does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contacts:

Artivion
Gilmartin Group LLC

D. Ashley Lee
Brian Johnston / Lynn Lewis

       Executive Vice President,                  
Phone:  332-895-3222

Finance
[email protected] 

Phone: 770-419-3355

SOURCE Artivion, Inc.

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