Government officials have joined with representatives from the device and diagnostics industry to celebrate the benefits and evolution of medical technology.

A week of Capitol Hill lobbying by device and diagnostics manufacturers culminated in an exhibit and reception titled, "The Value of Medical Technology: Profiles in Progress You Can See," sponsored by AdvaMed and intended to generate more visibility for industry achievements. Joining industry leaders were FDA acting Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Id.), and former Reagan administration official Michael Deaver.

The event featured patients from across the spectrum of American culture whose medical conditions were treated with the most recent generation of devices and diagnostics. One of the overriding characteristics of much of the newest technology is that it is small, lightweight and portable. (See full story in July 3 issue of Devices & Diagnostics Letter).