Briefs

Boston Sci Resolves 2,970 Claims

Boston Scientific has settled part of a series of lawsuits alleging the devicemaker’s transvaginal mesh product for urinary incontinence is defective and causes complications, the Marlborough, Mass., company said. Boston Scientific plans to pay an estimated $119 million to resolve 2,970 cases, a fraction of the more than 25,000 mesh claims it is contending with in U.S. federal and state courts. The agreement is tied to a $35 million verdict in a Dallas County, Texas, district court case that is subject to appeal. The devicemaker denied allegations the product was to blame for plaintiffs’ complications.

Medtronic Evaluates Stent Graft System

Medtronic has initiated a clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of the Endurant Evo abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment stent graft system, the Ireland-based devicemaker announced recently. The multicenter clinical trial will enroll 140 infrarenal abdominal or aortoiliac aneurysm patients at up to 30 sites in the U.S. and Europe. The study’s primary safety endpoint is the proportion of patients experiencing a major adverse event within 30 days of implantation.

Stryker Settles Howmedica Lawsuit

Stryker has settled a $3 million class-action lawsuit filed in 2013 that alleged its Howmedica subsidiary didn’t reimburse for business expenses and didn’t have a reimbursement policy, which is illegal under California law. Stryker failed to have the case dismissed in 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The settlement is to be paid to 134 plaintiffs as part of the class action pending court approval.

Device Treats Postpartum Hemorrhaging

Cambridge Design Partnership is seeking funding for its uterine balloon tamponade, designed to help medical professionals treat life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage in developing countries, the UK devicemaker said. Current UBTs cost as much as $200 and have to be inserted by trained clinicians, which limit their use in the developing world.

Companies OK Catheter Distribution Pact

Vascular Pathways has signed a three-year contract to distribute its AccuCath line of catheters with Novation. The intravascular catheters feature a coiled tip Nitinol guidewire, blood control valve and needlestick safety options. The product’s design is intended to increase first-time success, reduce complication rates, extend dwell times, increase patient satisfaction and lower overall provider costs, the devicemaker says.

Stentys Wins CE Mark for Coronary Stent

French devicemaker Stentys plans to launch its Xposition S self-apposing coronary stent later this month, following receipt of a CE mark, which came ahead of schedule, the company says. Using Cappella Peel Away technology, the delivery system works by having a small balloon split open the sheath containing the stent and releasing it at the exact intended location.