MPO’s Most-Read Stories This Week—April 1

Abbott Laboratories proved popular with cybervisitors this past week.

The second seed on MPO’s top 30 list drove website traffic with FDA approval and partnership announcements. Its collaboration with Medinbox is designed to increase efficiency in electrophysiology labs and strengthen information sharing among physicians to drive improved patient care. The Abbott EnSite X EP system is a cardiac mapping platform that creates highly detailed three-dimensional maps of the heart to help physicians identify and treat areas where abnormal rhythms originate. Electrophysiology (EP) labs contain the high-tech equipment used to monitor and map the electrical systems of the heart as well as treat heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). By integrating the Medinbox smart video collaboration solution with Abbott’s EnSite Connect Remote Support, EPs can access a higher level of service and support during ablation cases, with real-time, remote audio and video capabilities. The Medinbox system is an integrated audiovisual solution that enables procedural remote support, technical support, and live education based on de-identified images and data.   

Abbott won FDA approval for its Epic Max stented tissue valve to treat patients with aortic regurgitation or stenosis. Bioprosthetic valves like Epic Max are recommended for patients needing valve replacement who aren’t suitable for taking blood-thinning medication. Epic Max was engineered to achieve excellent hemodynamics, according to Abbott, and it’s low-profile frame facilitates possible future transcatheter interventions. 

Another regulatory milestone that helped amass page views came courtesy of FemDx Medsystems for its FalloView device. Granted FDA 510(k) clearance, FalloView is the first totally disposable 1.2 mm diameter falloposcope incorporating a CMOS chip endoscope to evaluate the proximal fallopian tube in a non-invasive way. FalloView has a self-contained light source and video monitor powered by a 9-volt battery—the gynecologist is then given untethered access to the uterus and fallopian tubes without remote video imaging and weight of an attached camera cable and light cord. An LCD screen on FalloView’s handle lets the physician visualize internal patient anatomy in line with instrument insertion. 

Other site traffic winners this past week included Masimo’s newest wearable product unveiling (the Masimo Freedom smartwatch), and an exclusive blueprint on healthcare’s digital transformation.

1. Medinbox and Abbott Partner to Increase Efficiency in Electrophysiology Labs

2. Masimo Reveals Freedom Health-Tracking Smartwatch

3. FDA Oks FemDx Medsystems’ FalloView Device

4. FDA Approves Abbott’s Epic Max Tissue Valve for Aortic Valve Disease

5. 5 Challenges Medtech Must Address to Transform Healthcare