Nearly every day, it seems that significant news shakes and realigns the medical device industry—and that’s to say nothing about the incredible technology coming out of labs around the globe. Consider these recent announcements:
Bioabsorbable materials are finding their way into products ranging from vascular scaffolds to bone screws. These materials can do the work of nitinol and stainless steel before dissolving over a controlled period. Then there’s the so-called “repless” sales model, in which medical device companies take their sales reps out of the equation. Smith & Nephew, one of the world’s oldest and largest orthopedic companies, says its new “Syncera” model can save hospitals performing 700 procedures annually an average of $4 million over three years. If successful—a big if—this experiment could signal a tectonic shift in the business of medicine.

Even the FDA is showing a newfound sense of urgency, creating a new, fast-track “de novo” protocol for devices aimed at deadly or debilitating illnesses with no other treatment options. News like this moves markets. Our goal with Medical Device & Outsourcing magazine is to deliver more of it. The publishing company that brought you Design World magazine and its online features has teamed up with MassDevice in a unique endeavor. Here at MD&O, we’ll bring our technical expertise to bear on the medical device industry, offering discussion and insight, coverage of new materials and tubing, technical features, sizing and selection guides, to name a few.

Over at MassDevice.com, the team led by founders Brad Perriello and Brian Johnson will harness their comprehensive knowledge of the medtech business to bring you insightful discussion of the industry“s hot-button issues with the CEOs of medical device companies large and small.The staff on this end includes our managing editor, Nic Abraham. She has three years of experience editing, posting, podcasting, and conducting webinars—not to mention her MBA training, which will come in handy as we plumb the intricacies of this fascinating space.

Then there’s me. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and worked on a medical magazine for several years, but more importantly, I had the foresight to marry a nurse who now teaches nursing. She will unwittingly serve as a behind-the-scenes consultant.

There’s never been a more exciting time to shine our light on the medical device market, as the ever-growing complexity of the regulatory, reimbursement, legal and economic landscape keeps pace with accelerating innovation.
So welcome aboard. Let’s make this a great ride.