Biotronik announced the launch of the new Idova 7 series. Idova 7 ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators) and CRT-Ds (cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators)offer ultrahigh-energy therapy without compromising on short charge times (10 seconds), smaller size (34 cc) and longevity of more than 11 years. Designed to stop life-threatening arrhythmias with the very first shock, Idova 7 gives patients valuable peace of mind.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Circulatory Systems Devices Advisory Panel this week voted that biventricular (BiV) pacing with Medtronic Inc. devices is beneficial for treating patients who have atrioventricular (AV) block and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, compared to conventional right ventricular pacing.

Biotronik announced it has completed patient enrollment in the iliac arm of its Bioflex-I trial. Under the supervision of Mark Burket, M.D. and chief, Cardiovascular Division at the University of Toledo Medical Center, the trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Astron and Pulsar-18 stents in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease with a view towards gaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

The World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS) held its sixth annual congress in Savannah, Ga. September 18-21. The World Molecular Imaging Congress (WMIC) 2013 featured advancements in molecular multimodal imaging with a focus on discovery, pre-clinical and translational research, highlighting first-in-human studies that drive innovative diagnostics and targeted therapy critical to the implementation of precision medicine.

Royal Philips and Accenture announced the creation of a proof-of-concept (POC) demonstration that uses a Google Glass head-mounted display for researching ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of performing surgical procedures. The demonstration connects Google Glass to Philips IntelliVue Solutions and proves the concept of seamless transfer of patient vital signs into Google Glass, potentially providing physicians with hands-free access to critical clinical information.