Boston Scientific Gives up on Lotus

Boston Scientific is retiring its entire Lotus transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) platform, citing complexities associated with the product delivery system. There is no safety issue for patients who currently have an implanted Lotus Edge valve, and the company emphasized that the recall is related solely to the delivery system. The company says it will now focus on its Acurate neo2 TAVR, its Sentinel embolic protection device, and other high-growth areas of its portfolio. It should be noted, however, that the Acurate neo2 TAVR system isn't expected to reach the U.S. market until 2024.

J&J Reveals General Surgical Robotics Platform, Ottava

J&J has tapped an all-star team to develop its general surgical robotics platform, Ottava, which the company unveiled Thursday. The platform incorporates newer robotic technology as well as the integration of data capabilities intended to create an ecosystem best described as digital surgery. MD+DI spoke with Frederic Moll, MD, in advance of the big reveal about Ottava, and where the field that he helped pioneer 25 years ago is at today.

"What I think is most exciting about this phase of robotic surgery is it's not just about the hardware," Moll said. "It's the software, it's the data, it's the ability to learn and improve in ways other than having a mentor stand over your shoulder and tell you what you did wrong. There is just enormous potential in that."

And in case you missed last week's Medtech in a Minute ...

Eko Cashes in on Surging Telemedicine Interest

Increased interest in telehealth helped Eko, a digital health specialist, raise $65 million in a series C round. The company has developed a platform of telehealth and AI algorithms for disease screening, and to launch a monitoring program for cardiopulmonary patients at home. Proceeds from the financing will be used to expand in-clinic use of the company’s platform of telehealth and AI algorithms for disease screening, and to launch a monitoring program for cardiopulmonary patients at home.

Stryker Closes Wright Deal (Finally)

Stryker has closed on its $4 billion acquisition of Wright Medical. The move comes about a year after Kalamazoo, MI-based Stryker first announced it would acquire the orthopedics company. The rationale behind the deal was that it would help strengthen Stryker's position in the fast-growing trauma & extremities segment. However – the acquisition hit a snag after the Federal Trade Commission expressed anti-trust law concerns. To satisfy the FTC's concerns, both companies agreed to divest all assets related to finger joint implants and STAR total ankle replacements. The companies agreed to sell these assets to Carlsbad, CA-based DJO Global.