This Week in Devices: [9/14/12]: Shutdown, Layoffs at Covidien; FDA to Improve Device Tracking; LA Times Explores the Future of Healthcare; A Medical Device Powered by Yeast Farts

Medical device maker Covidien Plc said it would close a South Carolina facility where it manufactures vascular products, laying off about 595 full-time employees as it looks to improve efficiency across its global operations. Source: Reuters

In addition to its proposed Unique Device Identification (UID) system, FDA has announced in a new report that it will be taking steps to improve monitoring and safety of postmarket surveillance of medical devices Source: DrugWatch

From robots in hospitals to improved prosthetics and gene therapy, the LA Times has a released a special series this week on the next trends in healthcare Source: LA Times

Researchers at Purdue University in Indiana have created a medical patch for drug delivery that is powered by carbon dioxide produced by everyday yeast. Source: Discovery News