An analysis of two-year data from Boston Scientific Corp.’s PLATINUM Workhorse trial found a statistically significant reduction in recurrent ischemia requiring repeat revascularization procedures with the firm’s Promus Element everolimus-eluting platinum-chromium stent compared to everolimus-eluting cobalt-chromium stents (either Abbott’s Xience V or Boston’ Promus) between the first and second year of follow up. “This finding is potentially important, but must be confirmed by longer-term follow up,” said Gregg Stone, M.D., Columbia University, who presented the results March 25 at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Chicago. Also at ACC, researchers presented analyses from Boston Scientific’s PERSEUS and PLATINUM clinical trials, suggesting no cases of longitudinal stent compression with Promus Element. The firm has been challenged by anecdotal reports that the rare event is more common in its stent. (See Also see "Boston Scientific Downplays Stent Compression Concerns" - Medtech Insight, 24 October, 2011..)
Orthopedic device maker Biomet Inc. will pay $22.9 million to settle foreign bribery charges under agreements announced March 26...
