Medtronic Inc. (MDT) recently launched a new TSRH 3Dx Spinal System, which is a hook, rod and screw system used in complex spinal procedures. The system offers two screws designed to address multiple pathologies. The Multi Planar Adjusting (MPA) Screw gives surgeons the flexibility of a variable angle posted screw for targeted, controlled correction maneuvers. The OSTEOGRIP Screw enhances bone fixation by incorporating a dual-lead thread pattern that reduces toggle at the bone-screw interface.

The new pedicle screw system has a unique technology that addresses multiple spinal pathologies, from degenerative disc disease to spinal deformity. The product offers an alternative to patients for spinal stabilization with fusion. It works for patients suffering from degenerative spinal conditions, deformity, or injury of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine. The TSRH Spinal System also provides Chromaloy rods and a minimally invasive capability.

We think that the new product will be widely accepted by

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Medtronic Inc. (MDT) recently reported the first enrollment for its Attain Success trial. The trial evaluates implant success, complication rates and procedure times for the company’s Attain Family of left-heart leads and delivery systems portfolio which are already available in the market.  The Attain Success trial enrollment will have roughly 2,000 patients at 150 medical centers in 18 countries around the world. The company will analyze data at baseline, implant and three months post-implant. The study will also capture implant success and complication rates (up to three months), procedure times, handling feedback and physician survey data.  In addition, the Attain Success trial enrollment will have a sub-study that will assess final left-heart lead placement site. Patients enrolled in the test will have a cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT) device implanted in them. Results from the test are expected in 30 months.  If successful, the Attain Success ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – November 11, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Medtronic Inc. (MDT), Abbott Laboratories (ABT) and St. Jude Medical Inc. (STJ).

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Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:

BSX Settles, Lowers Results

Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) settled its $296 million lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) related to product advisories issued by its Guidant subsidiary in 2005. The litigation pertained to alleged violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

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Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) settled its $296 million lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) related to product advisories issued by its Guidant subsidiary in 2005. The litigation pertained to alleged violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by Guidant. The allegations were reported prior to Boston’s acquisition of Guidant in 2006. Boston has recorded the litigation expense in its third quarter of fiscal 2009 results and updated its income statement accordingly. The expense has lowered the company’s GAAP earnings per share by 19 cents into a loss per share of 6 cents in the third quarter of 2009. Adjusted figures remained unaffected by this charge. Boston has also lowered its full fiscal 2009 GAAP earnings per share guidance to a range of 23 to 28 cents, compared to its prior guidance of 43 to 48 cents. The company’s adjusted earnings per share guidance ...

Volcano Corporation (VOLC) reported a net loss of 5 cents in the third quarter, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate for a net loss of 12 cents. Although third-quarter revenues increased 22% from the year-ago period, earnings declined from last year's profit of one penny, mainly due to higher operating expenses.

Third quarter revenues came in at $54 million. Revenues included $4.6 million from Axsun Technologies, Inc, which was acquired by Volcano in late 2008.

Although intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems sales declined 20% to $8.4 million, sales of IVUS disposables increased 15% to $31.3 million. Growth in the Japanese market remained strong at 22%. Meanwhile, the U.S. market recorded growth of 16% in IVUS disposable sales. Functional Measurement (FM) device sales increased a whopping 53% to $7.6 million, led by more than 75% growth in the U.S. and rest-of-the-world (ROW) countries.

Data presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) meeting showed

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 22, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Morgan Stanley (MS), Goldman Sachs (GS), St. Jude Medical, Inc. (STJ), Medtronic Inc. (MDT) and Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX).

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Here are highlights from Wednesday’s AnalystBlog:

Morgan Stanley Finally Profits

Morgan Stanley (MS) reported third-quarter 2009 income of $498 million this morning or 38 cents per share, compared with a loss of $159 million or $1.37 per share in the prior quarter and an income of $7.7 billion, or $7.38 per

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St. Jude Medical, Inc. (STJ) today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2009 before the market opened. Earnings per share came in at 59 cents, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 58 cents and the year-ago earnings of 54 cents. Sales Net sales in the reported quarter increased 7% year over year to approximately $1.2 billion. Excluding an unfavorable foreign exchange translation (FX), net sales increased 10% year over year. Growth was witnessed across all the business segments. However, the company’s domestic revenues were below expectation primarily due to lack of purchase of cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices by roughly 50 hospitals in the U.S. In terms of business segments: CRM revenues increased 2% year over year to $690 million. Growth was led by higher demand for both implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and pacemaker. ICD revenues increased 2% year over year to ...

Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) yesterday reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 after the market close. Earnings per share were 19 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5 cents and the year-ago earnings by 3 cents. Sales Net sales in the quarter were $2.0 billion, increasing approximately 2% year over year. Excluding an unfavorable foreign currency translation (FX), net sales increased roughly 3% year over year. On a geographic basis, U.S. sales contributed roughly 58% of total revenues and increased 4% year over year. International sales increased 2% year over year. Growth in net sales can be attributed to higher demand for the company’s Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM), Endosurgery and Neuromodulation products, with revenues increasing 6%, 8%, and 21%, respectively, in these segments. This was partly offset by lower sales of Cardiovascular, Neurovascular and Electrophysiology products. In the CRM space, ...

Medtronic, Inc. (MDT) yesterday reported positive results from the study of the safety and effectiveness of the company’s INFUSE Bone Graft compared to autogenous bone graft when used in maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Results indicated that INFUSE Bone Graft are equally effective as autogenous bone graft for sinus lifts, a common dental surgical procedure. Additionally, INFUSE Bone Graft avoids harvesting autogenous bone -- that is, bone taken from the patient’s body -- and thereby eliminates the associated morbidity, cost and increased surgical time. The bone generated by INFUSE Bone Graft is normal, mature and 100% viable with no residual graft material. It has been estimated that roughly 100,000 patients in the U.S. are indicated for a sinus lift augmentation to place dental implants. Severe bone loss results mainly from disease, trauma or genetic defects. We think that the new device brings an alternative treatment option ...

The global medical devices industry is fairly large and is valued at roughly $223 billion, with the U.S. accounting for approximately 41%. The industry is divided into different categories such as Cardiology, Oncology, Neuro, Orthopedic, Aesthetic Devices and Healthcare IT. In the medical devices space, we recommend that investors focus on companies providing life-sustaining products. These companies provide a strong recurring stream of revenues as patients are unable to forego these products. Furthermore, investors should allocate funds to companies with high-earnings-quality profiles. Large companies with a wide portfolio of products are also better poised for good returns. These companies are capable of withstanding the current economic recession. Another area which is interestingly poised for growth these days is Healthcare IT. The landscape has changed since the Obama Administration passed a health care stimulus package to encourage hospitals and physicians practices to modernize their health record keeping. ...