PODCAST · technology
DeviceTalks Weekly
by DeviceTalks Podcast Network
Hosted by Tom Salemi, DeviceTalks Weekly is the foundational podcast for the entire DeviceTalks Podcast Network. The series delivers weekly news, insights, and commentary from MedTech industry leaders, keeping the medical device industry in the know and inspiring medical technology professionals to build better MedTech devices and companies.
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Ep 304 - J&J MedTech's Polyphonic Lead Explains Why Surgical Intelligence Is the Next Big Shift in the OR
In this episode, MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker interviews Shan Jegatheeswaran, Global President, Polyphonic, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, about what’s to come after the transformation brought to the operating room by digital surgery and robotics. Jegatheeswaran reports that a new wave of surgical intelligence could take that transformation much further by connecting devices, data, AI and clinicians across the entire perioperative pathway. Jegatheeswaran explains why the biggest challenges may no longer be technological. Interoperability, economic incentives, governance, change management and trust all have to evolve alongside AI and connected medical devices. We’ll open the episode with this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers – Petal Surgical, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Zimmer Biomet and Abbott. This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks West. Go to west.devicetalks.com. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:09:55) - Petal Surgical says its first-in-human incisionless surgery is coming soon and offers a first glimpse of its system(00:12:10) - Boston Scientific could miss guidance over cybersecurity incident(00:15:02) - Medtronic veteran joins Teleflex’s board(00:17:14) - Zimmer Biomet lets go of former Nevro CEO amid leadership restructuring(00:19:32) - Abbott earns FDA approval for new dual-energy ablation catheter(00:22:46) - Shan Jegatheeswaran, Global President, Polyphonic, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
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Ep 303 - Xeltis CEO Schutte on Building a Business Around Tech that Helps the Body Build New Blood Vessels
In this episode, Host Tom Salemi sits down with Eliane Schutte, CEO of Xeltis, to discuss a remarkable biomaterial designed to help the body grow its own living blood vessels. Schutte explains how the technology is being used for dialysis patients today and how it could eventually transform coronary bypass surgery, peripheral vascular care and even heart valve replacement. In the FOMO studio, Tom speaks with Katie Grant, VP of MR at Siemens Healthineers North America, about the global helium supply and why the MRI industry is working to reduce its reliance on the increasingly precious gas. They explore how new magnet designs could make MRI systems lighter, more accessible and easier to install in new locations. As always, we’ll open the podcast with the top stories from MassDevice in Newmarker’s Newsmakers, delivered by MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker. This week, Chris covers Medtronic’s major investment in surgical robotics, Enovis’ acquisition of eCential Robotics, Stryker’s move to strengthen its shoulder portfolio, the rebranding of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and job shifts at Zoll Medical. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:04:35) - Zoll Medical is closing a California facility(00:07:33) - Stryker to acquire ZuriMed to boost shoulder offerings(00:09:35) - Enovis to acquire eCential Robotics for €155 million, plans to bring surgical robot to market(00:11:58) - J&J MedTech is rebranding Shockwave Medical(00:14:06) - Medtronic invests $780M in two companies amid Street-beating Q2(00:14:08) - Keynote Interview – Eliane Schutte, CEO, Xeltis(00:17:10) - FOMO – The State of Helium in MR – Katie Clark, Siemens Healthineers
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Ep 302 - Inner Logic CEO Porras explains how autonomous surgery can save us from looming surgeon shortage
In this podcast episode, Tito Porras, MD, MBA, CEO and co-founder of startup Inner Logic, shares his unusual path to MedTech entrepreneurship with Host Tom Salemi. Dr. Porras was training to become a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins when he began questioning the limits of surgeon training. He realized that even better training wouldn't solve the larger problem: there aren't enough surgeons to provide the care patients need. That realization eventually led Porras to entrepreneurship and Inner Logic, which is developing intelligence and simulation infrastructure that can help develop devices with greater autonomy. Porras explains the difference between automation and autonomy, how AI can help devices perceive and adapt to what's happening during a procedure, and why this technology could eventually expand access to surgical care. Dr. Porras also discusses Inner Logic's work with virtual patients and synthetic data, the potential for autonomy across endovascular, orthopedic and surgical applications, and why the future of autonomous surgery will likely arrive through a series of incremental steps rather than one dramatic leap. MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker kicks off the podcast with Newmarker's Newsmakers, covering the FDA, Haemonetics, Senseonics, Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Medtronic. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:06:15) - Trump nominates policy aide as next FDA commissioner(00:09:28) - Haemonetics reconnects with CSL in US plasma collection deal(00:13:22) - Senseonics sees activist investor take a major stake(00:16:08) - Johnson & Johnson wins FDA clearance for new robotic bronchoscopy software(00:17:45) - Medtronic faces potential injunction in Applied Medical case(00:22:26) - Keynote Interview – Tito Porras, MD, CEO and Co-Founder of Inner Logic
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Ep 301 - Medtronic’s Grubb on Bringing a Structuralist Perspective to a Growing Structural Heart Portfolio
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Host Tom Salemi welcomes Kendra Grubb, MD, vice president and chief medical officer of Medtronic’s Structural Heart business. Dr. Grubb fulfilled her childhood ambition of becoming a cardiac surgeon and an interventionalist.In this episode, Dr. Grubb discusses how structural heart has transformed over the past two decades and why she believes the field is approaching another major disruption. She explores the future of transcatheter therapies, the growing role of AI, imaging and robotics, the challenge of treating more patients, and how Medtronic is building a broader structural heart portfolio.Dr. Grubb also shares her unusual journey from cardiac surgeon and academic leader to medtech executive and explains why she believes the next generation of structural heart technology must make advanced therapies more accessible to more patients.This episode is sponsored by Cortland Biomedical. Go to https://www.cortlandbiomedical.com/ to see their work in the structural heart space.MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker delivers this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers – Alcon, Intuitive, Cook Medical, CVRx, and GE HealthCare.To register for Medical Design & Outsourcing’s Min-Vasive MedTech Webinar Series, go here: https://gateway.on24.com/wcc/experience/elitewtwhmedia/2927718/4415899/medical-design-outsourcing. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe
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Ep 300 - How Mobia Medical’s Stroke Recovery Mission Muscled It Past MedTech’s Public Market Malaise
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly podcast, Mobia Medical CEO Richard Foust explains how the “magical” qualities of the company's neurotechnology helped steer it toward an IPO. Mobia Medical’s implantable pulse generator promotes motor skill recovery in patients who have suffered a stroke. The company’s early commercial success has generated modest revenue, but Foust tells host Tom Salemi that “not all revenue is the same,” explaining why a large, untapped and growing market won over venture capital investors a few years ago and public investors this spring. MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker returns with another edition of Newmarker’s Newsmakers. Tom and Chris repeatedly lament the departure of former Senior Editor Sean Whooley, who recently left MassDevice to pursue other opportunities. Despite his departure, Sean’s reporting remains front and center, as he wrote all five featured stories covering Danaher, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Integer, Teleflex, and private equity investors. Special thanks to our sponsors of MassDevice’s Diabetes Technology Innovations Special Report: Cadence, Jabil, and Viant Medical! Download the complimentary report here: https://www.massdevice.com/diabetes-technology-innovations-special-report-2026/ *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe
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Ep 299 - Surgical Robotics Recap: Steve Bell on SRS, Karl Storz’s Gaudet and Sovato CEO Brian Miller
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly podcast, we tackle a range of topics related to the surgical robotics industry. In our keynote conversation, Brian Miller, formerly of Intuitive and now CEO of Sovato, discusses the potential of telesurgery, a promising capability of surgical robotic systems that could save lives while reducing costs and improving efficiency across the healthcare system. In our FOMO interview, Christy Gaudet, global head of solutions at Karl Storz, explains the company's decision to discontinue the Asensus Surgical robotics systems and focus on the often under-appreciated art of imaging. Finally, surgical robotics expert Steve Bell shares his top five newsmakers from the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) Annual Meeting, including Ottava, AI, and humanoid surgical robots. Host Tom Salemi also interviews Jim Leonard, vice president of sales at Harmonic Drive, the sponsor of this episode. Visit http://HarmonicDrive.net for more information. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe
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Ep 298 - Is Fractyl poised to create a new MedTech market by helping former GLP-1 users keep weight off?
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Host Tom Salemi is joined by Harith Rajagopalan, MD, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Fractyl Health. Dr. Rajagopalan explains why Fractyl shifted its focus from treating type 2 diabetes to helping former GLP-1 users maintain their weight loss with Revita, an outpatient endoscopic procedure designed to target the root causes of metabolic disease in the duodenum. He also shares new clinical data, the strategy behind Fractyl's pivotal trial, the company's commercialization plans, and why he believes metabolic endoscopy could become an entirely new category of care. This episode is brought to you by the DeviceTalks Interventional Innovations series, July 28-30th. To register for this complimentary series, click here. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:01:35) - Keynote Interview - Harith Rajagopalan, MD, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Fractyl Health(00:06:26) - Starting with Back of the Napkin Idea(00:18:45) - Why patients are enthusiastic(00:24:35) - The Parallels to Renal Denervation(00:29:40) - Commercial Plans, Pivotal Trials & What's Next
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Ep 297 - J&J MedTech’s Devi Govender wants to change the lives – and the language – of heart recovery patients
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Managing Editor Kayleen Brown sits down with Johnson & Johnson MedTech Heart Recovery Worldwide President Devi Govender at DeviceTalks Boston. Govender shares how a deeply personal family experience shaped her mission to transform cardiovascular care. She reflects on Abiomed's integration into Johnson & Johnson, the evolution of heart recovery therapies, and why the industry must shift its mindset from treating "heart failure" to enabling "heart recovery." The discussion explores patient-centered innovation, AI, clinical evidence, and the power of combining technologies, data, and advocacy to redefine the future of cardiovascular care for patients around the world. This episode is sponsored by Freudenberg Medical. Listen for a conversation with Shane Healy, Senior Director of Technology. Visit FreudenbergMedical.com for more information. We'll kick off this episode with Newmarker's Newsmakers. Host Tom Salemi and MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker revisit the top MedTech stories of the week: Zeta Surgical, Hologic, Medtronic, Fractyl Health, and Vicarious Surgical. --- Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast platforms, and subscribe to YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks so you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Subscribe today at [https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe](https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe). Chapters (00:09:10) - Zeta wins FDA clearance for TMS robotic stereotactic system(00:13:01) - Private equity firms reportedly set $4B price on Hologic Surgical unit(00:15:03) - Medtronic, FDA pick up legal victories in spinal cord stimulator suits(00:16:20) - Fractyl Health says its single-catheter treatment maintained most GLP-1 weight loss(00:22:17) - Vicarious Surgical's board wants to shut down and liquidate the robotics developer
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Ep 296 - XCATH’s Eduardo Fonseca on Building a Mission Driven Culture Behind a Robotic Stroke Revolution
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Host Tom explores the breakthrough technologies—and the unique culture—driving one of MedTech's most ambitious missions with XCATH CEO Eduardo Fonseca. The conversation goes well beyond robotics. Fonseca explains why XCATH hires for humility as much as talent, how a culture of relentless experimentation and "carefrontation" fuels innovation, and why great MedTech companies are built by teams, not lone geniuses. You'll also hear the remarkable story behind XCATH's first remote robotic stroke procedure. Fonseca recounts the years of preparation, the high-stakes operation, and the emotional moment when a patient facing severe disability walked away with what he calls "a second birthday." Along the way, Tom and Eduardo discuss AI's growing role in surgery, the global shortage of stroke specialists, the future of robotic intervention, and why expanding access—not simply advancing technology—is the company's ultimate goal. MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker returns to deliver this episode’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers – MDUFA, Corza Medical, Resmed, GTCR, Zimmer Biomet, Pacira Biosciences, and Johnson & Johnson MedTech. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:08:36) - FDA releases draft MDUFA VI agreement outlining proposed legislation and program changes(00:12:50) - Resmed to sell MatrixCare software business to private equity firm for $490M/ GTCR to divest Biosurgery unit of Corza Medical(00:15:58) - Medtronic’s chief sustainability officer is departing(00:17:55) - Zimmer Biomet to pay up to $140M for Iovera nerve therapy tech from Pacira BioSciences(00:19:56) - Johnson & Johnson wins FDA approval for ThermoCool SmartTouch dual-energy ablation system
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Ep 295 - Can Calyxo CEO Catanese Lead New Company Down Familiar Tract to Build Another Urology Powerhouse
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, host Tom Salemi is reassured by his conversation with Joe Catanese, CEO of Calyxo, a urology startup that has developed a system designed to simplify kidney stone removal. Catanese previously helped build Neotract, a urology startup that was acquired by Teleflex for more than $1 billion. Now, he's leading another potential gamechanger and may have his sights set on an IPO. Speaking of gamechangers, HistoSonics continues to shatter fundraising expectations. The company recently completed a financing round that valued it at $3.75 billion. In this week's FOMO interview, HistoSonics President and CEO Mike Blue speaks with MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker during a keynote conversation at DeviceTalks Minnesota. In this excerpt, Blue reflects on the company's first major fundraising round, which attracted high-profile investors including Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel, and shares his perspective on just how large the opportunity for histotripsy could become. But first, Tom and Jim Hammerand, managing editor of Medical Design & Outsourcing, discuss AI—or LLMs, or whatever term you prefer. Is the hype beginning to fade? And what should the industry make of the recent announcement from Midjourney Medical? *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:05:29) - AI Talk with Jim Hammerand, managing editor, Medical Design & Outsourcing(00:24:46) - DeviceTalks Minnesota interview excerpt - Mike Blue, CEO and President, Histosonics(00:41:44) - Keynote Interview with Joe Catanese, CEO and President, Calyxo
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Ep 294 - Reeve Stoffer Explains Why a Reset Might Have Been the Best Thing for Recor Medical and Renal Denervation
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Host Tom Salemi visits his MedTech happy place — renal denervation — with Recor Medical COO Helen Reeve Stoffer. Reeve Stoffer joined the company shortly before the bottom fell out of the renal denervation market in 2014. This interview picks up from that point and follows Recor's pursuit of FDA approval to where denervation technology may be applied next. This week’s FOMO features a portion of a keynote interview with Manny Villafaña, MedTech legend and CEO of Medical 21. The conversation took place at DeviceTalks Minnesota and focuses on the dream that saved St. Jude Medical. Skyler Rivera, associate editor of MassDevice, gives us a preview of her upcoming feature in Medical Design & Outsourcing magazine on the race to provide telesurgery capabilities to surgical robotic systems. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:02:42) - Associate Editor Skyler Rivera's path the MedTech (and MassDevice)(00:06:00) - MDO covers the race for robotic telesurgery platforms in stroke(00:11:12) - Rivera reviews the race leaders(00:16:30) - FOMO Studio - Manny Villafana, MedTech Legend and CEO of Medical 21(00:28:19) - Keynote Interview - Helen Reeve Stoffer, COO, Recor Medical
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Ep 293 - Intuitive's Hutton on Why the Surgical Robotics Leader Is Taking Aim at Cardiac Surgery Again
In this episode, Host Tom Salemi is joined by Darla Hutton, Intuitive’s global vice president of cardiac surgery, to discuss the surgical robotics giant’s return to cardiac surgery. Intuitive famously aimed for the heart at its outset but pivoted when cardiac surgery proved too complicated. Today, heart patients and surgeons are pushing for minimally invasive procedures, and Hutton, a former cardiac surgery OR nurse, has been tapped to lead the company’s push into an increasingly competitive specialty. But first, Harmonic Drive’s Bill Frey, regional sales engineer, joins us in the FOMO Studio. Go to HarmonicDrive.net for more information. Filling in for MassDevice’s Chris Newmarker, Senior Editor Sean Whooley wraps up the five biggest stories to come out of the American Diabetes Association meeting — Abbott, Senseonics, Sequel, Dexcom, and Insulet. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:04:43) - Abbott studies reinforce DKA opportunity following dual sensor milestone(00:07:13) - Senseonics study supports Eversense 365 CGM with automated insulin delivery tech(00:09:20) - Sequel Med Tech data supports twiist automated insulin delivery in type 2 diabetes(00:11:18) - Dexcom study highlights benefits of G7 CGM in non-insulin type 2 diabetes(00:13:01) - Insulet data backs Omnipod 6, fully closed-loop AID systems(00:16:29) - FOMO Studio - Bill Frey, regional sales engineer, Harmonic Drive(00:27:14) - Keynote Interview - Darla Hutton, Global Vice President, Cardiac Surgery Intuitive
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Ep 292 - Lisa Earnhardt on Abbott’s Innovation Strategy and the Future of Patient-Centered Care
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Host Tom Salemi interviews Lisa Earnhardt, Executive Vice President and Group, President, Medical Devices, Abbott. Earnhardt shared her views on Abbott’s advances in electrophysiology, pacemakers, and other technologies in this interview, which was conducted at DeviceTalks Minnesota. In our sponsor interview ATL Medical CEO Jim Fitzgerald unpacks the meaning of its Manufacturing for Life philosophy with Managing Editor Kayleen Brown. For more information go to www.ATLMedical.com. To find the blog mentioned in the interview, go here. But we’ll start off with MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker with this week’s Newsmakers – Philips, Disney, Neurovalens, Edwards, Insulet and Medtronic. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:06:00) - Philips, Disney partner to improve MRI experience for children(00:09:40) - Neurovalens earns FDA nod for neuromod for PTSD(00:12:55) - Edwards gets FDA nod for Triformis Resilia surgical tricuspid valve replacement(00:14:22) - Insulet initiates another Omnipod 5 recall affecting 7 million devices including some Dash, Eros systems(00:17:01) - Medtronic sees best revenue growth in 10 years, but overall Q4 mixed
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Ep 291 - DeviceTalks Boston Wrap Up with the Editors (and Many Special Guests!)
In this episode, the editorial team shares their highlights and lessons from two great days at DeviceTalks Boston. Tom Salemi, Kayleen Brown, Chris Newmarker, Jim Hammerand, Sean Whooley and Skyler Rivera highlighted discussions on new technologies, personal stories, Boston’s ecosystem, and the power of MedTech. Joining them on the panel were special guests Saul Marquez of the Outcomes Rocket, Etienne Nichols of Greenlight Guru and Holly Scott of The Mullings Group. 3:51 – Happy Birthday Kayleen Brown! 5:13 – MassDevice Executive Editor Chris Newmarker – Power of the Personal Story 9:25 - Senior Editor Sean Whooley – Analyzing Boston’s exceptionalism 11:10 -Associate Editor Skyler Rivera – Women in MedTech breakfast 14:05 – DeviceTalks Managing Editor Kayleen Brown -Designing for Reality/ Flipping the Script 17:28 - MDO Managing Editor Jim Hammerand – News Team Assembled! 20:10 – Saul Marquez, Outcomes Rocket – Importance of Conferences 24:16 – Etienne Nichols, Greenlight Guru – Why Making a Difference Matters 28:22 – 32:10 – Tom Salem – We Must Pay it Forward, New MedTech modalities *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Chapters (00:03:51) - Happy Birthday Kayleen Brown!(00:05:13) - MassDevice Executive Editor Chris Newmarker – Power of the Personal Story(00:09:25) - Senior Editor Sean Whooley – Analyzing Boston’s exceptionalism(00:11:10) - Associate Editor Skyler Rivera – Women in MedTech breakfast(00:14:05) - DeviceTalks Managing Editor Kayleen Brown -Designing for Reality/ Flipping the Script(00:17:28) - MDO Managing Editor Jim Hammerand – News Team Assembled!(00:20:10) - Saul Marquez, Outcomes Rocket – Importance of Conferences(00:26:16) - Etienne Nichols, Greenlight Guru – Why Making a Difference Matters(00:28:22) - Holly Scott, Senior Partner, The Mullings Group – Serendipity and MedTech Innovators(00:32:10) - Tom Salemi – We Must Pay it Forward, New MedTech modalities
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Ep 290 - Axoft is building a BCI success story in Massachusetts; MassMEDIC's Johnson on MedTech’s future
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Host Tom Salemi speaks with Axoft CEO and co-founder Paul Le Floch about the future of brain-computer interfaces and the material science breakthroughs powering the next generation of neural implants. Le Floch shares how his background in materials science led to the development of “Fleuron,” Axoft’s soft, flexible implant material designed to better match the brain’s delicate tissue and reduce long-term damage caused by traditional rigid implants. The conversation explores the challenges facing the BCI industry, including device durability, signal stability, and the difficulty of commercializing implantable neurotechnology. Le Floch also discusses Axoft’s focus on treating disorders of consciousness, its collaboration with Mass General Hospital, the company’s recent $55 million Series A financing, and why Massachusetts remains both an ideal — and expensive — place to build a deep-tech MedTech startup. In our FOMO Studio, Salemi sits down with MassMEDIC President Brian Johnson and Holly Scott of The Mullings Group to preview DeviceTalks Boston and explore the state of the Massachusetts MedTech ecosystem. Johnson reflects on MassMEDIC’s 30th anniversary, the evolution of DeviceTalks, and why Massachusetts remains one of the world’s leading hubs for medical technology innovation. The conversation covers the region’s deep strengths in robotics, orthopedics, organ transplantation, and cardiovascular technology, along with the challenges startups face in securing early-stage funding and navigating tariffs and manufacturing shifts. And of course we start of with MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker's top news from the pages of MassDevice - Cagent Vascular, BD, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Endologix, Surmodics and Boston Scientific. Join us May 27-28th at DeviceTalks Boston. Visit Boston.DeviceTalks.com for the full agenda and speakers. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:04:41) - Cagent Vascular reports first-in-human IVL cases, closes $41M Series D(00:06:31) - BD taps former J&J leader as new president of Interventional(00:10:09) - Endologix acquires Pounce thrombectomy system from Surmodics(00:11:32) - Medtronic to acquire peripheral nerve stim developer SPR Therapeutics(00:13:30) - Boston Scientific invests $1.5B in TAVR developer MiRus, enters $2B share repurchase agreement(00:18:15) - FOMO Studio – Brian Johnson, President, MassMEDIC and Holly Scott, Senior Partner, The Mullings Group(00:33:03) - Keynote Converation – Paul Le Floch, CEO, Axoft
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Ep 289 - DeviceTalks Boston Preview Episode – Four of the Many Amazing Voices You’ll Hear May 27-28
In this special DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast episode, Host Tom Salemi previews the biggest conversations, technologies, and innovators heading to DeviceTalks Boston on May 27–28 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. First, Tom Salemi and Mike Moore, partner at The Mullings Group, visits with Christian Howell, CEO of Cognito Therapeutics. Howell will be speaking at DeviceTalks Boston about the neuro company’s clinical, fund-raising and partnering success. Howell also shares insights into Cognito’s partnerships with research institutions and the future of noninvasive therapies for neurodegenerative disease. He’ll be among the many speakers address Innovation & Investment at the conference, with others including the MedTech Innovator Open Rounds sessions and venture capital investors including Abby Hunter-Syed of Olympus Innovation Ventures and Maria Berkman, MD, of Vensana Capital. Tom and Holly Scott also speak with Dr. Sarah Matt, author of Borderless Healthcare Revolution, about the challenges of connected health adoption and why many health-tech pilots fail to scale. Matt previews her DeviceTalks Boston panel examining the “physician veto” and the barriers device makers face when introducing new digital health technologies into clinical environments. Several sessions at DeviceTalks Boston will address the challenges and opportunities of Connected Health including a keynote interview with Ashley McEvoy, CEO of Insulet, as well as presentations by Philips, Baxter and others. The episode also features a wide-ranging conversation with Mullings Group leaders Mike Moore and Holly Scott about the strength of the Massachusetts medtech ecosystem, the growth of surgical robotics, and the importance of conferences in building meaningful industry relationships. If you want to join us at DeviceTalks Boston, you can register at Boston.DeviceTalks.com. Use the code DTW25 to save 25% off the price of registration. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:03:40) - Mike Moore of The Mulling Group and Tom interview Christian Howell, CEO of Cognito Therapeutics(00:15:40) - Holly Scott of the Mullings Group and Tom interview Sarah Matt, MD, author of The Borderless Healthcare Revolution(00:22:30) - Holly, Mike and Tom breakdown the components of DeviceTalks Boston and the Massachusett.s MedTech industry
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Ep 288 - Perfuze CEO lays out the challenge – and the promise – of building a new stroke aspiration device
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Tom Salemi talks with Wayne Allen, the co-founder and CEO of Perfuze, an Irish company developing a novel new way of blood clot aspiration. Allen and his co-founder already executed one successful exit earlier in their careers. Can they find success again with Perfuze? This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks Boston. Go to Boston.DeviceTalks.com to register. Use the code DTW25 to save 25%. MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker opens up the podcast with this week’s top stories from the pages of MassDevice – Masimo, Danaher, ResMed, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and Medtronic. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:02:00) - Quick recap of DeviceTalks Minnesota(00:07:05) - MassDevice’s Orthopedic Device Companies Special Report for 2026(00:08:20) - Masimo shareholders give green light to $10B acquisition by Danaher(00:09:56) - ResMed enters merger agreement to acquire Noctrix Health for $340 million(00:14:03) - Johnson & Johnson says Ottava surgical robot met endpoints in pivotal bariatric surgery study(00:15:45) - Medtronic merges Cardiac Surgery, Aortic units into Cardiovascular Surgery business(00:19:45) - FOMO Studio – Yossi Bar, CEO, LEM Surgical(00:31:22) - Keynote Interview- Wayne Allen, CEO, Perfuze
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Ep 287 - Here’s why YOU should join us at DeviceTalks Minnesota on May 4
In this episode, Host Tom Salemi and Holly Scott, senior partner at The Mullings Group, preview the upcoming DeviceTalks Minnesota agenda. Join us on May 4 at the McNamara Alumni Center! If you haven’t registered, use the code DTW25 to save 25% off the price of registration, visit https://minnesota.devicetalks.com/. MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker also delivers this week’s top newsmakers on the pages of MassDevice—HRS 2026, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Medtronic, and Teleflex. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:07:25) - The top cardiac tech stories out of HRS 2026(00:09:03) - Johnson & Johnson launches head-to-head PFA trial pitting Varipulse against Boston Scientific’s Farapulse(00:10:16) - Stryker results miss after Q1 cyberattack; company sticks with guidance(00:11:43) - Medtronic discloses cybersecurity breach in certain IT systems(00:15:30) - Teleflex picks Medtronic Coronary & Renal Denervation leader Weidman as new CEO
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Ep 286 - SetPoint’s CEO Simhambhatla gives DT Minn preview on bringing neurotechnologies to new markets
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, SetPoint Medical CEO Murthy Simhambhatla gives listeners an audio glimpse of what attendees at DeviceTalks Minnesota will hear during the Bringing NeuroTechnologies to New Markets panel. As he explains in this interview, Simhambhatla—an experienced MedTech executive—was initially skeptical of SetPoint’s potential after being invited to lead the company. But the more he read, the more he became convinced the vagal stimulator could help fight inflammation. “Cytokines don’t lie,” he said. Today, SetPoint Medical has FDA approval, is building a commercial plan, and is considering future financing, including a possible IPO. This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks Minnesota. Go to Minnesota.DeviceTalks.com to see the agenda. Remember to use the code DTM25 to save 25% on new registrations. We also get a visit to our FOMO Studios from Saul Marquez, CEO of Outcome Rocket, a market research and end-to-end marketing execution agency that helps medtech and health tech organizations grow their impact and accelerate growth. See more and download the report we discuss here: https://www.outcomesrocket.com/ Finally, MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker shares this week’s top newsmakers from MassDevice—Abbott, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Pulnovo, and CathWorks. ***Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:09:23) - 5 next-gen heart valve replacement companies you need to know(00:11:35) - Abbott completes enrollment in IVL study(00:13:50) - Johnson & Johnson MedTech to launch new AI module for EP mapping(00:15:10) - Boston Scientific cuts 2026 guidance despite Q1 beats(00:17:12) - Medtronic leads $100M financing for artery denervation tech developer Pulnovo Medical(00:18:20) - Medtronic completes $585M CathWorks acquisition(00:23:34) - FOMO Studio: Saul Marquez, CEO, Outcomes Rocket(00:38:19) - Keynote Conversation: SetPoint Medical CEO Murthy Simhambhatla
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Ep 285 - Michael Carter Explains how robotics, AI, and navigation tech are reshaping Medtronic CST’s mission
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Host Tom Salemi interviews Michael Carter, SVP, President, Cranial & Spinal Technologies about the company’s deployment of robotics, AI and other tech. Managing Editor Kayleen Brown hosts Etienne Nichols, Head of Industry Insights & Education, Greenlight Guru, on this weeks’ FOMO. MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker highlights the MassDevice newsmakers – Stereotaxis, Robocath, Prosomnus, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Avanos Medical, Stryker and Amplitude Vascular Systems. Thanks to Greenlight Guru for sitting in our FOMO studio! Download its QMSR readiness playbook, it's everything you need to get compliant with QMSR, all in one place: https://www.greenlight.guru/qmsr-readiness-playbook-free-download If you haven’t registered for DeviceTalks Minnesota or DeviceTalks Boston, use the code DTW25 to save 25% *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:01:25) - Discount code to attend DeviceTalks events(00:03:11) - Newmarker's Newsmakers(00:05:25) - Stereotaxis to acquire Robocath for up to $45M(00:09:02) - ProSomnus gets FDA nod for latest sleep apnea therapy device(00:12:08) - Johnson & Johnson ups 2026 outlook on Q1 beats, MedTech sales rise 7.7%(00:15:11) - Avanos Medical agrees to be acquired by private equity firm in $1.3B deal(00:16:22) - Stryker makes IVL play with agreement to acquire Amplitude Vascular Systems(00:18:36) - FOMO Guest: Etienne Nichols, Head of Industry Insights & Education, Greenlight Guru(00:31:55) - Keynote Interview- Michael Carter, SVP President, Cranial & Spinal Technologies, Medtronic
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Ep 284 - OrthAlign CEO Eric Timko on the Opportunity for Fast Followers in Surgical Robotics
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, OrthAlign CEO Eric Timko explains how he’s built two successful companies in the wake of surgical robotics’ rise in orthopedics. He also shares sage advice from his father—words that ultimately led him to a career in medical devices.This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks Minnesota. Register at Minnesota.DeviceTalks.com and use the code DTW25 to save 25% off registration.In this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers, Host Tom Salemi shares his experience from MedTech Innovator’s Radar Forum. Then he and Chris Newmarker review the biggest news on MassDevice: Stryker, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Intuitive, Baxter, and the Transcatheter Heart Valves Special Report. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:02:30) - MedTech Innovator Radar Forum(00:09:30) - MassDevice’s Transcatheter Heart Valves Special Report(00:11:08) - Stryker operations fully restored after cyberattack(00:14:55) - Johnson & Johnson brings next-gen Varipulse PFA catheter to Europe(00:16:30) - Former Intuitive EVP Brian Miller joins Sovato as CEO(00:21:18) - Former Baxter CEO takes the corner office at Hologic as go-private deal closes(00:26:20) - Keynote interview: Eric Timko, CEO, OrthAlign
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Ep 283 - New Pharaoh CEO Amaza Reitmeier explains why now’s the time to take a leap and lead a CSF startup
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly podcast, Amaza Reitmeier shares with Host Tom Salemi why she left the company she never thought she’d leave — Medtronic — to lead Pharaoh Neuro, a company developing a novel approach to treating stroke patients by removing harmful blood from cerebrospinal fluid. Reitmeier shares lessons from her own career and her mentors on timing big moves, learning what you don’t know, and why some of MedTech’s biggest opportunities remain hidden in plain sight. This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks Minnesota. Register at Minnesota.DeviceTalks.com and use the code DTW25 to save 25% off the registration fee. Salemi and MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker offer encouragement to exercising listeners while delivering this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers — including updates on cardiology companies, HistoSonics, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Abbott, the Mayo Clinic, and WHOOP. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:08:12) - The biggest cardiology tech stories out of ACC 2026(00:11:45) - HistoSonics kicks off study using Edison histotripsy system in BPH(00:14:20) - Boston Scientific completes Valencia Technologies acquisition(00:16:00) - Johnson & Johnson MedTech shares findings for Impella CP in left ventricle support(00:16:27) - Abbott joins $575M funding round for wearable maker WHOOP(00:22:20) - Keynote Interview, Amaza Reitmeier, CEO, Pharaoh Neuro
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Ep 282 - Why Medtronic is leaning into AI, new technology, and partnerships to expand monitoring reach
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Medtronic’s Blake Tatum, Vice President of U.S. Commercial for Acute Care & Monitoring, joins Host Tom Salemi to unpack the evolving patient monitoring landscape. Tatum shares how Medtronic is integrating sensors, data, and digital health to support clinicians from the ICU to the home, why partnerships are reshaping the competitive playbook, and how lessons from the pandemic are driving a new focus on accuracy, equity, and connectivity in care delivery. This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks Minnesota. Go to Minnesota.Devicetalks.com to check out the amazing agenda! Then Salemi and MassDevice editor Chris Newmarker review this week’s MedTech newsmakers including surgical robotics, Abbott, Stryker, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:05:15) - 10 surgical robotics companies you need to know (Go to MassDevice.com to download the report)(00:08:09) - Abbott completes Exact Sciences acquisition(00:09:37) - Stryker reportedly brings most services affected by cyberattack back online(00:11:20) - Boston Scientific has reportedly had pacemaker battery problems for years(00:14:01) - Round up of Medtronic News(00:21:30) - Keynote interview with Medtronic’s Blake Tatum
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Ep 281 - Distalmotion CEO explains how Dexter fits into an evolving view on surgical robotics
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Distalmotion CEO Greg Roche updates Host Tom Salemi on the surgical robotics company’s commercial roll out of Dexter, a robotic system designed for ambulatory surgery centers. Roche shares the lessons he’s learned after a decade in surgical robotics and why he’s particularly optimistic about his company’s outcome. You can hear Greg Roche’s first appearance on the podcast right here: https://www.devicetalks.com/why-distalmotions-roche-sees-dexters-small-size-as-big-advantage-in-the-robotics-surgical-market/ This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks Boston. Register at Boston.DeviceTalks.com. Use the code DTW25 to save 25% off the registration price. Rachel Robinson, COO of MassMEDIC, joins the MassDevice Newmarker’s Newsmakers with Salemi and Editor Chris Newmarker – Stryker, CMR Surgical, Revolve Surgical, JenaValve, and MassDevice’s Surgical Robotics Special Report for 2026. You can download the report with 70+ profiles of surgical robotics companies here - https://www.massdevice.com/surgical-robotics-special-report-2026/ Robinson also welcomes listeners to attend MassMEDIC’s Symposium & Gala on April 2. Go to MassMEDIC.com to see the agenda and to register. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:04:15) - MassMEDIC COO Rachel Robinson discusses the Medtech Impact Symposium & Gala(00:10:05) - MassDevice’s Surgical Robotics Special Report for 2026(00:11:58) - Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo joins GE HealthCare board of directors(00:14:35) - CMR Surgical, Nvidia collab to train next-gen surgical robots(00:18:02) - Revolve Surgical wins FDA clearance for surgical robot(00:21:00) - JenaValve wins FDA nod for Trilogy heart valve system(00:35:45) - Keynote Interview – Greg Roche, CEO, Distalmotion
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Ep 280 - CEO Stephen From Is Building Tested Strategies into a New Plan to Put Vicarious Surgical Back on Track
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly podcast, Stephen From, the new CEO of Vicarious Surgical, explains why he jumped the chasm from biotech to lead surgical robotics company Vicarious Surgical. From brings years of experience bringing products to market and he lays out the plan for Vicarious’s single-incision robot to Host Tom Salemi. Next, Salemi interviews Bill Frey, Regional Sales Engineer, Harmonic Drive, about the unique challenges of surgical robotics. For more information about Harmonic Drive, go to www.harmonicdrive.net. But we’ll start off with Salemi and MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker discussing this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers – Petal Surgical, Abbott, Stryker, and Medtronic. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:02:50) - Chris and Tom talk turkeys(00:06:20) - Incisionless surgical robot developer Petal Surgical adds more funding, Fred Moll joins board(00:09:50) - Abbott completes $20B offering for Exact Sciences buy(00:12:02) - Stryker launches SmartHospital platform to elevate care delivery(00:15:00) - Stryker reportedly hit with Iran-backed cyberattack(00:16:41) - Medtronic makes neurovascular play with $550M Scientia Vascular buy(00:18:55) - FOMO - Bill Frey, Regional Sales Engineer, Harmonic Drive(00:30:05) - Keynote Conversation, Stephen From, CEO, Vicarious Surgical
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Ep 279 - How Stryker’s Smart Hospital platform is supporting professionals on healthcare’s frontlines
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly podcast, Jessica Mathieson, president of Stryker’s medical business, takes Host Tom Salemi to the frontlines of healthcare, where hospitals are seeking support for healthcare professionals. Mathieson will explain how the acquisitions of Vocera and Care AI have enabled Stryker to build a comprehensive communications and monitoring tool that can keep nurses safe while improving patient care. Find Mathieson’s first visit to DeviceTalks here: https://www.stryker.com/us/en/about/news/2022/acute-care-s-mathieson-explains-how-vocera-fits-into-stryker-s-g.html And as an added bonus, on Monday, March 9th, Stryker announced that it launched its new SmartHospital platform. Learn more here: https://www.massdevice.com/stryker-launches-smarthospital-platform-care-delivery/ In this week’s FOMO, Ignacio Pedrosa, Advanced Solutions Engineer at Novanta, talks with Kayleen Brown about the company’s work to make surgical robotic systems smaller, smarter and more capable. For more information, go to https://novanta.com. In this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers, MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker and Salemi talk about their favorite flavor of Girl Scout cookie. (Buy yours in the link below) before talking about the top stories of the week – Smith & Nephew, Science Corp., Boston Scientific, Medtronic and, in a bit of Meta-ness – an article about Jenny Barba’s appearance on the podcast two weeks ago! Go here to buy cookies from Chris’s daughter! - https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/stella590572 ***Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode.Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:05:42) - Smith+Nephew posts Q4 sales beat amid overall strategy shift(00:07:39) - 3 tips for first-time medtech entrepreneurs from a venture capital pro(00:09:51) - Science Corp. closes $230M Series C to support BCI tech(00:13:27) - Boston Scientific wins expanded CE mark for Farapulse in persistent AFib(00:17:01) - Medtronic, GE HealthCare expand strategic alliance(00:20:57) - FOMO – Ignacio Pedrosa, Advanced Solutions Engineer, Novanta(00:33:18) - Keynote Interview, Jessica Mathieson, President, Medical at Stryker
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Ep 278 - Armor Medical’s wearable could give earlier warnings of severe hemorrhaging before it’s too late
In this episode, Armor Medical Co-founder and CEO Kelsey Mayo shares her ultimate entrepreneurial journey. Mayo recognized early on that her career needed to make an impact, but the focus of her passion became clear after a frightening experience of her own. Today, she’s CEO of a startup building a wearable device that can serve as an early warning system for hemorrhaging. This could immediately protect the lives of women giving birth and ultimately replace guesswork with irrefutable data. Armor Medical won MedTech Innovator’s top award at AdvaMed in the fall. This episode is sponsored by DeviceTalks Minnesota. Speaking of MedTech Innovator, CEO Paul Grand joins Tom Salemi and Chris Newmarker to analyze this week’s top Newsmakers from MassDevice — DePuy Synthes, Medtronic, Pharaoh Neuro, Stryker, and Boston Scientific. Grand also introduced MedTech Innovator’s Radar Forum: https://medtechinnovator.org/radarforum2026/ *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode.Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:03:30) - MedTech Innovator Radar Forum(00:12:06) - Pharaoh Neuro raises $20M, names former Medtronic exec as CEO(00:15:05) - Medtronic MiniMed Diabetes unit prices IPO at up to $784M(00:20:40) - Medtronic wins CE mark for next-gen GI Genius module, ColonPRO software(00:22:50) - AHA, ACC issue guidelines for pulmonary embolism that affect Boston Scientific, Stryker(00:24:56) - Johnson & Johnson MedTech reportedly eyes $20B deal to sell DePuy Synthes ortho unit(00:34:13) - Keynote interview: Kelsey Mayo, Co-founder and CEO, Armor Medical
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Ep 277 - How one venture firm is working to unlock MedTech; Where J&J/Shockwave is taking IVL next
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Managing Editor Kayleen Brown takes the helm, leading a keynote interview with Jenny Barba, co-founder of Features Capital. Barba shares her path into venture capital, identifies winning strategies for start-ups, and highlights some of the more exciting companies in the Features Capital portfolio. A special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, SHL Healthcare, for supporting DeviceTalks! Go to www.shl-healthcare.com for more information. As a special bonus, download SHL Healthcare's complimentary white paper highlighting the outcomes of using the combination of advanced sewing, welding, and electromechanical assembly here: https://www.devicetalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SHL-Healthcare_Whitepaper_Integrated-Approach.pdf Kayleen Brown also leads our FOMO interview with Nick West, MD, chief medical officer of Shockwave Medical, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. They talk about the future calcium modification, intravascular lithotripsy, and the evolving treatment of vascular disease. We’ll start things off with Host Tom Salemi and Chris Newmarker of MassDevice reviewing the newsmakers of the week - BioVentrix, Medical 21, VB Spine, Augmedics, Medtronic, Danaher, and Masimo. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:06:47) - #5 BioVentrix & Medical 21 IPOs(00:10:24) - #4 VB Spine acquires Augmedics(00:11:35) - #3 Medtronic Stealth Access robotic system(00:13:14) - #4 Medtronic earnings & growth updates(00:17:00) - #1 Danaher to acquire Masimo(00:23:15) - FOMO Interview – Nick West, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Shockwave Medical, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech(00:23:42) - Part 1 of our interview with Per Bjorkman, Chief Commercial Officer, SHL Healthcare(00:41:31) - Keynote Interview, Jenny Barba, co-founder, Features Capital
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Ep 276 - Understanding The Unconventional Strategy That’s Driving Pulse Biosciences’ Recent Success
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Host Tom Salemi speaks with MedTech veteran Darrin Uecker about a career shaped by some of the industry’s most notable innovations and acquisitions. Uecker’s journey begins at Computer Motion, where he served as CTO through its historic acquisition by Intuitive Surgical. He recounts how that deal came together and traces the path that led him to senior leadership roles at multiple startups that ultimately achieved successful exits. Today, Uecker is chief technology officer at Pulse Biosciences, a small publicly traded company developing a next generation of pulsed-field ablation technology. He discusses the unconventional steps Pulse has taken to build its business, reviews the company’s latest clinical data, and shares his perspective on the future of the fast-moving PFA market. In our FOMO Interview, Ralph Kern, MD, chief medical officer of neuro startup Cognito Therapeutics, explains why he’s excited about technical advances in the field. He’s interviewed by Jim Hammerand, managing editor at Medical Design & Outsourcing magazine. As always we start the episode with MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker and his top 5 stories of the week….aka Newmarker’s Newsmakers. Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly! *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:04:15) - Karl Storz, Smith+Nephew partner on advanced surgical tech(00:06:32) - NextSense debuts brain activity-sensing headphones to improve sleep(00:11:17) - Medtronic stock gets a ratings boost on new products(00:12:40) - Johnson & Johnson MedTech has encouraging Omnypulse results, more data backs Varipulse(00:14:35) - Stryker says DOJ, SEC have closed bribery probes(00:16:40) - FOMO Interview – Ralph Kern, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Cognito Therapeutics(00:28:15) - Keynote Interview – Darrin Uecker, Chief Technology Officer, Pulse Biosciences(00:48:05) - The Pulse Biosciences stor
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Ep 275 - How CathWorks Drew from Many Voices to Improve Cardiac Care, Build a Quick Path to Acquisition
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, CathWorks CEO Ramin Mousavi explains how the company built a surprisingly fast path to acquisition.Founded in 2013, the startup was forced to go back to the drawing board. By incorporating LLMs and other advances, CathWorks developed a better way to diagnose heart disease—leading to a strategic investment from Medtronic in 2022 and a full acquisition announced this week.Mousavi also shares his personal path into MedTech, including the unlikely story of an Iranian-American leading an Israel-based startup. In a conversation with Host Tom Salemi, he reflects on how employees kept the company’s mission front and center through constant change.In this week’s FOMO, Managing Editor Kayleen Brown draws on her own experience with Type 2 diabetes to explore how Dexcom is using data and AI. She speaks with Girish Naganathan, EVP and Chief Technology Officer at Dexcom.Plus, MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker delivers Newmarker’s Newsmakers, featuring Medtronic, Siemens Healthineers, Stryker, Boston Scientific, and Applied Medical. Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly! *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:02:38) - State of Minnesota / Newmarker’s Newsmakers(00:08:00) - Medtronic Structural Heart President Nina Goodheart to retire(00:09:11) - Siemens Healthineers unveils $12M R&D facility in Ireland(00:12:10) - Stryker officials have high hopes for 2026 with Mako RPS(00:13:54) - Boston Scientific posts Q4 beats as sales rise 16%, stock dips as EP sales come up short(00:16:19) - Medtronic reportedly must pay Applied Medical $382M over antitrust suit(00:21:52) - FOMO Interview – Girish Naganathan, EVP, Chief Technology Officer, Dexcom(00:32:28) - Keynote Interview – Ramin Mousavi, President, CEO, CathWorks
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Ep 274 - Medtronic Neuro’s New CMO seeks impact over intimacy; Anteris' CEO lays out the path forward
In this week’s episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, neurosurgeon Adam Arthur, MD, explains why he’s trading surgical scrubs for the chance to help lead Medtronic’s Neurovascular business as its new chief medical officer. Dr. Arthur joins Host Tom Salemi to discuss how neurosurgery is reaching more patients today—and what it must do to expand its impact in the years ahead. Before the keynote interview, Managing Editor Kayleen Brown speaks with Brittany Mai of Confluent Medical Technologies about the future of neuro and minimally invasive surgery. Thank you to Confluent for sponsoring this week’s episode. Learn more at ConfluentMedical.com. At the top of the show, MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker talks with Wayne Paterson, CEO of Anteris Technologies, about the company’s new agreement with Medtronic and what it means for the future of TAVR. Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly! *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:03:38) - Chris Newmarker interviews Wayne Paterson, CEO of Anteris Technologies(00:06:10) - This is not your Father’s TAVR(00:08:00) - Terms of the Medtronic investment(00:25:30) - Kayleen Brown sits down with Brittany Mai of Confluent Medical(00:29:50) - How is minimally invasive technology changing?(00:31:28) - Keynote conversation – Adam Arthur, MD, new chief medical officer for Medtronic Neurovascular(00:35:30) - What makes a good neurosurgeon?(00:39:01) - Choosing impact over intimacy(00:44:50) - What do patients fear more than death?(00:49:45) - More focus needed on Women’s neurological health including chronic refractory migraine
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Ep 273 - Jupiter Endo Eyes Soft Answer for Hard Problem, Advancing New Strategies for MedTech Manufacturing
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Host Tom Salemi interviews Jupiter Endovascular CEO Carl St. Bernard about the “soft” design of the company's TFX technology, designed to simplify the complicated procedure of clearing cardiovascular blockages, including pulmonary artery embolisms. Jupiter is recording fundraising and clinical trials wins. St. Bernard shares what’s next. In this week’s FOMO, Kayleen Brown interviews Javier Olea, Life Science Segment Director at Averna about test and measurement in medical device manufacturing. Visit www.averna.com to learn more. We open the episode with this week’s Newsmakers compiled by MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker – Merge, OpenAI, Abbott, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Anteris Technologies. To register for our upcoming Cardiac Innovation series go here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5203526/B4EE367D76F7ECCAC132665B50E61A7C/5516160?partnerref=Podcast *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:06:00) - #5 - OpenAI invests in Sam Altman’s Merge Labs BCI startup(00:08:30) - #4 - Abbott picks up CE mark for TactiFlex dual-energy ablation catheter(00:11:27) - #3 - Johnson & Johnson MedTech sales up 7.5% in Q4(00:13:24) - #2 - Boston Scientific has a potentially serious Axios stent recall(00:15:00) - #1 - Medtronic to invest up to $90M in Anteris Technologies(00:21:20) - FOMO - Advancing Test & Measurement Strategies in MedTech Manufacturing with Javier Olea of Averna(00:32:50) - Keynote Interview: Carl St. Bernard, CEO, Jupiter Endovascular
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Ep 272 - Widening MedTech’s Wars Against Migraines, Cardiac Fibrillation
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Rob Binney, CEO of ShiraTronics, explains how the neurostimulation device is working to provide some relief for people suffering from chronic migraines. Binney’s career started in pharma, but he’s built a MedTech career at significant companies including AccessClosure, Intersect ENT before taking his first CEO role at Alydia Health. In our FOMO interview, Steven Mickelsen, MD, chief technology officer and founder of Field Medical, details the different challenges in taking on ventricular cardiac arrhythmias vs. atrial fibrillation where he built his monumental success. Dr. Mickelsen will also share Field Medical’s story at our DeviceTalks Cardiac Innovations Series taking place Feb 3-5. Register at DeviceTalks.com to watch live or on demand. MassDevice’s Chris Newmarker brings his Newmarker’s Newsmakers – Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Edwards Lifesciences, Distalmotion, Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific. *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:05:12) - Distalmotion secures funding from J&J to support Dexter rollout in ASCs(00:06:43) - Edwards gives up on $1.2B JenaValve acquisition(00:09:00) - Intuitive says daVinci systems ‘exceeded expectations,’ it wants more(00:11:12) - Medtronic has ‘significant firepower’ to boost M&A(00:13:08) - All the big news from Boston Scientific(00:20:10) - FOMO – Steven Mickelsen, MD, Founder, Field Medical(00:27:40) - Keynote Interview, Rob Binney, CEO, ShiraTronics
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Ep 271 - Clearing Brain Clots, Funding Startups, and Making MedTech Sustainable
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Host Tom Salemi squeezes in that salutation one final time in our first episode of DeviceTalks Weekly. In this episode, Managing Editor Kayleen Brown shines the FOMO spotlight on a possible new approach to treating stroke victims. Liane Teplitsky, now executive chair of Executive Chair of the Board of Directors of Carvolix, explains how an early-stage robot could give more interventionalists the power to help stroke victims. Tom Salemi and MassDevice’s Chris Newmarker Vensana Capital Co-founder Justin Klein, MD, as a temporary member of the Newsmaker team where the review the highs and lows of the first full week of the year. Tom and Justin then talk about the state of MedTech venture capital starting with the HSBC annual report. Finally, Chris Newmarker hosts our keynote interview featuring Lisa Anderson, president of Paragonix Technologies, which is upending how donated organs are stored for transportation before transplantation. Newsmakers include the late Tom Fogarty, Teleflex, Staar Surgical, Alcon, W.L. Gore, Conformal, and Johnson & Johnson MedTech. You can access the HSBC report here - https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/us/en/resources/2025-annual-venture-healthcare-report?cid=B:OSOC:10937621680:10893300135 Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly! *** Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:06:40) - Meet Justin Klein, MD, co-founder managing partner, Vensana Capital(00:08:42) - MedTech pioneer Dr. Tom Fogarty passes away at 91(00:14:28) - Teleflex announces leadership transition as CEO Liam Kelly departs, cuts 2025 revenue guidance(00:17:20) - Staar Surgical to terminate Alcon deal after stockholder vote W.L. Gore to acquire left atrial appendage device maker Conformal Medical(00:20:10) - W.L. Gore to acquire left atrial appendage device maker Conformal Medical(00:24:45) - Johnson & Johnson MedTech submits Ottava surgical robot to FDA(00:27:19) - Tom and Justin review HSCB report(00:46:54) - FOMO Interview with Kayleen Brown and Liane Teplitsky(00:57:38) - Keynote interview with Lisa Anderson, President, Paragonix Technologies
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by Tom Salemi, DeviceTalks Weekly is the foundational podcast for the entire DeviceTalks Podcast Network. The series delivers weekly news, insights, and commentary from MedTech industry leaders, keeping the medical device industry in the know and inspiring medical technology professionals to build better MedTech devices and companies.
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