Monday, February 25, 2008

Boston Scientific gets FDA OK for heart devices

Boston Scientific Corp. says it has won regulatory approval for three products in its cardiac rhythm management business from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Medical devices firm Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) said products include: the "Confient" implantable cardioverter defibrillator for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death; the "Livian" device to provide both defibrillation and resynchronization; and the upgraded "Latitude" patient management system, which includes new remote monitoring features.

Physicians can monitor patients with "Confient" or "Livian" devices wirelessly via the upgraded "Latitude" system, according to the Natick-based company. The remote monitoring capability enables doctors to monitor their patients with the two devices between visits.

Boston Scientific reported a 2007 net loss of $495 million on revenue of $8.4 billion. The firm lists 28,600 employees.