LifeSync is discovering that the introduction of its wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) data communication system, which eliminates the lead wires of traditional ECG systems, while not necessarily enabling remote communications, is bringing clinical and economic advantages to hospitals.

Summary of recent device mergers and acquisitions, alliances, and financings.

The clinical community has long been searching for a safe and effective surgical alternative to drugs for glaucoma, but the field has moved slowly. A decade ago, non-invasive laser procedures began earning a place as a second-line therapy with limited durability. Invasive surgeries are reserved for end-stage glaucoma because of their complexity, their serious complications, and their high failure rates. Venture firms believe a large, unmet clinical need represents a new $1 billion device market, and the pace of glaucoma device company creation is picking up.

A variety of factors, ranging from consolidation to the emergence of genomics, has helped resurrect clinical labs from near death. The nation's two largest labs, LabCop. and Quest, have seen their stock prices shoot up a staggering 600% in the past three years, while a cadre of more specialized labs has ridden their coattails. These labs are looking to genomics to sustain their renaissance, as existing drivers shift and maintaining their growth rate gets tougher.