Medtronic’s Kowal describes an exciting future and new applications for cardiac pacing devices

In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Host Tom Salem welcomes back Rob Kowal, MD, VP and general manager, cardiac pacing at Medtronic. You’ll hear how Dr. Kowal grew into the new role as business leader and gain a stronger appreciation for Medtronic’s flagship cardiac pacing business. Smaller devices and new innovation are helping to find new ways to deploy cardiac pacing. How else can cardiac pacing devices save lives? Dr. Kowal previously appeared on MedtronicTalks when he was vice president, medical affairs and CMO of cardiac rhythm and heart failure. Find the MedtronicTalks Podcast here - https://www.devicetalks.com/learn-how-medtronic-is-moving-to-mark-arctic-front-a-first-line-treatment-for-atrial-fibrillation/ Thank you to Confluent Medical Technologies for sponsoring this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly. To learn how their material science technologies and high performance manufacturing help bring your medical device designs to life go to ConfluentMedical.com or nitinol.com. MedTech Analyst Chrystal Larsen joins MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker and Salemi on this week’s newsmakers. Before diving into the week’s top MedTech Stories, Larsen discusses the debut of MassDevice’s MedTech Market Reports on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Market. You can find more information about the report here. https://www.massdevice.com/medtech-market-intelligence-reports/?spMailingID=177805&puid=1212116&E=1212116&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=177805 Top newsmakers of the week are Aqua Medical, Coherence Neuro, Medtronic, Smith & Nephew, and Zimmer Biomet. Thanks for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly. *** Enjoy the show? 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 (00:00:00) - New DeviceTalks Podcast!(00:09:10) - New MassDevice Report(00:20:21) - MassDevice’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers(00:35:14) - Confluent Medical’s Impact on MedTech(00:37:47) - Keynote conversation with Rob Kowal, MD, VP and general manager, cardiac pacing, Medtronic

Empathy is more than a leadership trait—it’s a business advantage. In this season opener of Women in MedTech, host Kayleen Brown talks and Medtronic’s Nina Goodheart, SVP & President of Structural Heart & Aortic talk about Medtronic's focus on women's heart health and makes the business case for empathy in MedTech. Kayleen also welcomes Beth Harrison Meyer, SVP of Global Marketing at Aptyx, to unpack what empathy looks like inside companies and why it’s critical to innovation and culture. Thank you to Aptyx for your support. Visit ➡ https://www.aptyx.com Referenced in this episode: – Medtronic’s Letter to My Mother campaign: https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/c/patients-caregivers/pan-cardiovascular/letter-to-my-mother.html – Kayleen’s article in Medical Design & Outsourcing: https://www.medicaldesignandoutsourcing.com/medtronic-nina-goodheart-cardiovascular-deaths-women-rwe-smart-trial/ Enjoy this episode? Follow Women in MedTech → https://women-in-medtech.castos.com/subscribe and subscribe on YouTube → https://YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to catch every conversation. #PurpleSuit Access the full DeviceTalks Podcast Network → https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe Chapters (00:00:00) - Empathy to Self, Empathy to Ecosystem(00:02:45) - The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship(00:05:30) - Building the Aptyx Culture of Collaboration(00:10:15) - Insights into the Keynote Interview with Nina Goodheartt(00:17:00) - What Empathy Looks Like in Product Development(00:22:15) - Designing for Equity: Who Are We Not Treating Yet?(00:27:10) - The Business Case for Empathy in MedTech(00:28:17) - Start of Interview with Medtronic's Nina Goodheart(00:36:30) - Using AI to Advance Health Equity (The ALERT Study)(00:49:30) - Medtronic's Letter to My Mother: Women’s Heart Health Awareness(00:55:15) - Redefining Leadership — Empathy as Smart Business

In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Scott Miller, CEO of GE HealthCare’s Solutions for Enterprise Imaging, joins Managing Editor Kayleen Brown to explore how cloud technology and AI are transforming medical imaging. Miller discusses the launch of Genesis, GE HealthCare’s cloud-native imaging platform that enables secure data access, reduces clinician burnout, and improves efficiency across health systems. Together, they look ahead to a future of smarter, more connected care—where technology expands access, enhances collaboration, and supports truly personalized medicine for patients everywhere. But we’ll start off with MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker’s Newsmakers – Zimmer Biomet, Tandem, Petal Surgical, Medline, Medtronic and the GREAT COMMONWEALTH of Massachusetts. Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly! *** Enjoy the show? 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) - Introducing this week’s keynote(00:08:56) - Zimmer Biomet wins FDA breakthrough nod for first iodine-treated hip replacement system(00:10:56) - Tandem launches t:slim X2 pump with Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus(00:13:15) - Incisionless surgical robotic tech startup Petal Surgical emerges from stealth with $10M Series A(00:15:30) - Medline officially files for IPO(00:17:12) - Medtronic gains millions in tax incentives for Massachusetts expansion(00:21:32) - Scott Miller, CEO of GE HealthCare’s Solutions for Enterprise Imaging

In this episode of AbbottTalks, hosts Tom Salemi and Kayleen Brown sit down with Dr. Finn Gustafsson, Chief Medical Officer for Abbott’s Heart Failure business, to discuss how Abbott’s technologies are transforming care across every stage of heart failure. Dr. Gustafsson—who spent decades in academic medicine before joining Abbott—explains how the company’s CentriMag™ System, HeartMate 3™ LVAD, and CardioMEMS™ HF System stabilize, sustain, and empower patients in each phase of the condition. The conversation explores what sets Abbott’s approach apart: early intervention through pulmonary artery pressure monitoring, mechanical circulatory support for critically ill patients, and long-term LVAD therapy that’s helping extend lives beyond five years. Lastly, Dr. Gustafsson shares insights from pivotal studies such as MOMENTUM 3, ARIES, and ASPIRE, which demonstrate how Abbott’s focus on evidence and patient experience is advancing the entire field. This conversation comes to you courtesy of our episode sponsor, Tecan Group Ltd. To learn more about how Tecan works with medical device companies, visit: https://partnering.tecan.com/ Thank you for listening to the AbbottTalks podcast! *** Enjoy this podcast? Follow AbbottTalks on all major podcast players: https://abbotttalks.castos.com/ Subscribe + 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 (00:00:00) - Exploring Abbott's Heart Failure Business and Digital Healthcare Innovation(00:03:36) - Transforming OEMs with Connectivity and Predictive Maintenance(00:05:54) - Dr. Finn Gustafsson's Journey from Academia to Abbott Heart Failure(00:11:20) - Understanding Heart Failure and Abbott's Heart Failure Portfolio(00:18:03) - Heart Monitoring Devices Enhance Patient Care and Empowerment(00:25:41) - AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation and Regulatory Navigation(00:29:20) - Advancements and Patient Impact of HeartMate 3 in Heart Failure(00:41:19) - Reducing Bleeding Risks in HeartMate 3 Patients Without Aspirin(00:42:45) - Advancements and Future Directions in LVAD Technology and Treatment(00:45:16) - Exploring MedTech Innovations and Patient Choices in Heart Devices

In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Dr. Vishwa Srivastava shares his unique journey to leading one of the more dynamic surgical robotics companies in MedTech. Dr. Srivastava’s path takes him across disciplines and geographies from anthropology to medicine. He discusses the founding of SS Innovations, which has developed the Mantra series of surgical robotics systems that the company hopes can make a robotic surgery more accessible and affordable. Dr. Srivastava emphasizes the importance of telesurgery and the future of surgical robotics, highlighting the challenges and innovations in the field. Host Tom Salemi opens this episode with MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker to review some of the top stories in MedTech over the past two weeks including – Olympus, Solventum, Boston Scientific, DePuy Synthes, and Hologic. Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly. *** Enjoy the show? 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 (00:07:23) - How Olympus views ‘different’ Swan EndoSurgical surgical robotics play(00:09:14) - Boston Scientific to acquire Nalu Medical for $533M(00:12:25) - Johnson & Johnson to separate DePuy Synthes Orthopaedics business(00:15:48) - Solventum hires Baxter EVP and COO Heather Knight for new C-suite role(00:18:26) - Hologic to be acquired by private equity firms Blackstone, TPG for up to $18.3B(00:25:22) - Keynote Interview, Vishwa Srivastava, MD - President & COO - South Asia(00:50:00) - Why did SS Innovations International need to be started.(01:09:00) - The case for surgical robotics(01:22:02) - Is telesurgery necessary?

In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, the DeviceTalks West on-site crew – Tom Salemi, Kayleen Brown, and Jim Hammerand – share their favorite moments and lessons of the two-day event. We’ll talk about keynotes, hot technologies, and the power of having and being a mentor. Thank you to our amazing sponsors, speakers, and attendees! Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly! *** Enjoy the show? 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

See how ambulatory endoscopy centers (AECs) are reshaping GI care—combining independent physicians’ personal investment with “nimble” innovation and improved patient access. In this episode, Olympus’ Director of Strategic Marketing for GI Diane Locher, joins Dr. Nalini Guda of GI Associates and Dr. Neil Parikh of CTGI & GI Alliance to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of AECs. Learn how these centers streamline procedures, foster team-based care, and rapidly adopt new technologies, all while tackling access deserts and supporting physician well-being.  Chapter 1: Meet the Guests  Diane Locher shares her journey to Olympus and her focus on supporting AECs.  Dr. Nalini Guda and Dr. Neil Parikh introduce their backgrounds, independent practice models, and what drew them to GI.  Chapter 2: Defining AECs  What sets AECs apart from traditional ASCs and hospitals?  How “skin in the game” or independence drives efficiency, ownership, and patient-centered care.  The importance of nimbleness and adaptability in adopting new technologies.  Chapter 3: Access, Innovation, and Teamwork  Tackling “colonoscopy deserts” and improving patient access.  The team approach: physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, and staff working toward a single goal.  How AECs serve as “innovation playgrounds” for piloting new GI technologies.  Chapter 4: Burnout, Well-being, and Technology  Physician burnout and how independent models help mitigate it.  The role of ambient listening and AI-powered documentation in streamlining workflow.  Training, onboarding, and staff support as critical components of AEC success.  Chapter 5: The Future of GI in AECs  Expanding the menu of procedures: from colorectal screening to endobariatrics and pancreaticobiliary care.  The evolving partnership between industry, physicians, and healthcare systems.  Advocacy and support to enable broader access.    For more episodes by OlympusTalks, please visit olympusamerica.com/podcasts.  This podcast has been paid for by Olympus Corporation of the Americas. The views and experiences shared are those of Dr. Nalini Guda and Dr. Neil Parikh, paid consultants of Olympus Corporation and its affiliates. Olympus makes no representations regarding the accuracy or applicability of the content and disclaims all liability arising from its use. Product performance may vary, and techniques, instruments, and clinical decisions are unique to each facility and practitioner. Always refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) and applicable labeling for guidance, risks, and cautions.  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:  Take your AEC to the next level—partner with Olympus. Visit our site for training, resources, and portfolio solutions tailored to your needs. Visit, Ambulatory Surg...

In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Dr. Steven Mickelsen shares his unique journey to becoming a leading figure in the MedTech industry. He discusses the evolution of pulse field ablation technology, the challenges faced in the field of electrophysiology, and his decision to start Field Medical, a follow up story to the historically successful Farapulse. Host Tom Salemi conducts the interview. This episode is sponsored by Viant. Managing Editor Kayleen Brown interviews Anthony Misener, GM, design and development, Viant. To learn more about Viant, visit https://viantmedical.com/. Sarah Matt, MD, a practicing physician, former tech exec, and now author sits in the virtual FOMO studio to give a sense of where Connected Health is headed. Dr. Matt will sit on a panel at DeviceTalks West exploring how deeply connected technologies have penetrated MedTech and the clinical setting. See Drs. Matt and Mickelsen at DeviceTalks West. Go to West.DeviceTalks.com to see the agenda. Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly. *** Enjoy the show? 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) - Women in MedTech Breakfast Update(00:08:11) - Details Steven Mickelsen, MD’s talk at DeviceTalks West(00:13:00) - FOMO with Physician, Tech Guru and Author Sarah Matt, MD(00:25:26) - Anthony Misener, general manager, design and development, Viant(00:28:14) - Keynote Interview - Steven Mickelsen, MD, CEO of Field Medical

In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Cognito Therapeutics’ Christian Howell conveys a deep sense of service that brought him to the MedTech industry. Host Tom Salemi talks with Howell about his Navy service, including a mission targeting pirates in the Persian Gulf on Sept. 11, 2001. From there, Howell gained a unique—and faraway—view of the tragic events that changed the world. He carried those lessons into roles at Covidien and Medtronic, where he helped drive Medtronic’s move into value-based healthcare. Howell is now leaning into that same call of service at Cognito Therapeutics, an MIT-launched startup working to prove that lights and sounds can stimulate the brain to slow the onset of dementia. The technology could become a platform for new brain therapeutics. You can learn more about Cognito’s technology at DeviceTalks West, where Chief Medical and Scientific Officer Ralph Kern will sit on a panel. Visit West.DeviceTalks.com for more information and to register. This week’s FOMO interview spotlights ivWatch, a new device for monitoring intravenous lines. MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker delivers this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers, featuring CorWave, Medtronic, Olympus, Siemens Healthineers, and Zimmer Biomet. 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

In this episode of IntuitiveTalks, Host Tom Salemi visits Intuitive’s Atlanta hub to sit down with Brian Miller, executive vice president and chief digital officer.   Miller, who witnessed the first telesurgery procedure in 2001, shares his perspective on how surgical robotics has advanced beyond many early barriers to long-distance surgery. He emphasizes that adoption must be driven by user needs, not hype, with success hinging on meeting the daily realities of surgeons, patients, and health systems. This practical, patient-centered conversation explores what’s next for telesurgery.   This conversation comes to you courtesy of Blue Goat Cyber. To learn more, visit: https://bluegoatcyber.com/   *** Enjoy this podcast? Follow the DeviceTalks Podcast Network, home of IntuitiveTalks, on all major podcast players: https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an future episode.