December 27, 2011 – In a move to re-engineer the process of translating scientific discoveries into new drugs, diagnostics and devices, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). The action was made possible by Congress’ approval of a fiscal year 2012 spending bill and the president’s signing of the bill, which includes the establishment of NCATS with a budget of $575 million.

December 23, 2011 — Biotronik announced the first implantations of the new Lumax 740 implantable cardiac defibrillators — the world’s first and only ICDs eligible for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The devices — for patients with tachyarrhythmias — feature ProMRI, an MR Conditional feature, combined with an extended device longevity and Biotronik Home Monitoring.

December 22, 2011 — TriVascular Inc. announced the first Canadian patients treated with its Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft. The ultra-low profile (14F OD) system is designed to expand the patient population suitable for endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) by addressing a wider range of diseased anatomy. Cherrie Abraham, M.D., vascular surgery, McGill University, performed the first case in Canada at Montreal Jewish General Hospital (JGH). The second case, also performed at JGH, was performed by Daniel Obrand, M.D., chief of vascular surgery, JGH.