Medline Industries will purchase AngioDynamics' fluid management portfolio for $167.5 million.

Boston Scientific is anticipating a $25 million hit to its 2019 revenue after the FDA ordered device makers to pull surgical pelvic mesh products from the market, according to The Worcester Business Journal.

Citing safety concerns, the FDA has ordered manufacturers of surgical mesh products intended for transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse to stop selling and distributing the products in the U.S.

Earlier this year the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an order that shut down operations at a large sterilization facility in Willowbrook, Ill., owned by Sterigenics. Now, despite the FDA preparing for delays and potential device shortages, several devices are in short supply, according to a notice on the FDA website and several device manufacturer letters obtained by Becker's Hospital Review.

Four drugs or medical devices approved by the FDA since April 1:

While novel medical devices offer the promise of advanced treatment options and better outcomes for patients, the high costs associated with the devices and the lagging reimbursement structure create financial challenges for hospitals.

Medical technology maker Metronic and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota inked an outcomes-based agreement for Medtronic's glucose monitor, the companies said April 8.

For hospitals and health systems, product variation within surgical packs can lead to inefficiencies and excess spending.

Four recent drugs or medical devices approved by the FDA since March 1:

The FDA is taking several steps to help combat medical device shortages after a major medical device sterilization facility closed.

Four drugs or medical devices approved by the FDA since March 15:

There are many promising technologies that aim to help the healthcare supply chain streamline operations and improve efficiencies. Below are five to watch, according to BBN Times, an online source of expert analysis on global issues.

The FDA has started to re-examine breast implant safety and the reports from thousands of women who claim the implants are causing problems like debilitating joint pain and fatigue, according to The New York Times.

The FDA has kicked off its pilot program for the Drug Supply Chain Security Act by issuing submission requests. TraceLink, the world’s largest integrated digital supply network, submitted its new blockchain solution for the pilot.

As healthcare continues to experience a seismic shift from inpatient to outpatient care, health systems are investing heavily in acquiring ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) or building new centers from the ground up.

Facing ongoing pressure to reduce costs, hospitals and health systems are looking more closely at their supply chains as a source of significant, additional savings. An often-overlooked cost that impacts the entire supply chain is transportation, managing the daily flow of products delivered to and moving throughout hospitals and health systems.

To save on freight, start by evaluating your direct shipment strategy.

The number of blood donations continues to drop in the U.S., which has some federal health officials concerned about the implications, according to a KIRO 7 news report.  

Five drugs or medical devices approved by the FDA since March 8: