Omar Ford
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Articles by Omar Ford
2026 Medtech Company of the Year Finalists
These medtech companies have risen above the rest in 2026. Which one do you think deserves to be named Medtech Company of the Year? +1 Omar Ford,Amanda Pedersenand 1 more Each year, the MD+DI editorial team takes a long, hard look at the medical device and diagnostics companies that rose above the ranks over the past 12 months. In 2026, medtech companies faced significant challenges, including a string of cybersecurity attacks.
The Most Influential Surgical Robotics Companies
Surgical robotics has evolved throughout the past 20 years. A look at the companies that are the biggest movers and shakers in the space. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering The surgical robotics market is a battleground of innovation, with the soft tissue segment leading the charge in competitive intensity. MD+DI editors have curated a ranked list of the industry's most influential surgical robotics companies, counting up to the most impactful.
Philips to Pay $322M to Settle an Investigation Related to its Recalled CPAP Machines
Philips has struck an "in-principle" agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve long-running legal issues tied to its Respironics sleep machine recall, even as the company reported better-than-expected earnings but softer sales for the third quarter.
Siemens Healthineers Enters New Era with Name Change and Olyrian Diagnostics Spinoff
Siemens Healthineers plans to adopt the "Healthineers" name post-separation in 2027 and spin off its diagnostics unit as Olyrian Diagnostics by mid-2028. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Siemens Healthineers will rebrand simply as "Healthineers" once it fully separates from Siemens in 2027. A three-year brand transition period will begin with deconsolidation.
Hip and Knee Weakness Drags Smith & Nephew Guidance Down, Echoing Stryker's Stumble
Smith & Nephew is cutting guidance for FY26 after reporting softer sales in hip and knee implants in 3Q26. The softer sales, along with reimbursement pressure in wound care, caused the London-based company to miss Wall Street consensus. The strained earnings report comes closely on the heels of Stryker announcing a guidance reduction for similar reasons – softer hip and knee sales.
2026 Medtech Salary Survey: What Are the Leading Professions in the Industry Earning?
MD+DI offers a topline look at some of the core professions polled in the 2026 Medtech Salary Survey. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering MD+DI's 2026 Medtech Salary Survey was fielded online from July 8 through Sept. 8, 2026, with 366 respondents completing the survey anonymously. We took a look at what some of the top professions in the industry are earning. Here are some top line results. You can find the complete 2026 Medtech Salary Survey here.
Smaller, Smarter, Automated: Inside J&J's Bet to Disrupt the Da Vinci Era of Surgical Robotics
J&J executive Rocco De Bernardis on Ottava's FDA nod, early surgeon feedback, and the next decade of surgical robotics. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance J&J secured FDA De Novo authorization for its Ottava surgical robot in July, introducing a third major player into the U.S. J&J launches second trial for inguinal hernia, eyes urology and gynecology next. At 9% penetration, Ottava targets OR efficiency and surgical data gaps.
Chlorine Dioxide Emerges as a Fast-Growing Alternative to EtO Sterilization
Clordisys talks about the key benefits driving chlorine dioxide's rise as a medical device sterilization method. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Could chlorine dioxide-based sterilization be a viable alternative to EtO? One company is pushing that idea and educating the industry about this alternative method of sterilization. At MD&M Midwest, Emily Lorcheim of Clordisys spoke about the company's product offerings and this emerging alternative.
Watson-Marlow Talks Peristaltic Pump Innovation and OEM Fluid Solutions at MD&M Midwest
Watson-Marlow highlights single-use assemblies for medical OEM applications. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Watson Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions spoke with MD+DI about a booth exhibit during MD&M Midwest. The company is a manufacturer of positive displacement pumps — specifically peristaltic pumps and sinusoidal pumps — alongside associated fluid path components.
Quest Diagnostics Discloses Cybersecurity Breach
The Secaucus, NJ-based company joins a long list of medtech and healthcare companies that have faced cyberattacks in 2026. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Quest Diagnostics is the latest healthcare company to experience a cybersecurity breach in 2026.
J&J Launches Faster Lithotripsy Catheter for Calcified Coronary Lesions
The device was developed to meet the rising demand in complex coronary interventions. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Shockwave C2 Aero Fly At a Glance Shockwave deal reshaped medtech M&A in 2024. Johnson & Johnson has launched an intravascular lithotripsy catheter that cuts a broad range of calcified coronary artery lesions in half the time compared with previous devices.
Labcorp's Acquisition Spree Rolls On: Myriad's Prenatal Unit for $210M
Labcorp extends M&A streak, acquiring Myriad's prenatal unit for $210M Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Labcorp expects the deal to add about $160 million in year-one revenue. This follows Labcorp's $722M deal for BioReference Health's lab testing business. The company has had more than a dozen acquisitions since 2023. Labcorp is on a buying spree – building up its testing capabilities and its presence in hospital facilities.
Medtech Salary Survey Reveals Growing Disconnect Between Compensation and Career Satisfaction
MDDI's annual Medtech Salary Survey reveals that despite competitive compensation and 85.5% of professionals receiving raises, the industry faces significant retention challenges with 56% actively job hunting and an overall job satisfaction score of just 3.7 out of 5. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Pay raises alone don't address retention; culture and growth matter more. Hybrid workers earn $150K median salary, topping remote and in-office staff.
B. Braun Medical Set to Close its Interventional Systems Division
B. Braun said the move is part of a plan to focus on strategic priorities and its core businesses. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering B. Braun Medical said its Interventional Systems division is winding down operations and will close. The move comes as part of the company's continued efforts to streamline operations and focus resources on strategic priorities and core businesses. The division expects to continue commercial sales through March 31, 2027.
Is Quasar Medical on the Verge of Being Sold Again?
Boyu Capital is considering the sale of Quasar Medical, a contract development and manufacturing organization, according to a report from Bloomberg. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Boyu Capital is considering the sale of Quasar Medical, a contract development and manufacturing organization, according to a report from Bloomberg citing people familiar with the matter.
New CPT Codes Could Transform Renal Denervation Adoption for Uncontrolled Hypertension Treatment
ReCor Medical CEO discusses how new codes will drive therapy adoption by 2028. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering An illustration of ReCor Medical's Paradise ultrasound renal denervation system. At a Glance AMA created two Category 1 CPT codes for renal denervation effective January 2028. Two codes differentiate main artery treatment from main plus distal branch treatment. Paradise system uses ultrasound to reduce kidney nerve activity and lower blood pressure.
Stryker to Have New CEO in 2027 as Part of Succession Plan
Kevin Lobo will step down and transition into the role of executive chair in January. Stryker President and COO Spencer Styles will take the helm as CEO. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Spencer Stiles (left), currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Stryker, will succeed Kevin Lobo (right) as CEO. At a Glance Lobo led Stryker through over 60 acquisitions and a major cyberattack. Stiles joined Stryker in 1999 and became President and COO in January 2026.
GE HealthCare to Expand in Radiopharmaceuticals with $945M Acquisition
The announcement comes on the heels of Curium announcing in August that it would acquire Lantheus, another radiopharmaceutical specialist for about $7 billion. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Sofie Biosciences has 15 CMO sites across the U.S., manufacturing PET radiopharmaceutical products. GE HealthCare has signed an agreement to acquire Sofie Biosciences for about $945 million.
Flood at Key Manufacturing Site Forces Integra to Lower Revenue Forecast, Shares Sink
Integra cuts guidance after Ohio flood disrupts operations; shares drop 21% Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Integra LifeSciences is lowering its guidance after a flood in its Ohio facility severely hampered operations, according to preliminary 3Q26 results. Shares of the company dropped by 21% upon news of the lowered guidance. The Princeton, NJ-based company updated guidance to $1.634 billion to $1.654 billion.
How LyondellBasell Is Meeting Drug Delivery Demands During the GLP-1 Boom
LyondellBasell's Simon Foster explains how global assets and PP materials support drug delivery growth. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Eleven percent of adults now use GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment. Home healthcare requires user-friendly, fail-safe device designs for patients. Polypropylene stands up well to radiation sterilization processes. There’s no denying that there has been an explosion in the use of drug delivery devices.
Hydrophilic PDMS Offers Solution for Implantable Device Performance
An upcoming webinar sponsored by Geleste will cover hydrophilic PDMS solutions for medical device manufacturers. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Hydrophilic PDMS retains silicone benefits while improving wettability. Applications include catheters, stents, biosensors, and wearable devices. Webinar scheduled for Oct. 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET.
Intuitive's Cardiac Push Challenges Medtronic, J&J Rivals
Intuitive wins CE mark for da Vinci cardiac procedures. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Approval includes minimally invasive coronary artery bypass procedures. The first da Vinci cardiac procedures were performed in France and Germany in 1998. The da Vinci 5 approval helps Intuitive compete with newer robotics entrants. Intuitive Surgical has won CE mark for the da Vinci surgical robot to perform cardiac procedures in adult patients.
How the Design of Johnson & Johnson's Ottava Saves Space in the Operating Room
Johnson & Johnson's Neda Cvijetic outlines Ottava's FDA clearance and architecture. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering An overhead shot of Ottava in the operating room. At a Glance J&J's Ottava received FDA clearance in July 2026 for surgery. Ottava has a 30% to 50% smaller footprint than competing robotic systems. Each arm features nine joints with 540 degrees of articulation.
Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes to Move to Halfway House Next Year
As a surprise documentary reignites public fascination with the Theranos scandal, Holmes moves closer to release with approval for a community correction center placement. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Theranos' founder Elizabeth Holmes (C) arrives, flanked by prision officials, at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, on May 30, 2023. At a Glance A surprise documentary about Holmes premiered at Telluride Film Festival.
CooperCompanies Latest Medtech Firm to Feel Activist Investor Pressure to Oust CEO
Jana Partners also wants the company to sell the Women's Health business after the earnings miss. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering CooperCompanies is the latest medtech firm to feel pressure from an activist investor to remove President and CEO Albert White and divest some assets.
iRhythm's Quentin Blackford on 20 Years of Patient Innovation
iRhythm Technologies CEO Quentin Blackford reflects on the company's remarkable 20-year journey disrupting the cardiac monitoring marketplace.
3D Printing Silicone Parts Without Tooling
Learn how 3D printing silicone parts eliminates molds and speeds production. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Traditionally, developing customized silicone parts has meant long lead times, mold-making, and limited design flexibility. Recently, Stratasys engineers explored how direct silicone 3D printing can speed up development, support small-batch production, and help you create patient-specific parts without molds or tooling.
J&J Steps Away from LAA Closure Market, Sells Tech to Jaguar
The newly formed Jaguar LAA acquired the Laminar technology from Johnson & Johnson for an undisclosed sum. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Johnson & Johnson is ending its left atrial appendage closure technology program. The New Brunswick, NJ-based company said it is selling key assets of Laminar to Jaguar LAA, a newly formed private company based in Santa Rosa, CA. The firms did not disclose the sum of the deal.
Medtronic Beefs up Hugo RAS with Vessel-Sealing Technology
The Dublin-based company said it has received a nod from FDA for the LigaSure RAS Maryland instrument. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering The surgical robotics space has never been more competitive - with three large strategics vying for share in the soft tissue segment of the market. Medtronic recently secured regulatory clearance for the LigaSure RAS Maryland jaw device for use with Hugo.
From Awareness to Diagnosis: iRhythm's Unique Advantage
In this episode of Let's Talk Medtech, we sit down with Quentin Blackford, CEO of iRhythm Technologies, to discuss what truly separates medical-grade diagnostic wearables from consumer wellness devices. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering iRhythm's CEO Quention Blackford explains how iRhythm's FDA-approved technology goes beyond the capabilities of popular devices like the Apple Watch and Oura Ring, offering true diagnostic power for cardiac conditions.
Senseonics, Beta Bionics Team Up on Diabetes Management
The collaboration comes as Senseonics exceeds Q2 revenue and resumes direct sales. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Senseonics is integrating the Eversense 365 continuous glucose monitor with Beta Bionics’ iLet Bionic Pancreas automated insulin delivery system.
Boston Scientific Is Fully Operational After August Cyberattack
The Marlborough, MA-based company said its order fulfillment and shipping operations are now fully restored after the August 25th incident. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Boston Scientific revealed that its business operations have now been restored following a cyberattack that occurred on August 25th. In a release the Marlborough, MA-based company noted that manufacturing, order fulfillment. and shipping operations are now fully restored.
MedtechWOMEN Executive Director Reveals Why Having a Good Device Isn't Enough
Yvonne Bockelman, executive director of MedtechWOMEN, talks with us ahead of MedtechVISION 2026 about why having a great device isn't enough. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering What are the biggest medtech topics in 2026? Yvonne Bockelman, an industry veteran and executive director of MedtechWOMEN, breaks down why artificial intelligence, securing funding, and reimbursement are top of mind for many startups.
CooperCompanies to Keep Women’s Health Division
Late last year, CooperCompanies faced pressure to sell both its contact lens business and CooperSurgical. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Divestitures and spinoffs have been the dominant trend for medical devices in 2026. However, CooperCompanies is bucking the trend with the announcement that it would keep CooperSurgical. The San Ramon, CA-based company announced this during a recent earnings call.
VitalConnect Acquisition: How iRhythm Is Closing the MCT Gap Faster
iRhythm CEO Quentin Blackford discusses the firm's plan to acquire VitalConnect and how the acquisition will accelerate its entry into the Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) market. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering In August, iRhythm announced it was planning to acquire VitalConnect for about $237.5 million and $50 million in common stock. The deal is set to close by the end of the year.
Abbott Obtains FDA Nod for TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter
Abbott said the FDA nod marks the company's fifth major electrophysiology approval in just over a year as it expands its presence in the rapidly growing pulsed field ablation market. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter Pulsed field ablation is one of the fastest-growing segments of the medical device industry, with multiple companies vying to gain significant market share.
Pressures Mount from Cyberattack: Boston Scientific Says It Is Unlikely to Meet Guidance
The Marlborough, MA-based company faced significant challenges in 2026, including a cyberattack and intense competitive pressure in two major franchises. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Boston Scientific is continuing to feel pressure from an August cyberattack that disrupted its global operations on August 25th.
Holmes "Surprise" Documentary Filmed Shortly Before Prison Sentence Began
Holmes documentary premieres at the Telluride Film Festival this weekend. The A24 film examines Elizabeth Holmes before her federal prison sentence. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes alongside her boyfriend Billy Evans, walks back to her hotel following a hearing at the Robert E. Peckham U.S. Courthouse on March 17, 2023 in San Jose, CA.
FDA AI Medical Device Guidelines 2026: Expert Legal Perspective on Compliance
FDA medical device attorney Suzanne Levy Friedman pulls back the curtain on AI regulation in healthcare, revealing surprising truths about where we are —and where we're headed. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Artificial intelligence medtech evolution: 1,000+ FDA-approved devices, yet none learn continuously. New PCCP regulations and lifecycle benchmarking may change that.
5 Medical Device Stories Worth Paying Attention to
Omar Ford is a seasoned journalist specializing in medical technology, healthcare innovation, and the medical device and diagnostics industry. As the editor-in-chief of Medical Device + Diagnostics Industry (MD+DI), he has earned a reputation as a leading authority in the field, offering in-depth insights into the latest trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements shaping the future of healthcare. Omar has been a featured speaker at MD&M and MEDevice events.
iRhythm CEO on VitalConnect Acquisition, AI-Powered Zio Patch & Cyberattack Recovery
Quentin Blackford, CEO of iRhythm Technologies, joins us for an exclusive conversation that dives deep into the seismic shifts reshaping cardiac monitoring and how his company is faring after a recent cyberattack. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering iRhythm Technologies has been through a lot in the past few months.
Stryker to Boost Shoulder Repair Offerings with ZuriMED Acquisition
The Kalamazoo, MI-based company also said it completed the first procedure using its SportSuite Vision Application on Apple Vision Pro. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Stryker SportSuite Vision on Apple Vision Pro Stryker wants to expand its shoulder repair portfolio with the proposed acquisition of ZuriMED.
3 Deaths & Numerous Injuries Linked to Johnson & Johnson's Automated Impella Controller Recall
This is the latest in a long string of Abiomed recalls. The heart unit was first acquired by J&J at the end of 2022 for $16.6 billion. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering More problems plague Johnson & Johnson’s Impella heart pump device. Three deaths and 37 injuries have been linked to the most recent recall of the automated Impella Heart Pump controllers. Johnson & Johnson inherited the Impella Heart pump line when it acquired Abiomed for $16.6 billion in late 2022.
MEDevice Boston
MEDevice Boston May 11, 2027 TO May 12, 2027 | Boston Convention & Exhibition Center | Boston, MA MEDevice Boston, the essential event for medtech pioneers, brings engineers, business leaders, disruptive companies, and innovative thinkers from the region’s top start-ups and medical device OEMs together to inspire the next life-changing medical device.
Abbott Laboratories Obtains CE Mark for Amulet 360 LAA
The device competes directly with Boston Scientific's Watchman LAA technology. Boston Scientific has seen weaker sales of Watchman this year because of softer demand. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Abbott Laboratories has obtained CE mark for the Amulet 360 Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder, a next-generation technology that competes head-to-head with Boston Scientific’s Watchman device.
Guardant Health to Appeal Ruling in Patent Infringement Case
The Palo Alto, CA-based company has to pay $245 million to TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Guardant Health said it will appeal a ruling from a U.S. district court ordering it to pay $245 million to TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington over a patent dispute.
Boston Scientific Confirms Global Outage was Result of a Cyberattack
An expert weighs in on what Boston Scientific and other companies should do after an attack, and notes that cybersecurity defenses and capabilities must go beyond regulatory compliance. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Boston Scientific shares dropped 5% following cyberattack disclosure. The incident affects order processing and shipping capabilities. Cybersecurity now a business must-have for medtech leaders.
Boston Scientific Hit With Global Outage
Three of the Marlborough, MA-based company’s Irish facilities were the first report the impact of the outage, according to media reports. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering Boston Scientific is facing a global outage that impacted its Irish manufacturing sites and additional locations, according to reports from echolive.ie. and the Irish Examiner.
7 Medical Devices Dominating the Industry
Omar Ford is a seasoned journalist specializing in medical technology, healthcare innovation, and the medical device and diagnostics industry. As the editor-in-chief of Medical Device + Diagnostics Industry (MD+DI), he has earned a reputation as a leading authority in the field, offering in-depth insights into the latest trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements shaping the future of healthcare. Omar has been a featured speaker at MD&M and MEDevice events.
Medtech's New Era: Carve-Outs, AI, IPOs, & PE Deals
An L.E.K. Consulting expert shares how private equity and carve-outs are reshaping medtech's M&A landscape. Omar Ford,Editor-in-Chief,MD+DI, Informa Markets – Engineering At a Glance Private equity interest in medtech products has accelerated significantly. IPO market shows a cautious reopening with a focus on profitability. Carve-outs and spin-offs increase as firms optimize portfolios. What are some of the core themes in the medtech industry?
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