Angel Medical Systems accomplished several major milestones in 2021, including FDA approval of the second-generation version of The Guardian implantable cardiac detection monitor and patient-warning system for acute coronary syndrome events. CEO Brad Snow talked to Medtech Insight about the company's plans to commercialize The Guardian in 2022.

A US FDA advisory panel unanimously voted down the AngelMed cardiac monitor two years ago. But venture-backed Angel Medical Systems was able to engage with the agency after the panel, and the firm ultimately achieved approval of the device designed to help detect heart attacks earlier. It’s a lesson in firms leveraging all the data they have at their disposal.

A snapshot of global medical device and diagnostics approvals recorded during the past week in Medtech Insight's Approvals Tracker.

An FDA advisory panel recommended against approval of the AngelMed Guardian System, an implant that watches electrical heart signals and sounds an alarm for early detection of ischemic events. The panelists couldn’t get past trial flaws, including failure to meet the primary endpoint and early cessation of patient enrollment.