Given the huge impact that having a baby has on every aspect of a woman's life--and that of her mate--it's small wonder that a growing number of companies are aiming to offer Baby Boomers improved contraceptive choices. Some are developing devices to make the widely performed tubal ligation surgery, which renders women sterile, less invasive, more convenient and safer than it has been to date. At least one firm hopes to give men a chance to participate in family planning via reversible vasectomization.

SENZA PDN showed Nevro's HF10 spinal cord stimulation therapy provided sustained relief to patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. Results of a separate trial showed HF10 improved outcomes in patients with non-surgical refractory back pain.

No device-related warning letters were released by the US FDA the week of 19 January.