This month we profile OvaScience, which has a new approach for treating infertility in older women, and Bluegrass Vascular, which offers an “inside-out” catheter for central venous access.

Central venous catheters are commonly employed to deliver long-term dialysis, nutrition and chemotherapy, but nearly 10% of patients have an upper-extremity venous occlusion that renders the vein impenetrable by standard access techniques. When access is not possible through traditional “outside-in” routes, Bluegrass Vascular Technologies’ Surfacer system allows for central venous access through the femoral vein in the leg. The device features a bullet-shaped catheter tip with a proprietary side-exit needle that allows the physician to enter into the occlusion and create a new tissue channel, from the inside out.

Start-Up's monthly comprehensive review of emerging life science companies that have received venture funding during the month, including companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic and research/analytical instrumentation and reagent sectors.

A roundup of recent medtech strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions and financings.