The US FDA has approved r-SNM sacral neuromodulation system for treating chronic fecal incontinence and Axonics expects the agency to approve it for overactive bladder and urinary retention in the next few weeks. The company expects r-SNM to compete with Medtronic's Interstim non-rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system.

A snapshot of global medical device approvals captured during the past week in Medtech Insight's Approvals Tracker. This week, a noteworthy stent approval, and advancements in mitral valve repair and neurostim for urology.

Former chief medical officer at the University of California, Karen Noblett, has been named as the CMO of neuromodulation technology company Axonics.

Hindsight 20/20 is a new Q&A feature where medtech industry veterans share their long experience taking diverse businesses – be they start-ups or publicly-listed entities – from strength to strength and navigating through times of crises. This first instalment shines the spotlight on Raymond Cohen, who is currently CEO of venture-backed sacral neuromodulation company Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc. The advice he gives includes not rushing into clinical studies too soon, try to go big with the fundraising and be very cautious when tackling a complex market like the US, among other things.