Reuters reported that global private equity firm Carlyle Group has offered to pay at least $7bn for Medtronic’s patient monitoring and respiratory interventions businesses. Medtronic announced its plan to get out of those businesses about one year ago.

At the recent LSX World Congress USA in Boston, Medtech Insight’s Reed Miller moderated a panel of experienced medtech investors to discuss the current medtech venture financing environment and offer advice for entrepreneurs raising money to support their innovations.

This week, the US government relaunched a program providing free COVID-19 tests and invested $600m in domestic test manufacturing; the European Commission revealed an antitrust investigation of Edwards LifeSciences; and a consulting firm report said the medtech industry should make big changes to address investor skepticism.

Enovis has agreed to buy Italian orthopedic implant manufacturer Lima from a private equity firm for €800m – about $845m. The deal will expand Enovis’ presence in the fast-growing international extremities market and improve its manufacturing and innovation facilities.

This week, studies supported Nevro’s spinal cord stimulation therapy and a VRx system that helps reduce pain; the American Medical Association found inconsistent insurance coverage of digital therapeutics; and Geneticure announced a cheek-swab test to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from renal denervation.

Relievant’s Intracept intraosseous nerve ablation system is the only FDA-cleared neuromodulation device indicated to treat vertebrogenic pain. Boston Scientific will pay $850m for Relievant, plus undisclosed milestone payments over the next three years.