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

A quicker regulatory process and strong clinical science for years have made Europe an early launching pad for many US medical device start-ups, and Krauth Medical, Germany's leading distributor, a natural partner. For Krauth itself, continued cost pressures on the German health care system necessitated the need for a strategic overhaul a couple of years ago. The company has shed some long-standing businesses and gotten into some new areas, including spine and aesthetic surgery.

There's nothing even remotely sexy about varicose veins. Yet medical device companies and their investors are starting to view the opportunity for treating these bulging blue leg veins as downright alluring. The recent introduction of minimally invasive technologies, combined with shifting demographics and favorable reimbursements, are fueling talk of blockbuster potential for this hybrid clinical/cosmetic market.

BTG is for the first time investing substantial money in venture projects, assuming greater risk--but potentially reaping greater rewards--than ever before.