Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Dealmaking column is a survey of recent health care transactions listed by relevant industry segment – In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced in December 2017.

2017 proved to be a busy year for medtech M&A activity, with the number of deals rising from 174 in 2016, to 206 in 2017. The year also brought a number of notable acquisitions, including Becton Dickinson's blockbuster $24bn purchase of CR Bard and Dutch health-care giant Philips undertaking an ambitious acquisition spree. Medtech Insight takes a look at the highlights of 2017 and what's in store for 2018.

Electroceuticals could replace the use of pharmaceuticals in many chronic diseases, offering effective treatments without, perhaps, side effects. Medtechs pioneering these next-gen neuromodulation devices are sparking investor interest.

The aura6000 sleep apnea system has received investigational device exemption approval for a pivotal trial but still lags behind key rival Inspire Medical Systems Inc.’s Inspire upper airway stimulator.