Results from a substudy of EAST2 focused on nodules without a bronchus sign or an airway leading to the nodule shows Broncus' Archimedes system, with proprietary virtual bronchoscopic navigation and "fused fluoroscopy" technology, provides access to nodules located anywhere in the lungs without puncturing the chest wall.

The rising aging population and ever-increasing incidences of glaucoma and cataract are clearing a bright path for the ophthalmic surgical products market, which is expected to reach $9.4bn by 2021, a CAGR of 4.6% from 2016. Meddevicetracker expects that continued innovation in minimally invasive technologies and next-generation surgical systems, developed by giants like Alcon and smaller rivals, will address the need of hundreds of millions of people suffering from cataract and glaucoma, the two leading causes of blindness globally. In this feature, we'll take a closer look at the overall market and the key players in the individual segments of surgical systems, surgical instruments and IOLs. We'll take a deep dive into the smallest, yet fastest-growing MIGS devices segment and talk to surgeons about how they're transforming glaucoma management for their patients.

Recent progress on the US regulatory front is generating renewed interest in device-based glaucoma therapies, which potentially could grow to a multibillion-dollar industry. The list of companies targeting this space continues to expand, as does the variety of potential device-based solutions: the current pipeline includes several innovative and less invasive products and technologies designed to improve surgical outcomes, a growing number of advanced drug-delivery inserts to address the patient noncompliance issue that is so common in this arena, and some unique patient monitoring devices.

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 instrumentation and reagent sectors.