Characterized by relative maturity and sluggish growth, the global fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms market is forecasted to crawl to 9,600 units worth $1.3 billion in 2012, according to a report from market research firm Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

While the overall risk of sudden cardiac death following MI has declined significantly in the past 30 years, there is an increased risk for the first month after having an MI. The risk after 30 days decreases unless patients develop heart failure, according to a study in the Nov. 5 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.

Vital Images, a provider of advanced visualization and analysis solutions, has reported a net loss for the 2008 third quarter, which ended Sept. 30, of $243,000, compared to a net income of $927,000 for the 2007 third quarter.

Compounding economic pressures created by declining reimbursement and crushing administrative burdens, operating costs rose faster than revenue in many medical group practices in 2007, according to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).

EPIX Pharmaceuticals, a MR contrast agent developer, is reducing its cost structure by decreasing its work force by approximately 23 percent, and narrowing the current focus of its research and development efforts, effective immediately.

Cardiac Science, a provider of advanced cardiac diagnosis, resuscitation, rehabilitation and informatics products, has launched its new Quinton Q-Stress 4.0, a ninth generation diagnostic stress testing technology, and Quinton Q-Tel RMS 3.1, an electronic reporting system.

Covidien has initiated a $100 million expansion of its St. Louis-based facilities, and will be adding 30 new professional-track jobs, over the next five years.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care (CCC) Group, the largest cardiology group in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the Midwest, has merged with Aurora Health Care, both of Milwaukee, in a deal that involves 15 interventional cardiologists, nine invasive cardiologists and eight electrophysiologists. The terms of the merger were not disclosed.