This weeks highlights delivered good news for middle-aged and older men and women. The debate on prostate cancer screening, much like breast cancer screening, has reached a crescendo. Other findings should spark vibrant discussions with colleagues and patients.

M*Modal and One Equity Partners have announced that in connection with the previously announced merger, Legend Acquisition Sub (an affiliate of OEP) has extended the expiration of its tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of M*Modal for $14.00 per share, to 11:59 pm EST, on Aug. 14.

The FDA is informing healthcare providers and patients that the indications for use and labeling for the Wingspan stent (Stryker) have changed to limit the use of Wingspan to a narrow, select group of patients and conditions.

We really do live in a time of remarkable technological capabilities. Without advancements in data collection and online communication, two of the articles that topped cardiovascular news this week might not have occurred.

Its the classic chicken or egg type question: Do activation patterns in the brain predict the onset of heavy drinking behaviors, or is it the heavy drinking itself that leads to neural abnormalities? The answer appears to be a little of both as adolescents who initiate heavy drinking have different brain activation before the onset of drinking, while heavy drinking leads to further neural responses over time, according to a study published in the September issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

The FDA has approved Abbott's Omnilink Elite vascular balloon-expandable stent system for the treatment of iliac artery disease, a form of peripheral artery disease that affects the lower extremities.

The FDA has issued conditional approval for Sunshine Heart's C-Pulse system driver, which is designed to provide moderate to severe heart failure patients with enhanced patient comfort and performance.

Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A. has released the FDR D-EVO Suite II.