The U.K. government will unveil its 10-year health plan to transform the national health service (NHS) in the coming months. At the center of this transformation is expected to be the adoption of artificial intelligence, digital and medical technologies. However, challenges in the NHS around its ‘core technology’, data capture and interoperability must be addressed before the government’s ambition can be realized.

An artificial intelligence-based tool developed by researchers in the U.K. is helping doctors identify people at risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Data from the ongoing Find-AF pilot study shows that the algorithm can comb through patients’ electronic health records and detect red flags which could indicate whether they are at risk of developing the heart condition.

Sequana Medical NV received premarket approval from the U.S. FDA for its Alfapump system to treat recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Data from the Poseidon pivotal study showed the implantable device, which removes ascites from the abdomen into the bladder, can eliminate the need for therapeutic paracentesis, improving the quality of life of patients.

Companies developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies certainly stepped up their activities this year with several starting to implant their devices into humans. After decades as an experimental technology pursued exclusively in research settings, BCI devices could be just a few years away from entering clinical practice – and investors are paying attention.

Precision Neuroscience Corp. recently raised $102 million in a series C funding round for its AI-powered brain–computer interface (BCI) technology, the Layer 7 Cortical Interface. The funding comes as interest in the technology heats up as clinical trials show that BCI devices are capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities.

Promise Bio Ltd. emerged from stealth with $8.3 million in seed investment for its precision medicine platform, which addresses immune-mediated diseases. The funding will be used to accelerate the development of the company’s technology that analyzes proteins and their post-translational modifications to predict the treatment responses of patients with immune-mediated diseases.

Promise Bio Ltd. emerged from stealth with $8.3 million in seed investment for its precision medicine platform, which addresses immune-mediated diseases. The funding will be used to accelerate the development of the company’s technology that analyzes proteins and their post-translational modifications to predict the treatment responses of patients with immune-mediated diseases.

Smith & Nephew plc received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for Aetos Stemless, its stemless anatomic total shoulder implant. The greenlight for the device is a boon for the company’s orthopedics portfolio, which faces increasing pressure from U.S. competitors.

Promise Bio Ltd. emerged from stealth with $8.3 million in seed investment for its precision medicine platform, which addresses immune-mediated diseases.

Lanua Medical Ltd. raised €6 million (US$6.3 million) in seed funding for its Encore device, which is designed to enhance embolization procedures. The funds will be used to accelerate the development of the technology as well as expand operations into the U.S. The funding round was co-led by Elkstone and Atlantic Bridge, with participation from Enterprise Ireland and Furthr VC.