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📡 2026-09-07 — Where Medtech's Energy Is Going

Market-wide analysis: hot categories, cooling categories, new-entrant clusters, incumbent defensive moves, and distress signals. Independent of any specific product set.
Weekly All Medtech Momentum: last 365d vs 1825d baseline Incumbent moves: last 90d New entrants: last 365d
Free edition · Published by Elephant Hawk — elephanthawk.com/tools
Hottest category (1y/5y ratio)
3.93×
— — see below
Codes attracting new entrants
15
top: 39 first-timers in QIH
Top-50 incumbent moves
74
56 reinforce · 18 expand · 37 active firms
Distress signals
0
acquisition candidates

🔥 Hot Categories — FDA Codes Accelerating

Top FDA product codes by velocity ratio (last 365d clearance rate ÷ last 1825d baseline rate). A ratio of 2.0× means the code is filing at twice its long-run pace right now. These are the codes the industry's R&D and capital are concentrating in.

RankCodeDeviceSpecialtyClass VelocityRecent (1y)Baseline (5y)Recent sponsors
1 — — — — 3.93× 11 14 11
2 DHB System, Test, Radioallergosorbent (Rast) Immunological Immunology II 3.0× 6 10 1
3 SDD Electromechanical Surgical System Wherein The Surgeon Annd The User Interface Can Be In The Sterile Field General, Plastic Surgery II 3.0× 3 5 1
4 FMZ Incubator, Neonatal General Hospital II 3.0× 3 5 2
5 LOL Hepatitis A Test (Antibody And Igm Antibody) Microbiology II 3.0× 3 5 2
6 SCR Air-Conduction Hearing Aid Software Ear, Nose, Throat II 3.0× 3 5 3
7 IZQ Injector, Contrast Medium, Automatic Cardiovascular II 2.86× 4 7 3
8 KRH Ring, Annuloplasty Cardiovascular II 2.78× 5 9 3
9 OLR Oral Wound Dressing Unknown — 2.73× 6 11 6
10 GAM Suture, Absorbable, Synthetic, Polyglycolic Acid General, Plastic Surgery II 2.73× 6 11 4
11 GXN Plate, Cranioplasty, Preformed, Non-Alterable Neurology II 2.5× 6 12 6
12 OLI Fat Reducing Low Level Laser General, Plastic Surgery II 2.5× 5 10 4
13 GXP Methyl Methacrylate For Cranioplasty Neurology II 2.5× 4 8 2
14 LYC Bone Grafting Material, Synthetic Dental II 2.5× 4 8 4
15 SAN Automated Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test System For Positive Blood Culture Samples Microbiology II 2.5× 4 8 4

🚀 New-Entrant Clusters — Codes Attracting First-Time Filers

FDA product codes ranked by the number of sponsors who filed their FIRST 510(k) in that code during the last 365 days. High first-timer counts = new capital + new R&D entering the category. This is the leading edge of where the focus is going (lags the underlying R&D investment by ~12-24 months).

RankCodeDeviceSpecialty First-time filersSample firms
1 QIH Automated Radiological Image Processing Software Radiology 39 3DIEMME SRLAgada Medical, Ltd.Ai4medimaging Medical Solutions S.A.Airs Medical, Inc.Angiowave Imaging, Inc.
2 LLZ System, Image Processing, Radiological Radiology 35 ADVAHEALTH SOLUTIONS, LLCAS Software, LLCAgfa Healthcare N.V.Apryse Software CorpArchy Dental, Inc.
3 GEX Powered Laser Surgical Instrument General, Plastic Surgery 24 Baoding Te'Anzhou Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.Beijing HuaCheng Taike Technology Co., Ltd.Bellamia Technologies, Inc.Boston Aesthetics, Inc.C.R. Bard, Inc.
4 ITI Wheelchair, Powered Physical Medicine 23 Beijing OrionStar Technology Co., Ltd.Hebei Dansong Medical Technology Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Intco Medical Products Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Yveelt Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.Nanjing CareMoving Rehabilitation Equipment Co.,Ltd
5 OHS Light Based Over The Counter Wrinkle Reduction General, Plastic Surgery 21 Atop Lighting Co., Ltd.Dongguan Miqiang Technology Co., Ltd.Dongguan Yanxi Technology Co., Ltd.Dongguan Yijiaming Technology Co., Ltd.Guangdong Ace-Tec Co., Ltd.
6 GEI Electrosurgical, Cutting & Coagulation & Accessories General, Plastic Surgery 19 Acotec Scientific Co., Ltd.Ascblue CorporationAsterasys Co., Ltd.Aventix Medical, Inc.Baylis Medical Technologies, Inc.
7 GCJ Laparoscope, General & Plastic Surgery Gastroenterology, Urology 18 Ab Medica SasFloShield, Inc.Freyja Healthcare, LLCHangzhou Hawk Optical Electronic Instruments Co., Ltd.Integrated Endoscopy, Inc.
8 INI Vehicle, Motorized 3-Wheeled Physical Medicine 15 Dongguan Smarfody Mobility Technology Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Bangbang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Intco Medical Products Co., Ltd.Jochu Technology Co., Ltd.Lerado Zhongshan Peaceful Cove Business Trading Co., Ltd.
9 ODP Intervertebral Fusion Device With Bone Graft, Cervical Orthopedic 15 C.A. Medical, LLCDegen MedicalEffortmed, LLCFims Co., Ltd.HC Biologics, LLC
10 LRK Device, Anti-Snoring Dental 14 Aiomega, LLCAirway Technologies D/B/A Airway ManagementDcstar, Inc.DnB Innovations, LLCDongguan Yiyao Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd.
11 DYB Introducer, Catheter Cardiovascular 14 Cardiocycle Medical(Suzhou) Co., Ltd.Cultiv8 1, LLCEcho Medical, LLCHartman Medical Group, LLCHealth Line International Corporation
12 NKB Thoracolumbosacral Pedicle Screw System Orthopedic 13 Allumin8, Inc.Beijing Fule Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd.Box Spine, LLCChanpin Medtak Co., Ltd.Double Medical Technology, Inc.
13 IOR Wheelchair, Mechanical Physical Medicine 12 Anhui Longway Medical Technology Co., Ltd.Empower Ride, LLCFoshan Nanhai Hongchen Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.Free Wheelchair MissionGuangDong Yong Yi Rehabilitation Equipment Technology Co., Ltd.
14 OLO Orthopedic Stereotaxic Instrument Neurology 12 Balmoral Medical, LLCFoundation Surgical Group, Inc.K2m, Inc.Life Spine, Inc.Orthofix US, LLC
15 NUC Lubricant, Personal Obstetrics/Gynecology 12 Ansella TherapeuticsBumlicious, LLC (DBA “Bumlicious”)Golden Isles Medical, Inc.Guangzhou Haoyimai Trading Co., Ltd.Hudi Pharma Srl

🛡️ What the Top 50 US Medtech Incumbents Are Doing

Recent filings by the top-50 sponsors (by lifetime US 510(k) volume) in the last 90 days. REINFORCE = filed in a code they already own (label expansion, supplement, follow-on = moat-protection move). EXPAND = filed in a code where they had NO prior presence (strategic territory move). Ratio of reinforce vs. expand tells you whether the incumbents are playing defense or going on offense.

Defensive balance: 56 reinforce moves vs 18 expand moves · 76% reinforce · 24% expand · 37 of 50 incumbents active in window
DateFirmMoveCode ClassSpecialtyDevice
2026-08-13 GE Medical Systems reinforce LNH II Radiology AIR Recon DL
2026-08-12 Boston Scientific expand FTM II General, Plastic Surgery EluPro Antibiotic-Eluting BioEnvelope
2026-08-12 Masimo Corporation reinforce MWI II Cardiovascular Masimo Root Monitoring System
2026-08-12 Hologic, Inc. expand KNW II Gastroenterology, Urology Brevera Biopsy System with CorLumina Imaging Technology (BREVDISP09)
2026-08-12 TriMed, Inc. reinforce HWC II Orthopedic Large Compression Screws
2026-08-10 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc. expand NIG II Immunology Atellica IM CA 19-9 II
2026-08-07 Arthrex, Inc. reinforce MAI II Orthopedic Arthrex Bioabsorbable PushLock Suture Anchors
2026-08-07 Intuitive Surgical, Inc. expand FDS II Gastroenterology, Urology Intuitive Endoluminal Gastrointestinal System (IG1000)
2026-08-07 GE Medical Systems Ultrasound and Primary care Diagnostics, LLC reinforce IYN II Radiology Venue Go
2026-08-06 Paragon 28, Inc. reinforce JDR II Orthopedic Megalodon Dynamic Compression System
2026-08-06 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. dba Stryker Orthopaedics reinforce KRO II Orthopedic Triathlon® Knee System; Triathlon® Hinge Knee System; Scorpio® Total K
2026-08-04 Globus Medical, Inc. reinforce LPH II Orthopedic TRIVANCE™ Hip Stem
2026-08-04 Philips Ultrasound, LLC reinforce IYN II Radiology Alturion Series Diagnostic Ultrasound System
2026-08-03 Varian Medical Systems, Inc. reinforce IYE II Radiology Halcyon, Ethos Radiotherapy System (5.0)
2026-08-03 Paragon 28, Inc. reinforce MBI II Orthopedic Grappler Suture Anchor System
2026-07-31 Intuitive Surgical, Inc. reinforce NAY II Gastroenterology, Urology da Vinci Surgical System, Model IS5000
2026-07-31 Medtronic, Inc. reinforce QJZ II Cardiovascular VitalFlow Set with Balance™ Biosurface
2026-07-31 Globus Medical, Inc. reinforce JWH II Orthopedic ACTIFY™ Total Knee System, ACTIFY™ 3D Total Knee System (ACTIFY MC Tib
2026-07-30 Arthrex, Inc. expand KWI II Orthopedic Arthrex Radial Head Replacement System
2026-07-30 GE Medical Systems Ultrasound and Primary Care Diagnostics reinforce IYN II Radiology LOGIQ Focus
2026-07-30 Prismatik Dentalcraft, Inc. reinforce EIH II Dental Obsidian® Press Over Zirconia
2026-07-30 Stryker Endoscopy reinforce MBI II Orthopedic AIR+ All-Inside Meniscal Repair Device, Curved Up;AIR+ All-Inside Meni
2026-07-29 Medline Industries, LP expand DYB II Cardiovascular NAMIC Dilator and Sheath
2026-07-28 Life Spine, Inc. reinforce MAX II Orthopedic TruLift Expandable System
2026-07-27 Philips Ultrasound, LLC reinforce IYN II Radiology Philips EPIQ Series Diagnostic Ultrasound System; Philips Affiniti Ser

❄️ Cooling Categories — FDA Codes Decelerating

FDA product codes where clearance velocity is FAR below long-run baseline. Two interpretations: (a) the category is dying / commoditized → vacated white space someone could re-enter cheaply, OR (b) the use case is being replaced by a different technology (e.g., glucose meters declining as CGM eats their share). Either way, useful intelligence.

RankCodeDeviceSpecialty VelocityRecent (1y)Baseline (5y)
1 LYY Latex Patient Examination Glove General Hospital 0.0× 0 23
2 FLL Continuous Measurement Thermometer General Hospital 0.14× 2 74
3 LZA Polymer Patient Examination Glove General Hospital 0.18× 12 338
4 LCX Kit, Test, Pregnancy, Hcg, Over The Counter Clinical Chemistry 0.22× 1 23
5 FXX Mask, Surgical General, Plastic Surgery 0.22× 9 201
6 ONF Powered Light Based Non-Laser Surgical Instrument With Thermal Effect General, Plastic Surgery 0.23× 1 22
7 JDR Staple, Fixation, Bone Orthopedic 0.23× 1 22
8 MCW Catheter, Peripheral, Atherectomy Cardiovascular 0.24× 1 21
9 MQB Solid State X-Ray Imager (Flat Panel/Digital Imager) Radiology 0.31× 4 65
10 NBW System, Test, Blood Glucose, Over The Counter Clinical Chemistry 0.32× 2 31
11 JOJ Indicator, Physical/Chemical Sterilization Process General Hospital 0.32× 2 31
12 FRN Pump, Infusion General Hospital 0.33× 2 30
13 KGO Surgeon'S Gloves General, Plastic Surgery 0.33× 2 30
14 LON System, Test, Automated, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Short Incubation Microbiology 0.33× 2 30
15 KNT Tubes, Gastrointestinal (And Accessories) Gastroenterology, Urology 0.34× 2 29

⚠️ New Distress Signals (Market-Wide)

Firms across all US medtech that recently tripped the distress signal: small US-cleared portfolio (≤8 clearances), Class I recall in window, dormant ≥730 days. Potential M&A targets via Hilco / Ocean Tomo / Heritage Global outreach.

No new distress signals in window. The standing watch order with Hilco / Ocean Tomo continues to monitor.

🔭 All Medtech Lane Spotlight

Filtered view of the same window, restricted to None FDA codes in the All Medtech code list. Shown because you ran the brief with --lane all. The market-analysis sections above are still the primary view; this is supplementary.

No events in All Medtech lane during the window.

📡 External Signals — This Week

Leading-edge items from live external feeds; the warehouse sections above are the lagging FDA record (clearances reflect ~12-18 months of prior R&D + regulatory work).

Press Releases leads by ~12 months

AI Synthesis Layer leads by weekly

Coming next:

Clinical Trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)
New trial starts and registry updates — a strong leading indicator for where R&D money is being spent.
Trade Show Calendar + Target Attendee List
MD&M, RSNA, AAOS, AAOMS, ADA, ASCO, HIMSS, CES Health. Next-30-days view of firms exhibiting and what they're launching — real-time signal of where the booth budget is going.
Industry Trade Press + SEC EDGAR M&A
MedTech Dive, MassDevice, MedCity News, MD+DI editorial + SEC 8-K M&A filings. Concurrent and retrospective context.