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Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis has announced that Brad S. Sutton, MD, from Boston Scientific will be a  keynote speaker at the event, which includes the Plastec and Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) shows. Sutton will explain how innovations in medical technology are saving ever more lives as well as demonstrably improving the quality of life of patients. In particular, he will discuss the evolution of left atrial appendage closure devices in stroke-prevention procedures, and his personal connection with the technology.

Brad. S. Sutton, Boston Scientific.

Removing or closing off the left atrial appendage (LAA) has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and eliminate the need among at-risk populations of taking blood thinners, such as Warfarin. Studies have shown that, among people with atrial fibrillation who don’t have valve disease, most of the blood clots that happen in the left atrium start in the LAA, according to the Cleveland Clinic’s website. “It’s unclear what function, if any, the left atrial appendage performs. Your heart can continue to do its job with a closed left atrial appendage,” it adds. 

Sutton has participated in clinical trials and helped draft papers involving the Watchman LAA closure device, which is marketed by Boston Scientific. At the Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis keynote, he will explain how advances such as this are transforming lives around the world.

All Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis visitors are invited to attend the keynote free of charge. The event, which comes to the Minneapolis Convention Center on Oct. 10 and 11, 2023, features more than 500 exhibitors showcasing advances in design and manufacturing, plastics, packaging, and automation for OEMs in the medical device and other sectors. A conference with educational sessions devoted to technological innovations, industry trends, manufacturing logistics, and regulatory developments runs alongside the event. A complete schedule is available online.

Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis is organized by Informa Markets – Engineering, which also publishes PlasticsToday.