Vanderbilt professors’ firm develops ‘breakthrough device’

NASHVILLE (AP) — A company co-founded by Vanderbilt University professors has received a special designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a breakthrough device.

The designation streamlines the regulatory process for certain medical devices that provide more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases. In this case, the designation is for a technology developed by Nashville-based EndoTheia that increases the flexibility and usefulness of standard endoscopes, according to a news release from the school.

Robert J. Webster III, a professor of mechanical engineering and associate professor of medicine and urology, is also EndoTheia president. Another Vanderbilt professor, S. Duke Herrell III, is chief medical officer. The pair also co-founded Vanderbilt’s Institute for Surgery and Engineering, along with others. Caleb Rucker, who leads the REACH robotics lab at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, is the chief scientific officer.

Tennessee offering grants to rescue squads

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee officials are encouraging rescue squads to apply for grant money to purchase lifesaving equipment.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office said in a news release $2 million has been set aside to help rescue squads across the state.

Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly approved the funding in 2022. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 10.

“This program will help provide resources to Tennessee’s rescue squads while fulfilling Gov. Lee’s vision of strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities,” said Tennessee State Fire Marshal and TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence.

To be eligible, rescue squads must have an active registration with the Secretary of State and be recognized by a local government to provide rescue squad services.

Currently, there are more than 90 rescue squads in Tennessee whose specialized services including extrication, structural collapse response, and swift water rescue.

Officials: Tennessee inmate on death row dies in prison

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee inmate on death row died of apparent natural causes Monday, authorities said.

James Dellinger, 71, was pronounced dead at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, the Tennessee Department of Correction said in a news release.

A medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death, the statement said.

Dellinger was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1992 shooting death of Tommy Griffin, 24, in Blount County. Dellinger was sentenced to death in 1996.

In 2007, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals rejected Dellinger’s appeal. Dellinger claimed he had ineffective counsel.