Health care reform fuels Ohio, Minnesota lobbying — MedCity Weekend Rounds

Here are some of the top stories at MedCity News this week:

The federal government’s push to overhaul the U.S. health care system fueled Ohio health care companies and hospitals’ lobbying spending in 2009. The Cleveland Clinic, Elyria-based Invacare Corp. and Dublin-based Cardinal Health Inc. led the way in lobbying spending amongst Ohio health care groups and companies, all spending more than $600,000.

The Big Three of Minnesota health care – UnitedHealth Group Inc., Medtronic Inc., and Mayo Clinic – had lots to say to Uncle Sam last year, spending a combined $10.7 million to lobby Congress and Obama Administration officials in 2009.

Coordinate Capital LLC, a new local venture capital firm in Minnesota, is trying to raise $25 million to invest in biomass, energy and life science start-ups, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

CardioInsight Technologies Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, has raised $5.7 million in an ongoing funding round to help commercialize its heart-mapping technology.

Synapse Biomedical Inc. has raised more than $433,000 from investors on its way to $1.2 million to repay debt and get ready to supply its diaphragm pacing techn0logy to a new market: ALS patients.