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PFO Closure: Where Do We Stand?

Article preview reprinted Medtech Insight - May, 2009 

The PFO (patent foramen ovale) closure market has certainly traveled a long and twisted road over the years. And the journey isn't over yet. Although some large companies have pulled back on their US commercialization efforts or decided to exit the field entirely, othrs continue to stick it out, hoping the eventual opportunity will far outweigh the risks and costs involved. In Europe, where percutaneous PFO closure following stroke/TIA is more widely accepted and performed, there are nine CE marked PFO closure devices available from eight different manufacturers, with two more devices expected to be added to the mix in the near future. But despite widespread European acceptance, manufacturers have so far failed to achieve the ultimate goal: US regulatory approval. Find out more...

Article preview reprinted Medtech Insight - May, 2009 

The PFO (patent foramen ovale) closure market has certainly traveled a long and twisted road over the years. And the journey isn't over yet. Although some large companies have pulled back on their US commercialization efforts or decided to exit the field entirely, othrs continue to stick it out, hoping the eventual opportunity will far outweigh the risks and costs involved. In Europe, where percutaneous PFO closure following stroke/TIA is more widely accepted and performed, there are nine CE marked PFO closure devices available from eight different manufacturers, with two more devices expected to be added to the mix in the near future. But despite widespread European acceptance, manufacturers have so far failed to achieve the ultimate goal: US regulatory approval. Find out more...

Heart Valve Market: PAVR Poised for Growth

Article preview from Medtech Insight - January 2009

Much like the early days of coronary stenting, percutaneous aortic valve replacement has captured the imagination of physicians and industry alike. Although many challenges remain, most physicians in the heart valve community appear optimistic that transcatheter aortic valve technologies will eventually achieve a prominent place in the treatment armamentarium, a development that would put these devices on track to achieve over $1 billion in sales within the next five years.

Percutaneous Heart Valve Technology: The Mitral Challenge

Article preview from Medtech Insight - February 2009

While there is no question that heart valve repair and replacement is moving toward minimally invasive techniques and devices, there is a big difference between a minimally invasive surgical approach and a truly percutaneous, incisionless procedure. The challenges of reaching the latter goal are substantial, but apparently not insurmountable., In fact, recent progress in this field provides hope that in the not too distant future, percutaneous valve replacement and repair will become an accepted part of the treatment armamentarium, greatly expanding the number of patients who can be offered these potentially life-saving procedures.