Health Research International Forecasts 4.2% Annual Growth in U.S. Surgical Revascularization Market Through 2010.

CLEVELAND -- The U.S. launch of drug-eluting stents (DES) in early 2003 produced an immediate and fairly dramatic decline in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries performed, as patients with less diffuse disease were overwhelmingly referred for interventional management. The impact on product markets was equally dramatic, and concerns regarding the future of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and beating-heart products emerged. Although the surgical coronary revascularization caseload is not expected to rebound, epidemiological analysis makes it clear that CABG surgery will remain an important tool in the management of coronary artery disease. Moreover, cardiothoracic surgeons and product manufacturers are aggressively pursuing new approaches and technologies designed to close the invasiveness and risk gap between DES and surgery. While beating-heart surgery has gained its converts, most surgeons continue to prefer to operate on a dry, still heart; as such, they are welcoming new technologies that reduce the neurological and hematologic side effects of CPB. The substitution of cell washing for cardiotomy suction and whole blood return has been decisive, and, more recently, mini-bypass circuits are being promoted as a way to significantly reduce the priming volume and extensive blood-surface interface contributing to perioperative complications of CPB. Anastomosis devices are also generating interest for their ability to reduce complications secondary to aortic cross clamping and expedite the creation of reliable anastomoses. Finally, cardiac robotics and advanced visualization systems are offering the long-term potential to perform endoscopic CABG, which will clearly impact the variances between surgical and interventional approaches. The result of these advances will be a 4.2% annual increase in sales of surgical revascularization products, to $887 million in 2010.

These are among the findings of a comprehensive new report from Health Research International entitled "U.S. Opportunities in Surgical Coronary Revascularization," being distributed exclusively by Medtech Insight, a division of Windhover Information. This 500-page report contains 170 exhibits, including market models and supplier share data for: blood pumps, CPB disposables, autotransfusion kits, beating heart products, minimally invasive vessel harvesting systems, anastomosis devices, transmyocardial revascularization technologies, cardiopulmonary surgical sealants, and adjunctive technologies, among others. A detailed epidemiological analysis explains the drivers of the CABG caseload, and profiles are presented for 14 suppliers. The table of contents and ordering information can be viewed at http://www.medtechinsight.com/ReportHRI059.html.

Founded in 1978, Health Research International (www.healthri.com) provides the pharmaceutical and medical device industries with reliable, comprehensive and meticulously researched market analysis that incorporates strategic vision and a thorough understanding of competing medical technologies. Quality, experience and follow through have been the cornerstones of their custom consulting, online surveys, and market reports.

A division of Windhover Information Inc., Medtech Insight is the leading provider of business information and market intelligence for the medical technology marketplace. For more on the company's products and services, please visit www.medtechinsight.com.