Tinkering with the Ticker
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
Established heart valve companies are putting out second and third generation devices, while start-ups are developing novel technologies to overcome the drawbacks associated with mechanical and tissue valves. The replacement valve market is essentially flat; future growth will come from macro factors such as an aging population or improving economies in third world countries, but companies continue to improve products to retain or capture market share from each other. Meanwhile, start-ups see a new market opening up for percutaneous technologies. Such technologies promise to offer a solution for patients who aren't candidates for surgery. Early intervention could also delay the need for valve replacement procedures. While new heart valves aren't readily adopted by conservative surgeons that already have a host of options that are proven to be safe, interventional cardiologists are eager for the new procedures that the percutaneous technologies promise.
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