While device manufacturers look for ways to utilize wireless technology to enhance the use of their products, a number of nontraditional health care partners are emerging as important players in the market. Firms such as Qualcomm, AT&T, and other telecommunication companies are working to establish an infrastructure that will make it easier and safer for patient data to flow from remote devices to caregivers. These technology firms have already established deals and partnerships with some manufacturers, and although there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, their presence in this market is an important step that could hasten the ongoing wireless health care revolution.

Presenters at a day-long AF Symposium held just prior to this year's Heart Rhythm Society meeting lamented the disappointing long-term results with AF ablation and spoke about upcoming technological advances in catheters and adjunctive tools that may improve the procedure's efficacy and durability.

Increasing concerns over the cost and efficacy of spinal procedures have chilled VC interest in spine companies, once the hot growth area in orthopedics. So, if spine is not the answer, where will VCs find investment opportunities in orthopedics, which remains one of the largest device sectors?