More than 80% of the ventricular assist devices in development today use an open surgical approach. CircuLite Inc. is developing a completely interventional VAD. With its percutaneous device, the company aims to extend treatment to patients at an earlier stage of heart failure, thus halting--or perhaps reversing--disease progression.

Corporate venture investment programs like Guidant's Compass walk a thin line between traditional business development and traditional venture capital investing. Compass' goal is to help Guidant find new technology early that could eventually help one of Guidant's core business groups but still earn a return on investment in the event the technology ultimately proves of no value to the corporation.

Medical Devices. Guidant Corp. and Atlas Venture have formed Impella to bring to market a microaxial blood flow device designed to provide full circulatory support during coronary artery bypass surgery, and in cases of acute heart failure.