Headlines Obscure Robust Year for Devices in 2006

Although big companies grabbed the headlines with problems, 2006 proved to be a strong year for the medical device industry and growth prospects look strong. Our selection of the device industry highlights of 2006 includes: Boston Scientific-Guidant deal: the winner may be Abbott; Device IPO market remains strong; Drug-eluting stent safety debate; Conflicts of interest: (physician relationships with companies); The bid for Biomet; VC Pendulum shifts towards medical devices; Kyphon bids for St. Francis; and Diagnostic imaging and in vitro diagnostics converge.