Device Trends To Watch In 2012

For much of the device industry, 2011 was marked by continuing change across the medtech ecosystem, most notably in the economy, the regulatory process, and the financing/innovation model. For 2012, we predict more of the same: the only certainty is continuing uncertainty.

Songwriter Tom Petty observed that “The waiting is the hardest part.” For those who have lived through the past few years in the medical device industry, Petty is truly preaching to the choir. The theme of last year’s annual review of the device industry was change; medtech was in a state of transition, almost as if waiting for the other shoe to drop, on a number of fronts. We optimistically suggested that 2011 would see one or more of those shoes finally fall, bringing some resolution, most notably in the regulatory area. (See Also see "Top Device Stories Of 2010: Waiting For The Other Shoes To Fall" - In Vivo, 1 January, 2011..) However, one year later, about the only thing we can comfortably predict is that the medical device industry is going to be living with uncertainty for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps the best example is the economy. While there is some reason for optimism concerning the state of the US...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Deals

More from Business

‘Eyes – A Window Into The Heart’: Retinal AI Tool Predicts Future Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke

 

A deep-learning AI-based retinal image scanning tool can predict the risk of cardiovascular events over a 10-year period with 70% accuracy. The test is comparable to routine GP health checks, researchers from the University of Dundee have shown.

With CMS Coverage Established, Medtronic Looks To Next Steps For Renal Denervation

 
• By 

US Medicare has proposed national coverage of renal denervation for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The treatment is seeing other advances as well, with Medtronic piloting a longer catheter and a multi-organ approach and a blood test to identify the best candidates fresh on the

PFA Market Surges As UK NICE Opens Doors And US FDA Approves Boston, J&J Incremental Innovations

 

The pulsed-field ablation market is surging, with the UK NHS opening doors and FDA updates for major players. Medtech Insight spoke with Steven Mickelsen, founder of Farapulse (the first clinically approved PFA system), about the sector's growth and his new venture, Field Medical.