Vein Device Companies Dig Deeper

Vein diseases such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and chronic venous insufficiency have historically been the province of drug therapies, but they shouldn't be, according to the clinical socieities and medical device companies that are trying to create a groundswell in interventional vein treatments. The field is starting to organize: on the clinical side, the first clinical trials ever to pit devices against drugs for DVT are in progress. At the same time, Covidien has drawn attention to the business opportunities in the field by acquiring three companies with venous devices.

For the past two decades, arteries have outshone veins as a source of inspiration for clinicians, investors and entrepreneurs. Interventional cardiology now stands as a paradigm of innovation and adoption of dramatic new technologies capable of treating the deadliest of diseases. Veins, meanwhile, while serving an equally integral responsibility within the circulatory system, have been designated as a place where technologies, start-ups, and the capital that has funded them go to die.

This isn't the veins' fault. Clogged arteries can lead to heart attack, death, or limb amputations. Without immediate and effective...

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