While their use is still the subject of much clinical testing and professional debate, embolic protection devices are carving a growing presence in interventional cardiology. Patient morbidity due to conditions where blood flow to tissues is impaired or otherwise compromised is one of the most significant healthcare segments worldwide, affecting as many as twenty-five million in the U.S. alone. The number of interventional procedures performed in developed countries to treat these conditions has steadily increased over the past 10 years and will continue to grow at a healthy rate. For these patients, the evolving capabilities of embolic protection devices  have become an essential element in physician decisions and treatment outcomes. While the evolutionary success of embolic protection devices has been impressive, several issues must be addressed in order for the technology to fully expand beyond SVG and PCI procedures. Promising indications for embolic protection include atrial fibrillation-related embolism protection and interventional procedures for cerebrovascular defects.  This sector has been marked by a high level of technology acquisition activity, as established players seek to protect their existing franchise and expand product offerings.  

Publication Date: January 2007