Introduction of Drug-Eluting Stents Threatens the Future of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Procedures

Surgeons Turn to Less Invasive Surgical Means in Response to Pressure, According to a New Report from Millennium Research Group

Waltham, MA (PRWEB) October 10, 2006 -- Millennium Research Group (MRG), the global authority on medical technology market intelligence, has conducted a detailed and thorough analysis of the global coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) market. The analysis reveals that the popularity of drug-eluting stents is threatening the future of coronary artery bypass graft procedures. According to a new report entitled Global Markets for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Devices 2006, the U.S. experienced a steep decline in CABG procedures following the introduction of stent technologies. In 2005, fewer than 500,000 CABG procedures were performed globally. In response to these pressures, cardiac surgeons have begun to seek less invasive surgical methods to provide the proven and long-lasting results of CABG.

Traditional on-pump CABG (ONCAB) procedures are performed on a patient who is supported by a heart lung machine. Published reports have revealed the negative patient effects of cardiopulmonary bypass; as a result, some surgeons have turned toward a technique called off-pump CABG (OPCAB) to perform these same procedures.

“OPCAB is performed on a beating heart, and initial results were very promising. Many in the industry expected that patient outcomes would be even better than those reported with traditional ONCAB,” said David Gardner, Senior Analyst from MRG. “Clinical data has not, however, proven the superiority of OPCAB patient outcomes compared to those achieved with ONCAB. Surgeon adoption of the more complex OPCAB technique around the globe will be sluggish as a result.”

In 2005, Medtronic (MDT) was the clear leader in the global CABG market, generating top revenues in the OPCAB market and significant revenues in the ONCAB market. Medtronic is the only company to offer a full range of products in each of the CABG market segments. Other companies covered in MRG’s Global Markets for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Devices 2006 report include Sorin (SORJF), Terumo (TRUMF), Boston Scientific CRM (BSX), Maquet (GNGBF), Senko, Estech, CardioVations/Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Chase Biomedical, Geister, Genesee Biomedical, Gish Biomedical/CardioTech (CTE), JMS Co., Medos Medizintechnik, Nikkiso (NKKSF), Teleflex Medical (TFX), Tonokura Ika Kogyo, and Ube Junken.

About Coronary Artery Disease
Over time, atherosclerotic plaque may build up in the coronary arteries, leading to lumen narrowing or blockage. This obstruction causes a decline in the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Without a sufficient supply of oxygenated blood, the heart may not function properly, leading to angina, arrhythmia, heart attack, ventricular dysfunction, or heart failure.

About Millennium Research Group
Millennium Research Group (www.MRG.net), a Decision Resources, Inc. company (www.DecisionResources.com), is a leading provider of strategic information to the healthcare sector. Focused solely on the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, the company provides its clients with the benefits of its specialized industry expertise through published reports and customized consulting services.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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