Brief summaries of recent medtech market and industry developments. This month we cover a new GAO report that ups the pressure on the medical imaging market; Cordis Corp.'s suspension of its PFO closure device program; Atritech's PMA for stroke prevention; Zimmer's acquisition of Abbott Spine; and the US market for contraception devices and procedures.

Vertebral compression fracture repair is one of the fastest growing segments of the spinal market. New developments in VCF repair promise continued growth, but a shakeup of competitive dynamics is probably also in the future.

A business development panel representing the emerging group of mid-sized device dealmakers that are actively looking for innovative technology from small companies discusses the current state of medtech dealmaking.

The treatment of vertebral compression fractures has evolved into a $375 per year industry in the US, almost $500 million worldwide. It is controlled primarily by one company, Kyphon Inc., but there are many other companies offering less expensive vertobroplasty alternatives.