The global market for products treating heart valve disease is expected to exceed $8bn by 2021, driven largely by the rising number of elderly patients with cardiovascular disease, obesity and growing prevalence of diabetes. This, in turn, is fueling significant innovation in minimally invasive techniques, particularly in the leading area of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but also in transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVrep) systems, both of which offer patients quicker recovery times, less discomfort and greater safety compared to traditional surgical heart valve repair and replacement. This feature looks more closely at the competitive landscape and dynamics of these two fast-growing market segments, as well as gives insight into what the users – the physicians – think of these technologies.

The deal will make HeartWare more of a go-to firm for heart-failure specialists, executives say. It comes soon after St. Jude Medical announced its acquisition of Thoratec, another VAD-focused firm whose technology will now be sold alongside a broader set of tools for heart-failure caregivers.

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