Atrial Fibrillation Device Therapy - Identifying Drivers Of Physician Adoption In The U.S.

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 17 Dec 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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Frost & Sullivan recently published research results on the state of adoption for atrial fibrillation therapies in the U.S. cardiovascular market. Through more than 150 detailed interviews with electrophysiologists, cardiologists and other cardiovascular professionals, the company determined key drivers and obstacles involving the adoption and utilization of various atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatments.

In this study, Frost & Sullivan analysts used a structured questionnaire and robust quantitative analysis tools to reveal the relative importance of attributes, identify key market segments with distinct patterns of therapy adoption and usage intent, as well as determine key drivers and obstacles to adoption.

"Currently no ablation system to date has been approved explicitly for use in treating atrial fibrillation," notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Venkat Rajan. "However, advancements in 3-D mapping, other imaging techniques and features within the systems themselves are enabling higher success rates for procedures. Thereby expanding confidence among end-users, and gathering enough clinical data for possible FDA approval."

The most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, AFib affects about two and a half million people in the U.S. of which, one million do not respond well to traditional drug therapy or behavior modification. Approximately 200,000 new cases of AFib occur annually in the U.S. alone. Even though the adoption and utilization for atrial fibrillation has slowed, medical device therapy options will likely increase.

While numerous medical device therapies exist to treat AFib, such as minimally invasive surgical ablation, catheter ablation, open heart surgery ablation, pacemakers and anticoagulants, the physician ultimately decides which method to use based on awareness as well as preference.

"Manufacturers that can better understand the drivers and obstacles of adoption and utilization preferences for atrial fibrillation device therapies can develop and refine their technologies to best serve customer demand," says Rajan. "With effective third party information partners, companies can take steps to ensure their continued success."

End User Perceptions of Atrial Fibrillation Device is part of ongoing research conducted within the Medical Devices Subscription, which also includes research in the following markets: U.S. Cardiac Surgery Markets, U.S. Cardiac Rhythm Management Markets and U.S. Catheters Markets. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Consulting Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting and Career Best Practices empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents.

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