The Next Wave of Innovation

Originally Published MDDI September/October 2003

FROM THE EDITORS

Though Johnson & Johnson's Cypher stent dominated the headlines this year, many other device companies are poised for similar success.

In this issue of MD&DI, we feature our choice for medical device manufacturer of the year, Johnson & Johnson's Cordis subsidiary. It was not an easy choice to make. As our readers showed us with their nominations, there are many outstanding companies to choose from in this industry.

In reviewing these nominations, we found that all had one salient feature in common—a dedication to innovating. It is by pursuing new technologies and new applications that these companies have prospered. To us, their stories represent what is outstanding about this industry as a whole.

Three of the companies nominated by our readers—Alaris Medical Systems (San Diego), Intuitive Surgical (Sunnyvale, CA), and Sonosite (Bothell, WA)—are highlighted on page 80. We would like to recognize the others here, with comments from their nominators. The opinions are those of our readers.

American Medical Systems Inc. (Minnetonka, MN) has made a "significant commitment to women's health through an aggressive pursuit of new products, product lines, and market developments."

Biosite Inc. (San Diego) has a test for congestive heart failure, says its nominator, "that the big boys are scrambling to catch up with."

Cranial Technologies Inc. (Tempe, AZ) "has become the industry leader in the treatment of infants with abnormal head shape" and its product is described as "the first medical device to be cleared through Section 207 of FDA Modernization Act of 1997 (the De Novo petition)."

Integrated Medical Systems Inc. (Signal Hill, CA) "integrates devices, data, and utility capabilities of multiple suppliers into a single system" and has, says its nominator, the only such platform with FDA and CE clearance.

Medrad Inc. (Indianola, PA) "has maintained its leadership position (in medical imaging) for three decades based on innovative management, a dedication to quality, and successful expansion into new markets."

The MedTech Group Inc. (South Plainfield, NJ), a full-service contract manufacturer, has "experienced steady growth ... while maintaining high standards for honesty in business and integrity in dealing with customers."

Medtronic Inc. (Minneapolis), which makes a number of devices that treat chronic disease, "is always out front and setting models for everything the device industry does. Their leadership and management team are really tremendous. As you look into the next generation of devices, they are the ones that will still be there."

Organ Recovery Systems (Des Plaines, IL) has "a new class of devices designed to establish a continuum of organ care, spanning the critical time between donation and transplantation. They are small, portable devices that keep the organs viable and can be taken around the world, and should help open up the available supply of organs for transplantation."

Possis Medical Inc. (Minneapolis) manufactures "a leading edge, minimally invasive, high-pressure thrombectomy system" and received the 2003 Manufacturer of the Year award from the Minnesota Manufacturers Alliance.

Precision Dynamics Corp. (San Fernando, CA), which produces medical identification systems, has an "innovative approach to maintaining viability and leadership through product diversification," and is "positioned for substantial future growth."

Synovis Life Technologies Inc. (St. Paul, MN) provides implantable, biomaterial devices designed to reduce risks of critical surgeries and has helped customers to profit by increasing "the quantity and quality of their components without costing them any extra money."

These companies and others are reminders of the excellence the industry can attain, and the admirable efforts many of its members make. Many other stories remain to be told, and MD&DI looks forward to telling them in the coming years.

The Editors

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