Medtronic 2008 Annual Report Download - page 15

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CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Making Innovative Treatment Available in More Countries
Over the past several years, Medtronic has achieved leadership in the European coronary stent market
with our next-generation Endeavor drug-eluting coronary stent. A key part of our growth strategy is to
expand the availability of Endeavor into other major worldwide markets. In February 2008, we launched
Endeavor in the United States, where it has the potential to help many of the 1 million Americans a year
who require a procedure to clear blocked arteries. Endeavor’s Japanese regulatory approval is expected
in 2009, which will enable us to compete in all major global markets.
Additional market growth will come from our expanded portfolio of drug-eluting stent systems, which
are designed to meet the full spectrum of clinical needs. The Endeavor Resolute* drug-eluting stent
features an innovative polymer that allows the drug to be released more slowly, making it more suitable
for patients at high risk of restenosis, where the artery again becomes blocked. The low-profile Endeavor
Sprint system has a thinner cross-section on the delivery catheter, making it even easier for cardiologists
to navigate through twisted vessels. Both innovations are currently available in more than 100 countries
worldwide. Additional regulatory approvals should follow, allowing us to further expand patient access
to our coronary stent portfolio.
Frank Holland
Galway, Ireland
Drug-eluting coronary stent to treat coronary artery disease
Frank Holland thought of himself as healthy. He golfed and walked
regularly, and kept active as an employee in Medtronic’s Galway
manufacturing facility. So when he was out walking one day and felt
a burning in his chest, he thought it was just indigestion. To be sure, he
went to his doctor, who suggested a heart stress test. “After the test, they
said I was within a hair’s breath of a massive heart attack,” Frank said.
“Three arteries were severely blocked. They put me straight into theater
and implanted two Endeavor stents, which ironically, we make at the
Galway plant.” Frank was able to resume his activities soon after. “While
this is a serious procedure, having a stent implanted isn’t any more
uncomfortable than a visit to the dentist.”
At a Glance
What it is:
Coronary artery disease, the most common
heart disease, is caused by fatty deposits
inside arteries that result in inadequate
blood supply to the heart. The deposits
lead to chest pain and contribute
significantly to the risk of heart attacks.
Symptoms:
Because the deposits build up gradually,
symptoms are often not felt until
blockages are severe and life threatening.
Typical symptoms include chest pain,
shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen feet,
and/or pain in the shoulder or arm.
Medtronic treatments:
An angioplasty portfolio that includes the
Endeavor system, which opens a blocked
artery at the same time as implanting a
supporting stent. The stent holds the artery
open and diffuses a drug that prevents new
tissue growth, which could otherwise reblock
the artery. Medtronic also makes a range
of tools and technologies that enable and
facilitate coronary bypass surgery.
*Not yet cleared for marketing in the United States.
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