BioMedTracker is featuring content from respected outside sources to augment its original report content. This article was originally published by IN VIVO, March 2015. IN VIVO is the premier strategic business resource for the biopharma, medtech, and diagnostics industries. Data in the article comes from Strategic Transactions and MedDeviceTracker.

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Congestive heart failure is among the leading cardiovascular indications with regulatory catalysts expected in the next two years, driven by multiple catalysts in the ventricular assist devices (VADs). In addition, please look out for our upcoming special MedDeviceTracker report on VADs.

Cardiovascular device companies have traditionally represented the largest percentage of acquisition targets over the past several years, especially in the higher-value deals. To fill their growing portfolios, big cardio acquirers like Boston Scientific (BSX) and Abbott Laboratories (ABT) will be looking for new and innovative products, while smaller firms will be advancing their technologies to formulate exit paths, whether it's an IPO or acquisition. Private companies with marketed devices still tend to go public at a faster pace than those at the development stage. So getting a device launched is crucial no matter the exit route.

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