Medical device major Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) recently launched its Accolade family of pacemakers in the European market, after winning the CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark approval for the same. This latest family of pacemakers provides the best pacing therapies to heart patients while offering them unprecedented access to full-body imaging.
However, following the news, Boston Scientific's shares slipped 0.7% to close at $11.37 on Friday.
Unique Pacing Features
Boston Scientific's Accolade pacemakers represent the first set of pacing devices which allow patients to receive full-body MRI scans in both 1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla systems, once implanted with the Ingevity leads. Per Prof. Francesco Romeo, who conducted the first Accolade device implant, the complete set of diagnostics and the outstanding longevity this pacemaker provides, will allow physicians to use this device in patients for several years from the time of implantation.
Currently, Boston Scientific's ImageReady technology comes in a pack with the Accolade family of pacemakers. This technology provides the most flexible MRI choices enabling increased energy scan sequences. Additionally, it also features a programmable MRI timer that enhances patient workflow.
Financial Impact
Per management, this new-age long-lasting Accolade pacemaker facilitated with automatic daily monitoring and advanced diagnostics will help physicians in early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, which in turn will reduce the risk of stroke in heart patients. This in turn will not only reduce the rate of patient mortality on account of stroke but will also help curtail overall healthcare costs.
Evidently, the company's wide range of differentiated portfolio – apart from delivering unique clinical benefits to patients and physicians – also provides economic savings for its customers.
Recently, the company also won CE Mark approval for its Visionist and Valtitude CRT-Ps equipped with the quadripolar pacing technology. Per management, coupled with the Acuity X4 pacing leads, these systems have the ability to pace the target location in one's left ventricle. This, in turn, results in upgrading a patient's response to CRT therapy.
Currently, the company is actively pursuing MRI compatibility for its existing implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D), including the Autogen, Dynagen, Inogen, and Origen CRT-Ds, and lead technologies such as the Ingevity, Reliance and Acuity leads. We believe Boston Scientific's continuous attempts to introduce innovative pacing devices for heart patients will help the company gain further profitable share in the expanding cardiac rhythm management (CRM) market.
Zacks Rank
Currently, Boston Scientific carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the medical products industry include GW Pharmaceuticals plc (GWPH), ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. (ZLTQ) and Abaxis, Inc. (ABAX). While GW Pharmaceuticals and ZELTIQ Aesthetics sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Abaxis holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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