Innovation in intubation devices, particularly video-enabled technology, is breathing new life into the market for airway management products. At the 2010 meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, held in San Diego in October, manufacturers showcased a variety of new intubation devices designed to improve visualization, avoid complications, and provide fast and simple solutions for patients with difficult airways.

Although the acquisition of Sofamor Danek by Medtronic came as a surprise to some, both Medtronic and Sofamor Danek had in recent years begun to move toward a common ground around neurosurgery. Sofamor Danek should benefit from Medtronic's growing presence in neurological medicine, especially surrounding minimally invasive and image-guided neurosurgery. In announcing the deal. Medtronic noted that its neurological business will, with Sofamor's revenues included, account for 28% of the company's overall sales this year, a figure Medtronic expects to grow to 40% in the next ten years.

Angeion thought it was going to get to the implantable defibrillator market with St. Jude as a marketing partner. But St. Jude's acquisition of Ventritex changed all that. Now, Angeion is going it alone, with worldwide royalty-free licenses from St. Jude on a wide range of patents. But can Angeion use that base and what company officials believe is superior technology to succeed in a market increasingly dominated by giants?