A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, New Devices for Varicose Veins, features profiles of Vascular Insights, VeinRx and Venousonics. Plus these Start-Up Across Health Care: NanoMed Pharmaceuticals, Peakadilly, Quincy Bioscience and Solidus Biosciences.

VeinRx's balloon-controlled venous ablation technology is designed to address both the medical and cosmetic varicose vein markets. It is a single-use, catheter-based product for delivering a sclerosant to the diseased vein. The balloon prevents the chemical from migrating out of the treatment zone. Physicians thus have greater control over both the dosage and the treatment area. There's also a potential safety benefit since the sclerosing agent cannot disperse into the general circulation.

There's nothing even remotely sexy about varicose veins. Yet medical device companies and their investors are starting to view the opportunity for treating these bulging blue leg veins as downright alluring. The recent introduction of minimally invasive technologies, combined with shifting demographics and favorable reimbursements, are fueling talk of blockbuster potential for this hybrid clinical/cosmetic market.