Abstract
The global heart defect closure device market - comprising sales of heart
defect closure devices for atrial septal defects (ASDs), patent foramen ovales
(PFOs), patent ductus arteriosi (PDAs), and ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
in the US, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and the UK), and Japan - was valued
just over $110 million in 2008.
Research Methodology
The following report uses a number of methodologies to gather and present data
and analysis. At the outset, a large survey of secondary sources is conducted.
These sources act as the basis for the primary research stage, which builds
and enhances the quantitative and qualitative attributes of the early research.
Secondary sources include:
- Government Sources:
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings
- Food and Drug Administration and patent filings
- National Center for Health Statistics data
- Heart Defect Closure Device Companies:
- Annual reports, product brochures, corporate profiles, etc.
- Internal Databases and Reports:
- Previous reports on similar/related sources
- General Internet Searches, Medical Literature, and Newspaper/Magazine
Searches:
- Identifying various centers of specialization and articles that might
provide leads for primary research.
The secondary research stage builds the foundation for the primary research.
The primary research methodology has four steps:
Step 1: The first step involves an impartial scan of all the
information gathered during the secondary research stage to determine its
utility based on the specific requirements of this report. Each piece of
information is, thus, either discarded or marked as high or low priority. It
is then organized appropriately as determined by the structure and sectioning
of the report.
Step 2: At this stage, early assumptions are formed as to the
implications of the information for the various heart defect closure device
market segments. These assumptions are then used to determine hypotheses using
both inductive and deductive approaches. On the quantitative front, these
hypotheses result in full historical and projected market data sets (market
sizes [units and US$] and market shares).
Step 3: At this stage, the research is in position for its most
important primary phase - expert interviews. Throughout the secondary
research, industry and medical experts are identified. These experts are now
contacted by telephone and asked to participate in interviews on recent trends
and developments in the industry. Interviews are either conducted at the time
of the initial call or scheduled at the convenience of the expert. Interview
questions are tailored to the expertise of the particular interviewee,
although in most cases, the most important questions are asked of all experts.
The questions are largely based on the assumptions and hypotheses developed in
Step 2, which are then either augmented, discarded, or adjusted, based on the
views and positions put forth. Attempts are made, whenever possible, to cross
- check the views of various experts against each other and reach positions of
consensus on issues and market numbers.
In addition, a sample of key physician opinion leaders is also surveyed over
the telephone. Physicians are asked to comment on various issues/trends
regarding PFO closure, both in their own practice and in the overall market.
The responses provided are then used to strengthen or augment the assumptions
and hypotheses developed during the primary research phase.
Step 4: The final stage of primary research involves individual and
group analysis by Millennium Research Group. All research results are assessed
and cross - checked thoroughly to determine their validity, relevance, and
weight. From this process, qualitative conclusions are reached and data points
finalized.
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