FDA approves Medtronic defibrillator; speed of clearance surprises industry
Article Abstract:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted marketing approval to Medtronic Inc.'s Gem DR defibrillator. The device, which won approval in 151 days, has dual-chamber pacing, which gives electronic impulses to both the ventricle and the left atrium of the heart. The Gem DR defibrillator is the first device in the US to have this feature, one which is central to the success of the $1 billion-a-year defibrillator industry. William W. George, Medtronic's chairman and chief executive, believes that dual-chamber devices will comprise more than 50% of the defibrillator market. The defibrillator business has been growing world-wide at about 30%.
Comment:
FDA gives marketing approval for Medtronic's Gem DR defibrillator, which has dual-chamber pacing
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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PC sales slowed sharply in second period
Article Abstract:
According to market researcher International Data Corp., world-wide unit shipments of personal computers (PCs) grew just 7% from the second quarter of 1997, down from a 10% growth rate in the first period. In the US market, IDC estimated that PC sales growth at 10%, down from 14% growth in the first period. While the slowdown in PC sales is partly attributed to the emergence of sub-$1000 computers and a slowdown in user demand, particularly in Asian markets, analysts believe that the effects of a buildup of inventory on the part of all major manufactures has played the largest role in effecting sales.
Comment:
World: Global unit shipments of PCs grew just 7% from 2nd qtr of 1997, down from 10% in 1st qtr
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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