Directed energy device-based medical therapies have greatly influenced the way physicians deliver care in a number of medical specialties. One of the most dramatic areas of change has been in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate. DE treatments in this area have become so popular there has been a noticeable decline in once standard surgical therapies since the late 1990s as patients have migrated to these less-invasive alternatives. This expansion in BPH DE-based therapies is being driven not only by a shift toward less-invasive treatment options, but also by the rising number of patients susceptible to prostate ailments.

A business development panel representing the emerging group of mid-sized device dealmakers that are actively looking for innovative technology from small companies discusses the current state of medtech dealmaking.

Serving the aging US demographic is a golden opportunity for urology device companies. However, at this year's meeting of the American Urological Association, the field concentrated more on consolidation of older techniques than on breakthrough technologies.

Using an aggressive clinical trials strategy to overcome early setbacks, Novacept is proof a small company can succeed in a big company market, and that a patient exit strategy can pay off for device companies--evidenced by Cytyc's $325 million cash acquisition of Novacept.