KCI created a wound healing market potentially worth $6 billion as the first company to offer a new modality known as negative pressure wound therapy. Having uncovered such a large potential market, it's only natural that it would attract competition, and it has. In March 2009, wound care leader Smith & Nephew launched its own negative pressure wound therapy product line. KCI isn't going to give up market share without a fight; it's talking up its advantages and defending its IP portfolio mightily.