Tremendous progress has been made in the field of ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) over the past several years, and numerous device-based technologies to address this underserved and rapidly growing patient population are under clinical development. Minimally invasive, percutaneous AF ablation has evolved rapidly as well, although the procedure remains very challenging and limited to highly experienced centers.

2005's top early stage venture financings reflect a drive for size and experience on the biotech side, and the demand for less-invasive procedures in the device world. Start-Up lists the top ten Series A rounds of 2005.

The pace is picking up in several markets for arrhythmia management devices, according to a report published in January 2005 by Medtech Insight. Driving new growth are demographic factors, advanced technologies, and clinical trials demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of expensive implantable devicies over drug therapies.