Waltham, MA (ContentDesk) July 24, 2006 -- Millennium Research Group (MRG), the global authority on medical technology market intelligence, finds that demand for endovascular therapy is on the rise in Europe. Millions of Europeans are affected by peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and as a result, minimally invasive treatments for PVD are on the rise. According to the new report entitled European Markets for Peripheral Vascular Devices 2006, the aging European population, combined with growing incidences of obesity, diabetes, and end stage renal disease, will drive the demand for PV procedures such as stent angioplasty higher throughout the next decade. The most rapid growth in the PV stent market over the next 5 years will occur in carotid, femoral-popliteal, and infrapopliteal indications. In recent years, carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to traditional carotid endarterectomy and will continue to penetrate the existing surgical patient population over the forecast period.

Similarly, an industry-wide focus on expanding the clinical applications of stent technology will lead to better success of lower extremity stenting and drive procedural and revenue growth in femoral-popliteal and infrapopliteal market segments.MRGs European Markets for Peripheral Vascular Devices 2006 report covers France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The report is part of the Global Markets for Peripheral Vascular Devices series, which also includes analysis on US, Japan, and Canada. The series covers various key industry competitors, such as Boston Scientific (BSX), Cordis (JNJ), Medtronic Vascular (MDT), W.L. Gore, C.R. Bard (BCR), Cook, Guidant (ABT), Terumo (TRUMF.PK), Abbott Vascular (ABT), ev3 (EVVV), and B.

Braun. About Carotid Artery StentingCAS involves placing a wire mesh tube (stent) in the carotid artery through a catheter. The stent is expanded against the wall of the blood vessel to secure it in place to reduce the narrowing of blood vessels caused by atherosclerosis. About Millennium Research GroupMillennium Research Group ( www.MRG.net ), a Decision Resources, Inc. company ( www.DecisionResources.com ), is a leading provider of strategic information to the health care sector.

Focused solely on the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, the company provides its clients with the benefits of its specialized industry expertise through published reports and customized consulting services. All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.For more information, contact:Amy KrohnMillennium Research Group416-364-7776 x101.