Hot Medical Stocks To Own For 2014

With shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) trading around $37, is ABT an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE or STAY AWAY? Let�� analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:

T = Trends for a Stock’s Movement

Abbott Laboratories�is engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a portfolio of science-based healthcare products. Abbott operates in four business segments: diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and generic pharmaceuticals. Geographically, 30 percent of its revenue is generated in the United States; 30 percent in Western Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia, and 40 percent in the economies, including India, China, Russia, and Brazil. With developing economies comprising 40 percent of revenues for Abbott Laboratories, the company stands to see explosive profits in coming years from these growing countries. Look for Abbott Laboratories to provide the healthcare products desired and demanded by consumers and companies across the globe.

10 Best Paper Stocks To Buy Right Now: BIOLASE Inc (BIOL)

BIOLASE, Inc., formerly BIOLASE Technology, Inc., incorporated in 1987, is a medical technology company that develops, manufactures and markets lasers, and markets and distributes dental imaging equipment and other related products designed for applications and procedures in dentistry and medicine. The Company's dental laser systems allow dentists, periodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, and other specialists to perform a range of dental procedures, including cosmetic and complex surgical applications in a minimally invasive manner. The Company also manufactures and sells disposable products and accessories for its laser systems. The Company's Waterlase and Diode systems use disposable laser tips of differing sizes and shapes depending on the procedures being performed. The Company also markets flexible fibers and hands pieces. For the Company's ezlase system, the Company sells tooth whitening gel kits. In April 2012, it purchased 159 Waterlase MD Turbo laser systems from Henry Schein, Inc.

The Company's Waterlase Dentistry consists of two product lines Waterlase systems and Diode systems. In July 2011, the Company introduced the Biolase DaVinci Imaging line of imaging products, which enabled the Company to offer digital diagnostic solutions to complement the minimally invasive dental treatment solutions offered by its Waterlase and Diode dental systems. The Company added the distribution of the NewTom cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), to its imaging product line. The integration of the Company's laser products with imaging offers dental professionals the Total Technology Solution, which provides imaging capabilities for early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment with its Waterlase iPlus and iLase laser technologies.

The Company's all-tissueWaterlase dental laser systems consist of the Waterlase iPlus, the Waterlase MD Turbo, and the Waterlase MDX 300 and 450, both introduced in February 2012. Each of these systems is designed around the Company's yttrium scandi! um gallium garnet (YSGG) laser technology that refers to the laser crystal used in the Waterlase system, which contains the elements erbium, chromium and yttrium, scandium, gallium and garnet. This crystal laser produces energy with specific absorption and tissue interaction characteristics optimized for dental applications. HydroPhotonics refers to the interaction of YSGG lasers with water to produce energy to cut tissue. It is minimally invasive and can cut hard tissue, such as bone and teeth, and soft tissue, such as gums or skin, without the heat, vibration, or pressure associated with traditional dental treatments. By eliminating heat, vibration, and pressure, the Company's Waterlase systems eliminate the need for anesthesia.

The Waterlase systems incorporate an ergonomic handpiece and a control panel located on the front of the system with precise preset functionality to control the mix of laser energy, air, and water, as well as the pulse rate. The Waterlase iPlus incorporates the iLase wireless diode laser that can be utilized for unexpected soft-tissue cases in an adjacent treatment room, controlling bleeding, and temporary pain relief.

The Company's Diode laser systems in dentistry consist of the ezlase and iLase, semiconductor diode lasers to perform soft tissue, hygiene, cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, and temporary pain relief. The Company's ezlase system serves the markets of general, cosmetic, orthodontic and hygienic procedures. It features a pulse mode, ComfortPulse, which allows the tissue to cool between pulses and reduces the need for anesthesia for many common procedures. Other features include a wireless foot pedal control, disposable single-use tips, color touch screen activation with up to fifteen procedure based pre-sets, a whitening hand piece, a rechargeable battery pack, and a wall mount.

The Company's imaging systems include the Company's design and distribution of extra-oral and intra-oral dental digital imaging devices. The Co! mpany's e! xpansion into digital imaging systems enables the Company to offer diagnostic solutions to complement the minimally invasive dental treatment solutions offered by the Company's Waterlase and Diode dental systems. The Company provides both high-precision intuitive diagnosis and treatment planning solutions. The Company's Biolase DaVinci Imaging systems include the D3D, a three dimensional (3D) CBCT, and portable digital x-ray and intra-oral camera devices.

The NewTom VGi is a small-footprint CBCT system that offers medical grade imaging technology. In addition to producing up to image resolution with medical grade rotating anode technology, SafeBeam technology automatically adjusts radiation dosage. The Company's Medical systems include the Diolase 10 Diode Laser. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has sold approximately 8,700 Waterlase systems, including over 4,700 Waterlase MD and iPlus systems, and more than 19,000 laser systems in total in over 60 countries. As of decembe31, 2011, the Company�� other products under development address ophthalmology, dermatology, orthopedics, podiatry, and other medical and consumer markets.

The Company competes with Lares Dental Research, Fotona d.d., KaVo Dental GmbH, Lambda SpA, J Morita Manufacturing Corp., Syneron Medical Ltd, Deka Laser Technologies, Inc. Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc., Dentsply, Inc., Royal Philips Electronics and Sirona Dental Systems, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Anna Prior]

  Biolase Inc.(BIOL) swung to a fourth quarter loss as the dental lasers manufacturer and distributor’s revenue fell, and the company said it was exploring strategic alternatives. Revenue fell short of analysts’ expectations. Shares dropped 7.7% to $2.98 in light premarket trading.

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  One health care player that's starting to trend within range of triggering a major breakout trade is Biolase (BIOL), which is a medical technology company that develops, manufactures and markets laser systems for dental and medical applications. This stock is off to a decent start in 2013, with shares up 12%.

  If you take a look at the chart for Biolase, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways and consolidating for the last two months, with shares moving between $1.64 on the downside and $2.24 on the upside. Shares of BIOL have now started to spike higher right off its 200-day moving average of $1.87 a share. That spike is quickly pushing shares of BIOL within range of triggering a major breakout trade above the upper-end of its recent sideways trading chart pattern.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in BIOL if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.15 to $2.24 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 627,655 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then BIOL will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $3.50 to $4 a share.

  Traders can look to buy BIOL off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $1.85 to $1.80 a share. One can also buy BIOL off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

• [By John Udovich]

  Yesterday, small cap dental stock BIOLASE Inc (NASDAQ: BIOL) surged 17.69% after announcing it had received a license from the Health Canada-Medical Device Bureau to sell its EPIC dental soft-tissue diode laser systems throughout Canada, meaning its worth taking a closer look at the stock along with the performance of mid cap dental stocks like Sirona Dental Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: SIRO), DENTSPLY International Inc (NASDAQ: XRAY) and Align Technology, Inc (NASDAQ: ALGN).

Hot Medical Stocks To Own For 2014: Actelion Ltd (ATLN.VX)

Actelion Ltd is a Swiss biopharmaceutical holding company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecule drugs. The Company has four approved drugs on the market: Tracleer, an oral dual endothelin receptor antagonist; Veletri, a prostanoid vasodilator; Ventavis, an inhaled formulation of iloprost, and Zavesca, an oral treatment for type 1 Gaucher disease. Furthermore, the Company has a number of compounds various stages of development. The Company operates through a number of worldwide subsidiaries, including Actelion Registration Ltd, which holds marketing authorizations for products marketed in the European Union; Actelion Clinical Research, Inc, engaged in clinical development on behalf of the Company's group; Actelion Re SA, providing insurance solutions for the Company's group and Actelion US Holding Company, engaged in the holding activities of the Company's United States-based units. In September 2013, it acquired Ceptaris Therapeutics, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Victor Selva]

  Forest Laboratories has a current ratio of 2.69% which is higher than the ones registered by Endo International Plc (ENDP), Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX) and Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CBST). For investors looking for a higher ROE, Allergan Inc. (AGN) and Actelion Ltd. (ATLN.VX) are good options.

Hot Medical Stocks To Own For 2014: Redhill Biopharma Ltd (RDHL)

Redhill Biopharma Ltd. is an Israel-based biopharmaceutical company. The Company is focused on the development and acquisition of therapeutic candidates. The Company�� pipeline consists of six late clinical development therapeutic candidates, two of which have completed bioequivalence clinical trials subject to review and approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration and, in some cases, regulatory authorities in other countries. The Company�� six clinical stage therapeutic candidates include RHB-101, RHB-102, RHB-103, RHB-104, RHB-105 and RHB-106.

RHB-101

RHB-101 is a treatment of hypertension, heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction (following myocardial infraction) by means of controlled release of an active ingredient known as carvedilol, which is designed to be administered to patients on a once-daily basis. RHB-101 is based on a patented technology for the controlled release of drugs administered orally.

RHB-102

RHB-102 is a once-daily controlled release oral formulation of ondansetron. RHB-102 utilizes a technology called CDT that uses salts to provide a controlled release of ondansetron.

RHB-103

RHB-103 is an oral thin film formulation of rizatriptan intended for the treatment of acute migraine headaches. Migraine is a neurovascular disorder (related to nerves and blood vessels) characterized by recurrent headaches in one side or both sides of the head.

The product is based on a technology called VersaFilm.

RHB-104

RHB-104 is an antibiotic combination therapy for the treatment of Crohn's disease (with a PIII clinical study underway), as well as Multiple Sclerosis (with an ongoing PIIa clinical study) and Rheumatoid Arthritis. RHB-104 is a combination of clarithromycin, clofazimine and rifabutin, three generic antibiotic ingredients, in a single capsule.

RHB-105

RHB-105, an antibiotics and proton pump inhibitor drug targeting Helico! bacter Pylori infection. RHB-105 is a combination of three approved drug products omeprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor (the natural body pump that produces the gastric acids used for digesting the food in the stomach), and amoxicillin and rifabutin which are antibiotics. Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori irritates the mucosal lining of the stomach and small intestine.

RHB-106

RHB-106, is a tablet for the preparation and cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract prior to the performance of abdominal procedures. Its abdominal procedures include diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy, barium enema or virtual colonoscopy, as well as surgical interventions, such as laparotomy.

The company competes with GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis Groupe, Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Merck and Co., Inc, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Breaking news

  Vitran Corporation (NASDAQ: VTNC) announced today that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement with TransForce pursuant to which TransForce has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Vitran not already owned by TransForce for US$6.50 in cash per share, in accordance with TransForce's prior proposal. To read the full news, click here. ReneSola (NYSE: SOL) today announced it signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) to sell three utility-scale projects in Western China, with a total capacity of 60MW, to Jiangsu Akcome Solar Science & Technology Co on December 30, 2013. To read the full news, click here. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: CTB) today announced it has terminated the merger agreement with Apollo Tyres (NSE:ApolloTYRE). To read the full news, click here. RedHill Biopharma (NASDAQ: RDHL) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with leading healthcare investor OrbiMed Israel Partners Limited Partnership, an affiliate of OrbiMed Advisors LLC, for the sale of RedHill's American Depository Shares and warrants in a private placement transactionor a total sum of $6.0 million. To read the full news, click here.

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Hot Medical Stocks To Own For 2014: Insys Therapeutics Inc (INSY)

Insys Therapeutics, Inc., incorporated on June 15, 1990, is a pharmaceutical company that develops and seeks to commercialize pharmaceutical products that target the unmet needs of cancer patients, with an initial focus on cancer-supportive care. The Company�� pharmaceuticals portfolio consists of one approved product and a number of product candidates targeting cancer-supportive care and cancer therapy. The Company�� product candidate includes Subsys, Dronabinol SG Capsule, Dronabinol RT Capsule, Dronabinol Oral Solution, Dronabinol Inhalation Device, and Dronabinol IV Solution. The Company is also developing cancer therapeutics, which is LEP-ETU, a formulation of paclitaxel, the active ingredient in the cancer drugs Taxol and Abraxane. On August 19, 2011, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved its Dronabinol SG Capsule product, a generic equivalent to Marinol, for the treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Subsys

The Company's Subsys is a single-use product that delivers fentanyl, an opioid analgesic, in seconds for transmucosal absorption underneath the tongue. Subsys is a transmucosal product to show pain relief when measuring the sum of pain intensity difference at five minutes in a Phase 3 breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) clinical trial using fentanyl.

Dronabinol Product Family

The Company has an approved dronabinol product and is developing several dronabinol product candidates for the treatment of CINV and appetite stimulation in patients with AIDS, as well as other indications where dronabinol could have potential therapeutic benefits. Dronabinol, the active ingredient in Marinol, is a synthetic cannabinoid whose chemical name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Its portfolio consists of its Dronabinol SG Capsule product and Dronabinol RT Capsule product candidate, which are intended to be generic equi! valents to Marinol, in addition to three formulations, including Dronabinol Oral Solution. Dronabinol SG Capsule is a dronabinol soft gelatin capsule intended to be a generic equivalent to Marinol. Dronabinol RT Capsule is a dronabinol soft gel capsule that is stable at room temperature. Dronabinol Oral Solution is a ynthetic THC in an oral liquid formulation.

Cancer Therapeutics

In addition to its cancer-supportive care products, the Company intends to develop cancer therapeutics targeting limitations of existing commercial products. LEP-ETU, it advanced cancer therapeutic, is a NeoLipid liposomal, or microscopic membrane-like structure created from lipids, formulation that incorporates paclitaxel. LEP-ETU completed a Phase 2 clinical trial of 70 patients with metastatic breast cancer.

The Company competes with Cephalon, Inc., BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc., ProStrakan Group plc, Nycomed International Management GmbH, Archimedes Pharma Ltd., TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Akela Pharma Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Pharmaceutical International, Inc., Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc., sanofi-aventis, Eisai Inc., Helsinn Group, Roche Holding AG, Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, ProStrakan Group plc, Merck & Co, GW Pharmaceutical, A.P. Pharma, Inc., Aphios Corp., Roche Holding, Tesaro, Inc., Cornerstone Pharmaceutical, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Laboratories, Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca PLC., Bayer AG, Biogen Idec Inc., Eisai Co., Ltd., F. Hoffmann- LaRoche Ltd., Johnson and Johnson, Merck and Co., Inc., Novartis AG, Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pfizer Inc., and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Traders Reserve]

  For example at the end of August, I found a little stock called INSYS Therapeutics (INSY) The company showed up as a top-rated stock using a stock-rating system based on something I call the P/E Gap ��the difference between a stock�� P/E ratio and its expected profit growth rate.

• [By David Zeiler]

  2. Insys Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: INSY): Insys is a biotech seeking to capitalize on the growing interest in medical marijuana by using a generic form of THC to create drugs to treat cancer pain. INSY had its IPO May 2 with an offer price of $8 a share. The stock rose 19.75% on its first day of trading. But investors really warmed up to Insys later; it currently trades at about $37.54, a 369.25% increase over the offer price.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading DOWN
  Shares of INSYS Therapeutics (NASDAQ: INSY) were down 15.94 percent to $38.00 after the company received subpoena from Office of Inspector General.

Hot Medical Stocks To Own For 2014: CryoLife Inc (CRY)

CryoLife, Inc. (CryoLife,), incorporated in January 19,1984, is a biological medical device company. The Company preserves and distributes human tissues for transplantation and develops, manufactures, and commercializes medical devices for cardiac and vascular applications. The cardiac and vascular human tissues distributed by CryoLife include the CryoValve SG pulmonary heart valve (CryoValve SGPV) and the CryoPatch SG pulmonary cardiac patch tissue (CryoPatch SG), both processed using CryoLife�� SynerGraft technology. The Company operates in two segments: preservation services and medical devices segment. The preservation services segment includes services revenues from the preservation of cardiac and vascular tissues during the year ended December 31, 2011. The medical devices segment includes revenues from product sales of BioGlue, BioFoam, PerClot, HemoStase and revascularization technologies, as well as sales of other medical devices. CryoLife�� surgical sealants and hemostats include BioGlue Surgical Adhesive (BioGlue), BioFoam Surgical Matrix (BioFoam) and PerClot, an absorbable powdered hemostat. In May 2011, it acquired Cardiogenesis Corporation. In May 2012, the Company acquired Hemosphere, Inc. Hemosphere develops and markets the HeRO (Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow) Graft, a graft-based solution for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) hemodialysis patients with limited access options and central venous obstruction. In February 2014, CryoLife Inc announced the establishment of CryoLife Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

CryoLife distributes preserved human cardiac and vascular tissues to implanting institutions throughout the United States (U.S), Canada and Europe. CryoLife processes and preserves cardiac and vascular tissues using processing and freezing techniques, or cryopreservation. The Company�� preservation process involves the recovery of tissue from deceased human donors by tissue banks and organ procurement organizations (OTPOs), the delivery, of such tissue to the Company, the s! creening, dissection, disinfection, processing, and preservation of the tissue by the Company, and the storage and shipment of the preserved tissue.

The human heart valves and cardiac patch tissues preserved by the Company are used in cardiac reconstruction and heart valve replacement surgeries. The Company preserves human aortic and pulmonary heart valves for implantation by cardiac surgeons. In addition, the Company preserves human cardiac patches for surgeons. The Company preserves human cardiac patches in three primarily anatomic configurations: pulmonary hemi-artery, pulmonary trunk and pulmonary branch. As of December 31, 2011, CryoLife shipped approximately 77,600 heart valves and cardiac patch tissues, including approximately 3,000 shipments during 2011.

The human vascular tissues preserved by the Company, including the CryoVein and CryoArtery, are used to treat a variety of vascular reconstructions, such as peripheral bypass, hemodialysis access and aortic infections. The Company preserves small diameter human saphenous vein conduits (3 millimeter to 6 millimeter) for use in peripheral vascular reconstructions. The Company also preserves femoral veins and arteries and aortoiliac arteries for bypass, hemodialysis access, or reconstruction within infected surgical areas. As of December 31, 2011, the Company shipped approximately 66,100 human vascular tissues, including approximately 4,500 shipments during 2011.

CryoLife�� product BioGlue, designed for cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, and general surgical applications, is a polymer based on bovine blood protein and an agent for cross-linking proteins. CryoLife distributes BioGlue throughout the United States and approximately 75 other countries. CryoLife distributes BioGlue for repair of soft tissues under conformite Europeene Mark Product Certification (CE Mark). CryoLife distributes BioGlue in Japan for use in the repair of aortic dissections.

CryoLife�� product, BioFoam, is a protein hydr! ogel biom! aterial with an expansion agent, which generates a mixed-cell foam. The foam creates a mechanical barrier to decrease blood flow and develops pores for the blood to enter, leading to cellular aggregation and enhanced hemostasis. CryoLife distributes BioFoam under CE Mark certification.

CryoLife�� product, PerClot, is an absorbable, powdered hemostatic agent used in surgery. PerClot particles have a molecular structure that absorbs water from blood, creating a high concentration of platelets, red blood cells, and coagulation proteins at the bleeding site, which accelerates the physiologic clotting cascade. PerClot is readily dissolved by saline irrigation and is totally absorbed within several days. PerClot is available in one gram, three gram and five gram sizes with a 100 millimeter or 200 millimeter applicator tip. PerClot Laparoscopic is available in one gram and three gram sizes with a 380 millimeter applicator tip.

The Company competes with St. Jude Medical, Inc., Medtronic, Inc., Edwards Life Sciences, Inc., Neovasc, Inc., LifeNet Health, Inc. W.L. Gore & Associates��Propaten, C.R. Bard, Inc., Hancock Jaffe Laboratories, Inc., Maquet, Inc., CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Inc., Baxter International, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Company, Covidien Ltd, NeoMend, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Orthovita, Inc., King Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ethicon, Inc., ZymoGenetics, Inc. and Nycomed.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  CryoLife (NYSE: CRY  ) is putting some zip into its shares with a dividend boost. The company has declared a fresh quarterly distribution of $0.0275 per share, to be paid on June 21 to shareholders of record as of June 14. This marks the company's first-ever dividend increase -- the new amount is 10% higher than its three prior (and only) payouts, each of which totaled $0.025.

Hot Medical Stocks To Own For 2014: Boston Scientific Corp (BSX)

Boston Scientific Corporation is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices that are used in a range of interventional medical specialties. During the year ended December 31, 2011, its products were offered for sale by seven core businesses: Interventional Cardiology, CRM, Endoscopy, Peripheral Interventions, Urology/Women�� Health, Neuromodulation, and Electrophysiology. In January 2011, it completed the acquisition of Intelect Medical, Inc. In January 2011, it completed the acquisition of Sadra Medical, Inc. In March 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Atritech, Inc. In February 2011, it announced the acquisitions of S.I. Therapies and ReVascular Therapeutics, Inc. In January 2011, the Company sold its Neurovascular business to Stryker Corporation. In June 2012, the Company acquired Cameron Health, Inc. of San Clemente, California and, as a result, added to its product portfolio subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator, called the S-ICD System.

Interventional Cardiology

The Company offers coronary stent product. Coronary stents are tiny, mesh tubes used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, which are implanted in patients to prop open arteries and facilitate blood flow to and from the heart. The Company offers a two-drug platform strategy with its paclitaxel-eluting and everolimus-eluting stent system offerings, and it offers a range of stent sizes. The Company markets its next-generation internally-developed and self-manufactured PROMUS Element stent system in the United States, its Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) region and certain Inter-Continental countries, including China and India. It markets the PROMUS everolimus-eluting stent system, supplied to the Company by Abbott Laboratories, in Japan. It also markets its TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting stent line, including its third-generation TAXUS Element paclitaxel-eluting stent system in the U.nited States, Japan, EMEA and certain Inter-Continental countries.

The Compa! ny markets a line of products used to treat patients with atherosclerosis, a principal cause of coronary artery obstructive disease. Its product offerings include balloon catheters, rotational atherectomy systems, guide wires, guide catheters, embolic protection devices, and diagnostic catheters used in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The Company markets a family of intraluminal catheter-directed ultrasound imaging catheters and systems for use in coronary arteries and heart chambers, as well as certain peripheral vessels. The iLab Ultrasound Imaging System continues as its flagship console and is compatible with its line of imaging catheters. The system is designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of blocked vessels and heart disorders. Sadra is developing a repositionable and retrievable device for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis. The Lotus Valve System consists of a stent-mounted tissue valve prosthesis and catheter delivery system for guidance and placement of the valve. Atritech has developed a device designed to close the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for ischemic stroke. The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Technology, developed by Atritech, is the first device proven in a randomized clinical trial to offer an alternative to anticoagulant drugs, and is approved for use in CE Mark countries.

Cardiac Rhythm Management

The Company develops, manufactures and markets a variety of implantable devices that monitor the heart and deliver electricity to treat cardiac abnormalities, including Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) systems used to detect and treat abnormally fast heart rhythms (tachycardia) that could result in sudden cardiac death, including implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) systems used to treat heart failure, and implantable pacemaker systems used to manage slow or irregular heart rhyth! ms (brady! cardia), including implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) systems used to treat heart failure. Its product offerings include its COGNIS cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D), its TELIGEN ICD systems and its ALTRUA family of pacemaker systems. During 2011, it began the United States launch of its next-generation line of defibrillators, INCEPTA, ENERGEN and PUNCTUA.

Endoscopy

The Company markets a range of products to diagnose, treat and ease a variety of digestive diseases, including those affecting the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, duodenum, and colon. Common disease states include esophagitis, portal hypertension, peptic ulcers as well as esophageal, biliary, pancreatic and colonic cancer. The Company offers the Radial Jaw 4 Single-Use Biopsy Forceps, which are designed to enable collection of large high-quality tissue specimens without the need to use large channel therapeutic endoscopes. Its exclusive line of RX Biliary System devices are designed to provide greater access and control for physicians to diagnose and treat challenging conditions of the bile ducts, such as removing gallstones, opening obstructed bile ducts and obtaining biopsies in suspected tumors. The Company also markets the Spyglass Direct Visualization System for direct imaging of the pancreatico-biliary system. The Spyglass System is a single-operator cholangioscopy device that offers clinicians a direct visualization of the pancreatico-biliary system and includes supporting devices for tissue acquisition, stone management and lithotripsy. Its products also include the WallFlex family of stents, in particular, the WallFlex Biliary line and WallFlex Esophageal line; and in 2011, the Company launched its Advanix Biliary Plastic Stent System and the Expect Endoscopic Ultrasound Aspiration Needle in the United States and certain international markets. Its Resolution Clip Device is an endoscopic mechanical clip designed to treat gastrointestinal bleeding.

T! he Company markets devices to diagnose, treat and ease pulmonary disease systems within the airway and lungs. Its products are designed to help perform biopsies, retrieve foreign bodies from the airway, open narrowings of an airway, stop internal bleeding, and ease symptoms of some types of airway cancers. Its product line includes pulmonary biopsy forceps, transbronchial aspiration needles, cytology brushes and tracheobronchial stents used to dilate narrowed airway passages or for tumor management. Asthmatx, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets a less-invasive, catheter-based bronchial thermoplasty procedure for the treatment of severe persistent asthma. The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System, developed by Asthmatx, has both CE Mark and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and is the first device-based asthma treatment approved by the FDA.

Peripheral Interventions

The Company sells various products designed to treat patients with peripheral disease, including a line of medical devices used in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and peripheral vascular stenting. Its peripheral product offerings include stents, balloon catheters, wires, peripheral embolization devices and vena cava filters. In 2010 and 2011, it launched several of its products internationally, including the EPIC self-expanding nitinol stent system in certain international markets, and the Carotid WALLSTENT stent system in Japan. The Company launched three new peripheral angioplasty balloons in 2011, including its next-generation Mustang percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon, its Coyote balloon catheter, a highly deliverable and ultra-low profile balloon dilatation catheter designed for a range of peripheral angioplasty procedures and its Charger PTA Balloon Catheter, a 0.035 inch percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon catheter designed for post-stent dilatation, as well as conventional balloon angioplasty to open blocked peripheral arteries. The Company has commenced a limited ma! rket rele! ase of its OFFROAD re-entry catheter system in certain international markets, and in February 2012, it launched its TRUEPATH intraluminal CTO device in the United States.

The Company sells products designed to treat patients with non-vascular disease. Its non-vascular suite of products include biliary stents, drainage catheters and micro-puncture sets designed to treat, diagnose and ease various forms of benign and malignant tumors. The Company continues to market its extensive line of Interventional Oncology product solutions, including the Renegade HI-FLO Fathom microcatheter and guidewire system and Interlock - 35 Fibered IDC Occlusion System for peripheral embolization. The Company�� FilterWire EZ Embolic Protection System is a filter designed to capture embolic material that may become dislodged during a procedure, which could otherwise travel into the microvasculature where it could cause a heart attack or stroke. It is commercially available in the United States, its EMEA region and certain Inter-Continental countries for multiple indications, including the treatment of disease in peripheral, coronary and carotid vessels. It is also available in the United States for the treatment of saphenous vein grafts and carotid artery stenting procedures.

Urology/Women�� Health

The Company�� Urology/Women�� Health division develops, manufactures and sells devices to treat various urological and gynecological disorders. The Company sells a variety of products designed to treat patients with urinary stone disease, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and excessive uterine bleeding. The Company offers a line of stone management products, including ureteral stents, wires, lithotripsy devices, stone retrieval devices, sheaths, balloons and catheters.

The Company markets a range of devices for the treatment of conditions, such as female urinary incontinence, pelvic floor reconstruction (rebuilding of the anatomy to its original state), and ! menorrhag! ia (excessive menstrual bleeding). It offers a breadth of mid-urethral sling products, sling materials, graft materials, pelvic floor reconstruction kits, and suturing devices. The Company markets its Genesys Hydro ThermAblator (HTA) system, a next-generation endometrial ablation system designed to ablate the endometrial lining of the uterus in premenopausal women with menorrhagia. The Genesys HTA System features a smaller and lighter console, simplified set-up requirements, and an enhanced graphic user interface and is designed to improve operating performance.

Neuromodulation

The Company within its Neuromodulation business markets the Precision Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, used for the management of chronic pain. In 2011, the Company launched its Clik Anchor for its Precision Plus SCS System, a rechargeable SCS device for chronic pain management. During 2011, it received FDA approval for and launched the Infinion 16 Percutaneous Lead, a 16-contact percutaneous lead. The Company also markets the Linear 3-4 and Linear 3-6 Percutaneous Leads for use with its SCS systems, which are designed to provide physicians more treatment options for their chronic pain patients. Intelect Medical, Inc. is a development-stage company developing advanced visualization and programming for the Vercise system.

Electrophysiology

The Company within its Electrophysiology business develops less-invasive medical technologies used in the diagnosis and treatment of rate and rhythm disorders of the heart. Included in its product offerings are radio frequency (RF) generators, steerable RF ablation catheters, intracardiac ultrasound catheters, diagnostic catheters, delivery sheaths, and other accessories. Its products include the Blazer and Blazer Prime line of temperature ablation catheters, designed to deliver enhanced performance, responsiveness, and durability. Its cooled ablation portfolio includes the closed-loop irrigated catheter on the market, the Chilli II cooled! ablation! catheter, and the newly launched Blazer Open-Irrigated ablation catheter with a Total Tip Cooling Design.

The Company competes with Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Carroll]

  Why is this important? Medtronic's battling with Edwards Lifesciences's (NYSE: EW  ) Sapien heart valve for market share in Europe, and upstarts Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX  ) and St. Jude Medical (NYSE: STJ  ) are looking to punch into the European industry with their Lotus and Portico valves, respectively. Medtronic's valve-in-valve approval gives the company a leg up on its competition, but is it enough to entrench this firm as a leader in the industry? Motley Fool contributor Dan Carroll and health-care analyst Max Macaluso discuss what you need to know below.

• [By Keith Speights]

  Has anyone noticed a common theme among the first-quarter results for many of the big medical-device companies? In case you missed earnings announcements from Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT  ) , Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX  ) , Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW  ) , Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ  ) , or Stryker (NYSE: SYK  ) , the following chart shows how their medical-device business fared during the quarter.

• [By Vera Yuan]

  ��edical device manufacturer Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX) reported solid earnings for the first quarter but investors focused on near-term headwinds in the cardiac-rhythm management business. The company also announced a delay in potential approval for its Watchman�� heart device. Given the breadth of the company�� pipeline, potential for margin upside, and attractive valuation, we continue to like the outlook for the shares going forward.From Diamond Hill Capital (Trades, Portfolio)'s Select Fund Second Quarter 2014 Commentary.Also check out: Diamond Hill Capital Undervalued Stocks Diamond Hill Capital Top Growth Companies Diamond Hill Capital High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Diamond Hill Capital keeps buying Currently 0.00/512345

  Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes)

• [By Alex Planes]

  Rounding out the S&P's double-digit gainers today is Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX  ) , which gained 12.7% after impressing Wall Street with both its current progress and its forward projections. The device maker beat top- and bottom-line expectations for the second quarter, and that performance spurred management into raising its full-year guidance. Boston Scientific has nearly doubled since the start of the year, and this bounce was driven by the fact that the company finally posted operating revenue growth after a multiyear slide. RBC Capital Markets analyst Glenn Novarro was a bit shocked by that, noting that he couldn't recall the last time Boston Scientific posted organic revenue growth, and that "most on the Street did not anticipate positive revenue growth until later this year or in 2014." Can Boston Scientific keep it up? It will have to, to justify its stock gains over the past year.