Express^2™ Stent System

In 2002, we shifted the market when we launched the Express^2™ stent system in Europe and the United States. This launch, particularly in the U.S., was a significant achievement and a success by all measures. From an execution standpoint, we exceeded our goals through the combined efforts of operations, supply chain, launch planning, and sales force.

The introduction of the Express² stent system demonstrated our ability and determination to deliver the latest and most essential technologies to our customers. The Express² stent system presented the opportunity to recapture significant market share in the coronary stent business. Weeks after its launch, the Express² stent system tripled our U.S. stent market share from 6 percent to 18 percent. By the end of the fourth quarter, we had captured approximately 24 percent of this market.