“At present, we achieve around 65% of our annual turnover in those markets where we act directly. These are Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland so far,” says Managing Director Thomas Bogenschütz. “But we are also active in Brazil and China as these are important export markets for us. In the coming years, we would like to grow our network of subsidiaries in Europe. Here, we have an eye on the market in the Benelux countries, England and Scandinavia. Abroad, we are currently planning joint ventures with partners in Brazil.”
JOTEC is a renowned expert in its field. The company’s product spectrum encompasses surgical grafts made of ePTFE and polyester, endovascular stents and stent graft systems together with accessories such as guide wires, introducer sheaths or balloon catheters.
“Put simply, our product portfolio provides solutions for vascular disease to vascular and cardiac surgeons, interventional radiologists and cardiologists,” says Mr. Bogenschütz. “In 2004, we launched our first endovascular product following the market trend towards minimally invasive surgery.
Since then, we have been able to broaden the spectrum of these products. Minimally invasive treatment means that the patient only needs a small cut in the groin to access the artery to be treated, which is less traumatic compared to open surgery.
The patient benefits from faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay, which means a cost reduction for the hospital and the healthcare system.” Research and development has top priority at JOTEC, focusing on the development of minimally invasive treatments for aortic diseases.
For example, JOTEC developed an innovative hybrid prosthesis which reduces a so-far two-stage intervention to a single stage. The conventional treatment methods have been extremely straining for the body.
Together with a renowned cardiac surgeon, JOTEC developed this unique device and managed to introduce a paradigm shift in the medical community. “We always aspire to offer the best solutions for both patients and physicians,” says Mr. Bogenschütz. “All our products excel in safety and reliability. We identify new demands and trends by having our ear on the market thanks to a close relationship with the physicians. Continuous innovation and development are a must in our business.”
Currently, JOTEC is working on the CE approval of a new stent graft for the iliac artery, which allows for improving the state-of-the-art treatment. Of course, all products made by JOTEC meet the most stringent regulations according to ISO 13485.
The company also holds the CE seal and European, Chinese and Brazilian certifications. Mainly targeting hospitals dedicated to vascular and cardiac treatment, JOTEC sells through its own sales team and through a network of distributors.
The company regularly participates in congresses and holds lectures at conventions. Founded in 2000 by Lars Sunnenväder, the company obtained the first certifications for surgical grafts in 2003, an important basis for the development of all further achievements.
In 2008, the company made its first steps abroad by opening offices in spain and italy. One year later, JOTEC was awarded the innovation prize of the German province of Baden-Württemberg, the Dr.-Rudolf-eberle-Prize.
“In the coming years, the ever-stricter regulations will be a challenge,” says Mr. Bogenschütz. “As a result, research and development take even more time and are even more expensive.”
Nevertheless, Mr. Bogenschütz is optimistic about the future. “People are getting ever older,” he says. “This is the engine of the market. At the same time, the technological progress is an important driving factor. For example, in the field of digital imaging, we had major achievements in the last years. Now, it is much easier to look into the patient’s body without having to open it. Again, this saves the patient from invasive treatments, which is particularly important for older people, and at the same time, it saves costs.”