Heartport, Inc.

Gary P. Pisano; Shoshana  Dobrow

Case | HBS Case Collection | March 2000

Heartport, Inc.

by Gary P. Pisano and Shoshana Dobrow

Abstract

Heartport, an entrepreneurial medical device maker, has introduced several innovative systems for conducting less-invasive cardiac surgery. Despite initially high expectations, the company has struggled to get its technology adopted by cardiac surgeons. The company's newest CEO, the third in less than four years, must figure out how to turn around the fledgling company. This case describes Heartport's method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery as well as rival techniques for treating cardiovascular disease. Describes the evolution of the company, its product strategy, and its fortunes over the period 1991-99.

Keywords: History; Product Positioning; Knowledge Acquisition; Corporate Entrepreneurship; Technology Adoption; Health Care and Treatment;

Format: Print

27 pages

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Citation:

Pisano, Gary P., and Shoshana Dobrow. "Heartport, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 600-020, March 2000.

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Heartport, Inc.

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