Missed Intuitive Surgical? Buy This Stock Instead
Investors who saw the future of surgery in robotics were well-rewarded if they invested in Intuitive Surgical's initial public offering (IPO). Up over 14,000% since it started trading in June 2000, this innovator has been a monster. Intuitive Surgical has continued to reward shareholders over the last five years with a 246% gain compared to an increase of just under 90% for the S&P 500.
If you missed out on Intuitive Surgical, you may understandably be a bit down. Fortunately, there always are promising opportunities in the healthcare sector. Like Intuitive in its early days, iRhythm Technologies (NASDAQ: IRTC) is generating lots of data demonstrating its utility while also expanding its market. The heart-monitoring tech platform is offering great potential for both patients and hospital systems.
Each year, there are over 11 million patients in the U.S. with an abnormal heart rhythm. One abnormality, atrial fibrillation (Afib), is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of stroke. Individuals over age 55 have a 40% lifetime risk of Afib, and 158,000 deaths and 450,000 hospitalizations each year are associated with this heart condition. So it stands to reason that early recognition could improve a patient's quality of life. iRhythm's Zio device is tackling this immense problem.
Source Fool.com
