Cardiovascular Devices Market Introduction –
The cardiovascular devices market refers to the market for medical devices and equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel conditions. This includes devices such as pacemakers, stents, heart valves, and diagnostic imaging equipment. The market is expected to grow due to an aging population and an increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Factors such as technological advancements and government initiatives to improve access to healthcare are also expected to contribute to market growth. However, the market may be hindered by factors such as high costs and reimbursement issues.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Industry Analysis
An industry analysis of the cardiovascular devices market would include an examination of market size, growth rate, trends, segmentation, and key players.
- Market size: The global cardiovascular devices market was valued at $40.2 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $66.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.
- Growth rate: The market growth is driven by factors such as an aging population, an increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and technological advancements in devices.
- Trends: The market is witnessing a shift towards minimally invasive procedures, an increase in remote monitoring of devices, and the development of new materials for devices.
- Segmentation: The market is segmented by device type, application, and end-user. Device types include diagnostic devices, therapeutic devices, and monitoring devices. Applications include coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease. End-users include hospitals and clinics, research laboratories and academic institutions, and home healthcare.
- Key players: Some of the major players in the market include Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, St. Jude Medical (a subsidiary of Abbott), and Biotronik.
Overall, the cardiovascular devices market is expected to grow, driven by an aging population, an increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and technological advancements in devices.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Trends
Some of the current trends in the cardiovascular devices market include:
- Minimally invasive procedures: The market is witnessing an increase in the adoption of minimally invasive procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which have lower risks and faster recovery times compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
- Remote monitoring: The use of remote monitoring technology is on the rise, allowing physicians to remotely monitor the performance of cardiovascular devices and check patient’s health status, which enhances the quality of patient care.
- Wearable technology: Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are becoming more advanced, and are increasingly being used to monitor heart rate, sleep, and physical activity, which allows for early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML are increasingly being used in the cardiovascular devices market, to improve diagnostic accuracy and to predict patient outcomes.
- Development of new materials: Companies are investing in the development of new materials for cardiovascular devices, such as bioresorbable stents, which dissolve over time and do not require removal.
- Emergence of 3D Printing technology: 3D Printing technology is being used to produce customized cardiovascular devices, which makes it easier to produce devices that fit the unique needs of individual patients.
- Increase in telehealth and telemedicine: With the rise of telehealth and telemedicine, patients can access healthcare remotely, this allows for better monitoring of patients, especially in rural areas, and can help to improve outcomes.
- Focus on cost-effective devices: Healthcare systems are looking for cost-effective devices that can help them to reduce the overall cost of healthcare.
All these trends are playing a critical role in shaping the future of the cardiovascular devices market.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Size And Forecast
The global cardiovascular devices market is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period. The market size was valued at $40.2 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $66.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2020-2025.
Factors driving the growth of the market include the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the rising adoption of home-based monitoring systems. The increasing popularity of wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, that can monitor heart rate and other vital signs, is also expected to drive market growth.
The market can be segmented into diagnostic devices, therapeutic devices, and end-users. The diagnostic devices segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the growing adoption of non-invasive diagnostic methods.
The therapeutic devices segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures and the growing popularity of wearable devices.
In terms of end-users, the market can be segmented into hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. The hospitals segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing number of cardiovascular procedures being performed in hospitals.
In terms of geography, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the presence of a large number of key players in the region.
It’s important to note that the global market can be affected by a number of factors such as economic downturn, natural disaster, and pandemics, which can cause uncertainty and volatility in the market.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Share Analysis
A market share analysis of the cardiovascular devices market would involve identifying the major players in the market and their respective market shares. The market share of a company can provide insights into its competitiveness and relative strength in the market.
- Medtronic: Medtronic is one of the leading players in the cardiovascular devices market, with a significant market share. The company offers a wide range of cardiovascular devices, including pacemakers, defibrillators, heart valves, and stents.
- Boston Scientific: Boston Scientific is another leading player in the market, with a strong presence in the stent and heart valve segments. The company has a significant market share and a strong product portfolio.
- Abbott: Abbott is a major player in the market, with a strong presence in the diagnostic devices segment. The company has a significant market share and a strong product portfolio.
- St. Jude Medical (a subsidiary of Abbott): St. Jude Medical is a leading player in the market, with a strong presence in the cardiac rhythm management devices segment. The company has a significant market share and a strong product portfolio.
- Biotronik: Biotronik is a leading player in the market, with a strong presence in the cardiac rhythm management devices segment. The company has a significant market share and a strong product portfolio.
Other notable players in the market include Johnson & Johnson, Siemens Healthineers, General Electric, and Terumo Corporation.
It’s important to note that market share can change over time, as new companies enter the market and existing companies merge or acquire other companies. Additionally, the market share of a company can also depend on the specific geographic region or device segment.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Competitive Landscape
The cardiovascular devices market is highly competitive, with a large number of players operating in the market. The market is characterized by intense competition among established players, and the entry of new players.
- Product innovation and development: Companies are continuously investing in research and development to introduce new and advanced products in the market. For example, Medtronic has been investing in the development of new technologies such as miniaturized pacemakers and wireless monitoring systems.
- Mergers and acquisitions: Companies are also engaging in mergers and acquisitions to expand their market presence and product portfolios. For example, in 2017, Boston Scientific acquired Cryterion Medical, a developer of cryoablation technology for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations: Companies are also entering into strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand their market reach and to gain access to new technologies. For example, in 2017, Medtronic and Google formed a partnership to develop new technologies for the treatment of diabetes.
- Strong distribution networks: Companies are also focusing on building strong distribution networks to ensure the availability of their products in different regions of the world.
- Branding and marketing: Companies are also focusing on branding and marketing to increase awareness about their products and to attract more customers.
- Price competition: The market is also characterized by intense price competition, as companies are trying to offer their products at competitive prices to attract more customers.
Overall, the market is highly competitive, with a large number of players operating in the market. The market is expected to become even more competitive in the future, as new players enter the market and existing players continue to innovate and expand their product portfolios.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Intelligence
Market intelligence refers to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information about a specific market, including information on market size, growth rate, trends, segmentation, competitors, and regulatory environment.
- Market size and growth rate: Market intelligence can provide information on the size of the cardiovascular devices market, as well as its growth rate. For example, it is estimated that the global cardiovascular devices market was valued at $40.2 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $66.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.
- Market trends: Market intelligence can also provide information on current and emerging trends in the market, such as the shift towards minimally invasive procedures, the growing adoption of home-based monitoring systems, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in cardiovascular devices.
- Market segmentation: Market intelligence can also provide information on the different segments of the market, such as diagnostic devices, therapeutic devices, and end-users.
- Competitive landscape: Market intelligence can also provide information on the major players in the market, their market shares, and their strategies.
- Regulatory environment: Market intelligence can also provide information on the regulatory environment for cardiovascular devices, including information on approvals, certifications, and reimbursement policies.
- Other information: Market intelligence can also provide information on the challenges and opportunities in the market, as well as on the future outlook for the market.
Overall, market intelligence can provide valuable information to companies operating in the cardiovascular devices market, helping them to make informed decisions about product development, marketing, and strategic planning.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Industry Trends
Some of the key trends in the cardiovascular devices market include:
- Shift towards minimally invasive procedures: Minimally invasive procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), are becoming increasingly popular due to their advantages over traditional open surgery, such as shorter recovery times and fewer complications. This trend is expected to drive the growth of the therapeutic devices segment of the market.
- Growing adoption of home-based monitoring systems: The increasing use of remote monitoring and telemedicine technologies is allowing patients to monitor their cardiovascular health from the comfort of their own homes. This trend is expected to drive the growth of the diagnostic devices segment of the market.
- Increasing use of artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly used in the development of cardiovascular devices, such as diagnostic imaging systems and wearable devices. AI-based systems can help to improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic procedures and can also help to identify patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Growing focus on patient-centricity: The growing focus on patient-centricity is leading to the development of new devices that are designed to be more comfortable and user-friendly for patients. This trend is expected to drive the growth of the diagnostic and therapeutic devices segments of the market.
- Rising adoption of wearable devices: The increasing popularity of wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, that can monitor heart rate and other vital signs is expected to drive the growth of the diagnostic devices segment of the market.
- Increasing demand for home-based monitoring devices : With the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients needing to be monitored at home has increased dramatically. This trend has led to an increase in the demand for home-based monitoring devices, such as telemonitoring systems, which allow patients to be monitored remotely by healthcare professionals.
Overall, these trends are expected to drive the growth of the cardiovascular devices market in the coming years, as more and more people turn to these devices to improve their cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Analysis
A market analysis of the cardiovascular devices market involves evaluating the market size, growth rate, trends, and competitive landscape. The analysis can be segmented based on product type, end-user, and geography.
- Market size and growth rate: The global cardiovascular devices market is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period. The market size was valued at $40.2 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $66.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2020-2025.
- Market trends: Some of the key trends in the cardiovascular devices market include the shift towards minimally invasive procedures, growing adoption of home-based monitoring systems, increasing use of artificial intelligence, growing focus on patient-centricity, rising adoption of wearable devices, and increasing demand for home-based monitoring devices.
- Product type analysis: The market can be segmented into diagnostic devices, therapeutic devices, and end-users. The diagnostic devices segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the growing adoption of non-invasive diagnostic methods. The therapeutic devices segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
- End-user analysis: In terms of end-users, the market can be segmented into hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. The hospitals segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing number of cardiovascular procedures being performed in hospitals.
- Competitive landscape: The cardiovascular devices market is highly competitive, with a large number of players operating in the market. Some of the key players in the market include Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, and St. Jude Medical.
- Geography analysis: In terms of geography, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the presence of a large number of key players in the region.
In summary, the cardiovascular devices market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the rising adoption of home-based monitoring systems.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Segmentation
Cardiovascular Devices Market can be segmented by product type, end-user, and geography.
- Product Type:
- Diagnostic Devices: This segment includes devices used for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases such as electrocardiograph (ECG) devices, cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanners, echocardiography systems, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, and others.
- Therapeutic Devices: This segment includes devices used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) devices, and others.
- End-User:
- Hospitals: Cardiovascular devices are widely used in hospitals for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
- Clinics: Cardiovascular devices are also used in clinics for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
- Home Care Settings: With the increasing adoption of home care, cardiovascular devices such as blood pressure monitors, ECG devices, and other monitoring devices are becoming increasingly popular for home use.
- Geography:
- North America: The market in North America is driven by the presence of a large number of key players in the region and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.
- Europe: The market in Europe is driven by the increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures and the growing focus on patient-centricity.
- Asia Pacific: The market in Asia Pacific is driven by the increasing awareness of cardiovascular diseases and the growing adoption of home-based monitoring systems.
- Latin America: The market in Latin America is driven by the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the growing adoption of home-based monitoring systems.
- Middle East and Africa: The market in the Middle East and Africa is driven by the increasing adoption of home-based monitoring systems and the growing focus on patient-centricity.
In summary, the Cardiovascular Devices Market is segmented by product type, end-user, and geography. The diagnostic devices segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, while the therapeutic devices segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The hospitals end-user segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, while the North America region is expected to hold the largest share of the market.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Forecast
The global cardiovascular devices market is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. According to a recent report, the market size was valued at $40.2 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $66.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2020-2025.
The growth of the market is attributed to several factors such as increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, increasing use of artificial intelligence, growing focus on patient-centricity, rising adoption of wearable devices, and increasing demand for home-based monitoring devices.
The diagnostic devices segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the growing adoption of non-invasive diagnostic methods. The therapeutic devices segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
In terms of end-users, the market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. The hospitals segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing number of cardiovascular procedures being performed in hospitals.
In terms of geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the presence of a large number of key players in the region.
Overall, the cardiovascular devices market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the rising adoption of home-based monitoring systems.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Growth
The global cardiovascular devices market is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. According to a recent report, the market size was valued at $40.2 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $66.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2020-2025.
The growth of the market is attributed to several factors:
- Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases: The growing global population, aging, and changing lifestyle are some of the factors which are leading to an increase in the number of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
- Growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures: The use of minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is increasing, as it reduces the recovery time and the risk of complications associated with traditional open surgery.
- Increasing use of artificial intelligence: The use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases is increasing, as it improves the accuracy of diagnosis and reduces the risk of human error.
- Growing focus on patient-centricity: The growing focus on patient-centricity is leading to an increase in the number of patient-centric devices and services, which is driving the growth of the market.
- Rising adoption of wearable devices: The growing adoption of wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, is increasing the demand for cardiovascular devices, as they can be integrated with these devices to monitor vital signs.
- Increasing demand for home-based monitoring devices: The increasing demand for home-based monitoring devices is driven by the growing focus on patient-centricity, as patients prefer to monitor their health at home.
Overall, the cardiovascular devices market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the rising adoption of home-based monitoring systems.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Competitor Analysis
Competitive landscape of the cardiovascular devices market is highly dynamic and is characterized by the presence of several large and small players. The key players operating in the market include:
- Medtronic: Medtronic is a leading player in the cardiovascular devices market, with a strong presence in the coronary stents, pacemakers, and heart valves segments. The company has a strong distribution network and a wide range of products, which gives it a competitive advantage.
- Boston Scientific: Boston Scientific is another leading player in the cardiovascular devices market, with a strong presence in the coronary stents, pacemakers, and heart valves segments. The company has a strong distribution network and a wide range of products, which gives it a competitive advantage.
- Abbott: Abbott is a leading player in the cardiovascular devices market, with a strong presence in the coronary stents, pacemakers, and heart valves segments. The company has a strong distribution network and a wide range of products, which gives it a competitive advantage.
- Philips: Philips is a leading player in the cardiovascular devices market, with a strong presence in the diagnostic devices segment. The company has a wide range of products, which gives it a competitive advantage.
- GE Healthcare: GE Healthcare is a leading player in the cardiovascular devices market, with a strong presence in the diagnostic devices segment. The company has a wide range of products, which gives it a competitive advantage.
- Other players: Other players in the market include St. Jude Medical (now a part of Abbott), Biotronik, Edwards Lifesciences, Terumo, and Medico.
These players are focusing on strategic collaborations, partnerships, and agreements to expand their product portfolio and strengthen their market position. They are also investing in research and development to develop advanced products and cater to the unmet needs of the market.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Strengths
The cardiovascular devices market has several strengths which include:
- Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases: The growing global population, aging, and changing lifestyle are some of the factors which are leading to an increase in the number of patients with cardiovascular diseases. This is driving the demand for cardiovascular devices and is a strength of the market.
- Growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures: The use of minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is increasing, as it reduces the recovery time and the risk of complications associated with traditional open surgery. This is a strength of the market as it is increasing the demand for cardiovascular devices.
- Advances in technology: The cardiovascular devices market is characterized by constant technological advances, which are making the devices more accurate, efficient, and user-friendly. This is a strength of the market as it is increasing the demand for cardiovascular devices.
- Growing focus on patient-centricity: The growing focus on patient-centricity is leading to an increase in the number of patient-centric devices and services, which is driving the growth of the market. This is a strength of the market as it is increasing the demand for cardiovascular devices.
- Rising adoption of wearable devices: The growing adoption of wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, is increasing the demand for cardiovascular devices, as they can be integrated with these devices to monitor vital signs. This is a strength of the market as it is increasing the demand for cardiovascular devices.
- Increasing demand for home-based monitoring devices: The increasing demand for home-based monitoring devices is driven by the growing focus on patient-centricity, as patients prefer to monitor their health at home. This is a strength of the market as it is increasing the demand for cardiovascular devices.
Overall, the cardiovascular devices market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the rising adoption of home-based monitoring systems.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Opportunities
The cardiovascular devices market has several opportunities which include:
- Development of innovative products: There is an opportunity for companies to develop innovative products that cater to the unmet needs of the market, such as devices that are more accurate, efficient, and user-friendly.
- Expansion in emerging markets: There is an opportunity for companies to expand in emerging markets, such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, as the demand for cardiovascular devices is expected to grow in these regions due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures.
- Telemedicine: There is an opportunity for companies to develop telemedicine solutions for cardiovascular devices, which can enable remote monitoring and consultation, and improve access to healthcare for patients in remote and underserved areas.
- Wearable devices: There is an opportunity for companies to develop wearable devices that integrate with cardiovascular devices to monitor vital signs, and provide personalized healthcare services.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) : There is an opportunity for companies to develop AI and ML-based solutions for cardiovascular devices, which can enable more accurate diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
- Home-based monitoring: There is an opportunity for companies to develop home-based monitoring solutions for cardiovascular devices, which can enable patients to monitor their health at home, and improve access to healthcare for patients in remote and underserved areas.
Overall, the cardiovascular devices market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the rising adoption of home-based monitoring systems. Companies that capitalize on these opportunities will be well-positioned to grow in the market.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Weakness
The cardiovascular devices market has several weaknesses which include:
- High cost of devices: The high cost of cardiovascular devices can be a barrier for patients, particularly those in low and middle-income countries, and for healthcare systems that have limited budgets.
- Lack of reimbursement: In some countries, reimbursement for cardiovascular devices is limited, which can be a barrier for patients and healthcare systems.
- Limited access to healthcare: Limited access to healthcare, particularly in low and middle-income countries, can be a barrier for patients who need cardiovascular devices.
- Stringent regulations: The stringent regulations and lengthy approval process for cardiovascular devices can be a barrier for companies, as it can increase the time and cost of bringing new products to market.
- Limited awareness about devices : Limited awareness about the availability and benefits of cardiovascular devices, particularly in low and middle-income countries, can be a barrier for patients and healthcare systems.
- Lack of skilled professionals : Lack of skilled professionals to operate and maintain the devices can be a barrier for patients and healthcare systems in low and middle-income countries
Overall, the cost of devices, lack of reimbursement and limited access to healthcare can be a barrier for patients and healthcare systems, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Stringent regulations and limited awareness about devices can be a barrier for companies. Lack of skilled professionals can be a barrier for patients and healthcare systems.
Cardiovascular Devices Market Threats
The cardiovascular devices market has several threats which include:
- Economic downturn: Economic downturns can lead to a decrease in the number of patients who can afford to pay for cardiovascular devices and a decrease in the number of patients who can afford to pay for healthcare in general, which can negatively impact the market.
- Increased competition: Increased competition in the market can lead to price wars, which can negatively impact the profitability of companies.
- Technological advancements: Technological advancements in the field of medicine can lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for cardiovascular diseases, which can negatively impact the market for certain types of devices.
- Government policies and regulations: Government policies and regulations can have a significant impact on the market for cardiovascular devices. For example, a change in reimbursement policies can negatively impact the market.
- Cybersecurity threats: Cybersecurity threats can negatively impact the market for cardiovascular devices, as the devices are becoming increasingly connected to the internet and vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.
- Product recalls: Product recalls can negatively impact the market for cardiovascular devices, as they can lead to a loss of trust in the product and a decrease in sales.
Overall, economic downturn, increased competition, technological advancements, government policies and regulations, Cybersecurity threats, and Product recalls can pose significant challenges to the growth of the cardiovascular devices market. Companies will need to be adaptable and responsive to these threats to maintain market share and profitability.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Market Insight Lab journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.