Prior to the development of the cardiac stent, surgeons used balloons to clear obstructed heart vessels, but there was no way to ensure the vessels would stay open. The stent is a tiny metal scaffold that props open the formerly obstructed blood vessel and keeps it from becoming obstructed again. Surgeons who use the stent had to engage in a great deal of learning to understand its use and its value in patient care. There was nothing like the stent on the market when it first appeared. The cardiac stent is an example of a ________.
A) dynamically continuous innovation
B) knock-off
C) divergent product
D) continuous innovation
E) discontinuous innovation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cardiac stent is an example of a discontinuous innovation, which creates a whole new product category by introducing a breakthrough technology, process, or idea that disrupts existing markets and value networks. The stent was a completely new way to treat obstructed heart vessels and had no prior equivalent on the market.

Prior to the Development of the Cardiac Stent, Surgeons Used