The success of transcatheter aortic valve replacement has generated optimism that the much larger pool of mitral regurgitation patients can be similarly served. While big strategics bet on replacement, however, other companies are betting on repair, developing less invasive devices inspired by an array of established mitral valve surgical repair techniques.

Amid the success of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), strategic acquisitions of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) companies and the success of mitral valve repair device MitraClip, a group of companies are developing a number of minimally invasive options to repair mitral valves. Whether minimally invasive repair, replacement, or some combination will emerge as the best option for patients with mitral regurgitation remains unclear, and insiders say this road will be rockier than it was for TAVR.

The US heart valve treatments market will reach $1.7 billion by 2019, driven by advances in percutaneous heart valve repair and replacement products and a growing number of competitors entering this space. With US sales of transcatheter aortic valve replacement systems set to almost triple in the next several years, the combined US market for products to treat heart valve disorders is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7%.

Device firms have already been active with M&A deals in 2014. Here are 10 companies to look for as potential acquisition targets going forward.