Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
(Operator Instructions). Your first question comes from the line of Amit Bhalla with Citi.
Amit Bhalla - Citigroup
Hi, good morning. I wanted to start with a question on the investigation and primarily directed to Emile. Emile, can you talk about whether or not there was any internal investigation that may have led to the departure of John Schulte along with the other managers within the Company. Also, give us a little bit more color on the ICE portion of the investigation.
Emile Geisenheimer
I've looked through a combination, but I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about the details of the ongoing investigation. In my initial remarks, I did say that beginning late last spring, the Board, through a special committee of the Board, made up of independent directors, did engage counsel skilled in conducting internal investigations in matters of this kind, particularly with regard to FDA regulatory matters. That investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further than that. I thought it was important that everyone know that the Board took that action at that time and that we have those experts involved and the matter is ongoing.
Amit Bhalla - Citigroup
Maybe a couple of follow-ups then in terms of the actual business itself. Can you give us an early read on what you're thinking about in terms of growth rates for the VI and lead management business? As we look out into 2009, specifically in VI, should we be thinking in the 10% range or 15% higher? And lead management, talk about the sustainability of 30%-plus growth.
Emile Geisenheimer
I think I will pitch that one to Guy.
Guy Childs
Sure. Amit we're in a very early stages. In fact, next week, we're going to ramp up and go deep relative to our 2009 planning process. Given that we're not deeper into that at this point, I would hesitate to comment on any 2009 guidance. We do anticipate, just as we have in past years, providing guidance for 2009 in top and bottom line in our fourth quarter call, which we anticipate to be in the latter part of February.
Amit Bhalla - Citigroup
Can you provide some color then on the pricing versus volume trends on the disposable business in the current quarter? And also comment on atherectomy itself, the growth rate, if you X out Kensey Nash was about 8%, and then I just have one follow-up on expenses.
- To read the full transcript on Seeking Alpha, click here »




