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In 2012 we completed the acquisition of Surpass Medical, Ltd. (Surpass). Surpass is developing and commercializing next-generation flow diversion stent technology to treat brain aneurysms using a unique mesh design and delivery system. The acquisition of Surpass enhances the product offerings within our Neurotechnology product line. In 2011 we acquired the assets of the Neurovascular division of Boston Scientific Corporation (Neurovascular), as well as Concentric Medical, Inc., a manufacturer of minimally invasive products for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. These acquisitions significantly expanded our product offerings within our Neurotechnology product line. In 2011 we completed the acquisition of Orthovita, Inc. (Orthovita), a developer of orthobiologic and biosurgery products, including synthetic bone grafts and vertebral augmentation products. The acquisition of Orthovita complements our existing product offerings, primarily within our Spine product line. Our primary competitors in Neurotechnology are Covidien and Micrus Endovascular, LLC (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson). We are one of three market leaders in spine products, along with Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc. (a subsidiary of Medtronic, Inc.) and DePuy Synthes. Geographic Areas In 2012 approximately 65.4% of our revenues were generated from customers in the United States. Internationally our products are sold in over 100 countries through local dealers and direct sales efforts. Additional geographic information is included under "Results of Operations" in Item 7 of this report and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report. Raw Materials and Inventory Raw materials essential to our business are generally readily available from multiple sources. Substantially all products we manufacture are stocked in inventory, while certain MedSurg products are assembled to order. A substantial amount of our neurovascular finished goods are currently sourced from Boston Scientific Corporation; the manufacture of these products will transfer to Stryker during 2013. The dollar amount of backlog orders at any given time is not considered to be significant. Patents and Trademarks Patents and trademarks are significant to our business to the extent that a product or an attribute of a product represents a unique design or process. Patent protection of such products restricts competitors from duplicating these unique designs and features. We seek to obtain patent protection on our products whenever appropriate for protecting our competitive advantage. As of December 31, 2012, we own approximately 1,687 United States patents and 3,081 international patents. Seasonality Our business is generally not seasonal in nature; however, the number of reconstructive implant surgeries is generally lower during the summer months. Competition In all of our product lines we compete with local and global companies located throughout the world. Competition exists in all product lines without regard to the number and size of the competing companies involved. The development of new and innovative products is important to our success in all areas of our business and competition in research, involving the development and the improvement of new and existing products and processes, is particularly significant. The competitive environment requires substantial investments in continuing research and in maintaining sales forces. The principal factors that we believe differentiate us in the highly competitive product categories in which we operate and enable us to compete effectively include our commitment to innovation and quality, service and reputation. We believe that our competitive position in the future will depend to a large degree on our ability to develop new products and make improvements to existing products. Product Development Most of our products and product improvements, with the exception of our neurotechnology products, have been developed internally at research facilities located in manufacturing locations in the United States, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Germany, Switzerland, India and 3 Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified