The European Commission has conducted unannounced inspections at the premises of a company operating in the medical devices sector, specifically focusing on cardiovascular applications. This action is part of the Commission's investigation into possible violations of EU antitrust rules, particularly concerning abuses of a dominant market position as outlined in Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

During the inspections, officials from the European Commission were joined by representatives from the national competition authority of the Member State where the inspections took place. These unannounced inspections serve as a preliminary step in investigating suspected anticompetitive practices, although they do not imply that the company is guilty of any wrongdoing.

The Commission emphasizes that the rights of defense are respected throughout the process, ensuring that companies have the opportunity to present their case in antitrust proceedings. It is important to note that there is no set timeline for completing inquiries into anticompetitive conduct, as the duration of investigations can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation from the involved companies.