Medtronic to Acquire PercuSurge for $225 Million

In a move to expand its line of vascular products, Medtronic, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN, USA) has agreed to acquire PercuSurge, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for around US$225 million in stock. PercuSurge has developed a device to capture embolic debris that could become dislodged and block downstream vessels during interventional procedures.

The device has been used in more than 5,000 procedures since its release in Europe in 1999 and is now in clinical trials in the United States. The product's first targeted indication is for the treatment of degenerated saphenous vein grafts that show signs of disease following heart bypass surgery. Called the GuideWire Plus Temporary Occlusion and Aspiration system, the balloon-tipped guidewire is inflated briefly to occlude blood flow and capture embolic material that could travel to other vessels or the brain. Captured material is then withdrawn by using an aspiration catheter before the balloon is deflated and blood flow restored.

PercuSurge will join the Medtronic Vascular organization, headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA (USA). "PercuSurge's technologies will have a dramatic impact on a physician's ability to provide comprehensive treatment, reduce complication rates, and save patients' lives,” said Andy Rasdal, president of Medtronic Vascular.