Thoratec to broaden circulatory support leadership with pump buy
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Thoratec has added to its portfolio of mechanical circulatory support products by purchasing catheter pump technology from Stockholm, Sweden-based Getinge for $8.5m in cash. Thoratec plans to use the technology in the development of a minimally-invasive acute cardiac axial flow pump. According to Thoratec’s president and CEO, Gary Burbach, there is an unmet need for fast and minimally-invasive acute cardiac support for haemodynamically unstable acute myocardial infarction, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention and post-cardiotomy patients. “Given its potential ability to provide greater flow at a smaller size than other existing devices, we believe this technology offers the potential to be the basis for a breakthrough offering in this very significant market,” said Mr Burbach. Pleasanton, California-based Thoratec expects to incur incremental development costs linked to the deal of up to $3m in 2010.