Medtronic Acquires Spine Technology Firm

Originally Published MDDI January 2004

NEWSTRENDS

Medtronic Inc. (Minneapolis) is aiming for greater market share in minimally invasive spinal surgery with its agreement to acquire Vertelink Corp. (Irvine, CA), the company announced November 12.

Medtronic is already marketing a number of tissue-sparing products that minimize pain, blood loss, and the long recovery periods that accompany conventional procedures. It also markets an arc device to deliver screws and rods for spinal fusion, and a scoliosis treatment. The Vertelink acquisition will add to the stable materials and techniques for “over-the-wire” spinal fixation devices that can stabilize the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Its products can also permit surgeons to place spinal instrumentation in a percutaneous, tissue-sparing, minimally invasive way.

Under terms of the deal, Medtronic will pay $22 million in cash for all the stock of Vertelink, a privately held company founded in 2000. More payments will occur when certain regulatory milestones are met. 

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