Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry Magazine
MDDI Article Index

Originally Published MDDI July 2005

NEWSTRENDS

In an effort to serve a broader array of clinicians and patients, Abiomed Inc. (Danvers, CA) has agreed to acquire Impella CardioSystems AG (Aachen, Germany).

Abiomed is best known for its artificial hearts. Impella makes micro blood pumps for use in interventional cardiology and heart surgery. The acquisition would give Abiomed access to patients who have severe heart problems but don't need a new heart. It would also allow the company to call on cardiologists as well as surgeons.

“The acquisition of Impella fits perfectly with our strategy of providing cardiac support and circulatory assist to patients throughout all areas of the hospital,” says Michael R. Minogue, Abiomed's president and CEO. “We will now be able to provide a continuum of devices that increase the likelihood for recovering a patient's natural heart, beginning in the cath lab and continuing through to the surgical suite. Now, as a company, we will protect, recover, and replace failing hearts.”

The deal is expected to entail $1.8 million in cash in addition to 4.04 million shares of Abiomed common stock.

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