Thoratec Acquires Apica Cardiovascular

July 2, 2014—Thoratec Corporation announced that it has acquired Ireland-based Apica Cardiovascular Limited, which has developed a suite of implant systems and devices designed to enable transapical surgical access. These devices include a ventricular assist device (VAD) surgical implant system (SIS) and the Apica access stabilization and closure (ASC) device for use in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedures performed with a transapical approach. 

According to Thoratec, the Apica implant systems are meant to enable uniform access to the heart in transapical procedures with minimal interoperative and postoperative blood loss and a secure permanent closure that eliminates the need for sutures. The VAD SIS specifically leverages the proven existing technology foundation of the ASC with the potential to support less invasive and off-pump implantation of HeartMate products while seeking to facilitate reproducible clinical outcomes and wider adoption of these implant techniques. 

Thoratec advised that it will immediately assume ongoing development and commercialization of the Apica VAD SIS and ASC platforms. The ASC device received European CE Mark approval in 2013 and is currently in limited commercial launch throughout Europe. The VAD SIS device has achieved important development milestones, and Thoratec will continue to develop this technology to optimize its application for VAD implants before initiating human clinical trials. 

Thoratec’s products, which address advanced-stage heart failure, include the HeartMate II and HeartMate III left ventricular assist systems, as well as Thoratec VAD. Thoratec also manufactures and distributes the CentriMag blood pump, which is an extracorporeal circulatory support device providing hemodynamic stabilization in patients in need of cardiopulmonary support. Thoratec’s product line also includes the PediMag pediatric acute support device and PediVAS pediatric ventricular assist system.

Thoratec acquired Apica for an upfront cash payment of $35 million and potential future clinical and sales milestones of up to $40 million. As part of the agreement, the Apica team, with facilities in Ireland and the United States, will transition to Thoratec, which is headquartered in Pleasanton, California.