The Minnesota Medical Device Alliance Steering Committee, made up of some of the state’s most prominent investors, attorneys and executives, is hosting a meeting in February to discuss ways to push back against critics of the 510(k) program.

The deal marks the first investment out of NEP’s $1.2 billion Fund IX, which closed September 2008. What makes the deal even more interesting is NEP’s partnership with Split Rock, a prominent venture capital firm based in Eden Prairie.

The company is focused on selling the Xclose, a device that uses small braided polyester bands to make an X-shaped stitch over openings in the soft tissue around the spine.

The new $30 million investment will help the atrial fibrillation device maker Atritech complete a U.S. Food and Drug Administration review and launch its product in Europe.

Ardian is developing a catheter system that disrupts the sympathetic nerves in the kidneys, which will in turn reduce blood pressure. Clinical trials are expected next week.