Boston Scientific acquires atrial fibrillation device company Atritech
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) has acquired Plymouth-based Atritech, a maker of a novel product to treat atrial fibrillation, with an up-front payment of $100 million in a deal worth up to $375 million. Details will be finalized in the first quarter. The device giant headquartered in Natick, Mass., said in a press release that it would pay out of cash on hand, with additional payments of up to $275 million through 2015 for meeting revenue and regulatory goals. Atritech's device, the Watchman, closes the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent blood clots from entering the blood stream. The product thereby reduces their risk of stroke and offers a promising alternative to anticoagulant medication, the standard treatment that increases risk for bleeding.
