Irish medical technology firm Medtronic has acquired Scotland-based medical device firm Aircraft Medical, for around $110m.
Based in Edinburgh, Aircraft Medical is involved in developing handheld video laryngoscopes used by anesthesiologists and critical care professionals to intubate patients.
The acquisition expands Medtronic’s product portfolio, which deals with difficult airways and addresses the preventable issue of respiratory compromise that consists of respiratory insufficiency, failure and arrest.
Aircraft Medical’s devices allow clinicians to check vocal cords of patients, allowing them to effectively insert the breathing tube into the trachea.
According to Medtronic, video laryngoscopy is associated with an increased number of successful intubations, improved laryngeal views and successful first-attempt intubations than direct laryngoscopy among patients with difficult airways.
Medtronic minimally invasive therapies group patient monitoring and recovery business president and senior vice-president Steve Blazejewski said: "Aircraft Medical’s offerings complement our portfolio, helping us further our commitment to reducing incidents and potential complications from respiratory compromise globally.
"The company’s laryngoscopes will play an important role in our airways portfolio as we develop and provide meaningful innovations that improve patient outcomes."
Aircraft Medical founder and CEO Matt McGrath said: "We are pleased to be joining the Medtronic team as we strive to provide the McGrath video laryngoscope platform to many more patients around the world."
In September this year, Medtronic also acquired US-based medical device firm Lazarus Effect, for around $100m.
Based in Campbell of California, Lazarus Effect is involved in developing acute ischemic stroke products, which facilitate the capture and removal of clots.
Image: Medtronic operational headquarters, Minneapolis. Photo: courtesy of Medtronic, Inc.