US-based healthcare company Abbott has completed the acquisition of medical device company Topera, for $250m.
Topera is engaged in developing electrophysiology technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation, one of the most common heart rhythm disorders across the globe.
Abbott medical devices executive vice-president John Capek said: "The Topera acquisition gives Abbott a foundational entry in the large, high-growth electrophysiology market with breakthrough technologies that can transform how physicians treat people with complex heart rhythm disorders.
"The ability to more accurately target the areas of the heart perpetuating atrial fibrillation is a significant advancement in the field of electrophysiology and can transform patient care."
Topera has developed a diagnostic catheter and mapping software, or rotor identification system, which allows physicians to identify target patient-specific rotors that have been shown to be the sustaining mechanism for atrial fibrillation.
The rotor system features RhythmView workstation and the FIRMap diagnostic catheter, which helps physicians to identify and locate rotors, the specific areas within the heart acting as a sustaining mechanism for atrial fibrillation.
RhythmView workstation and FIRMap diagnostic catheter obtained US FDA and CE mark approval in 2013.
Abbott has secured the right to purchase Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics (ACT), in a separate transaction.
ACT has involved in developing an ablation catheter designed to improve the safety and effectiveness of ablation procedures.
Image: Abbott factory at Cootehill, County Cavan. Photo: courtesy of Jonathan Billinger.