Haemonetics Ends Distribution Deal with Zimmer

Braintree, MA-based Haemonetics Corp. said it will begin selling its OrthoPat surgical blood-salvage system through its direct sales force in the U.S., ending a distribution agreement with Zimmer. The company said its decision was to gain better control of product positioning and the sales process for the orthopedic product.
    OrthoPat, which is used to recover blood lost during orthopedic surgery so it can be reused in the patient, had been distributed in the U.S. by Zimmer Holdings during the past five years. The device is marketed by Haemonetics in Europe and Asia.
    In a separate statement, Zimmer said it was “disappointed” with Haemonetics’ decision to end the distribution pact, even though it was “growing sales at greater than 20 percent per quarter.” The Warsaw, Ind.-based supplier of orthopedic products said it plans to acquire or distribute blood-salvage technology as an alternative.