Medtronic plc has acquired the assets of Aptus Endosystems Inc., a Sunnyvale, Calif.-based, privately held developer of advanced technology for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR).

Medtronic completed its acquisition of the assets of Aptus Endosystems in a transaction valued at approximately $110 million. Additional terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Aortic aneurysms are an enlarged and weakened section of the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart, which can be lethal if left untreated. An estimated 1.5 million Americans have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Each year, an estimated 200,000 people in the U.S. and 100,000 people in Europe are diagnosed with AAA. EVAR and TEVAR procedures are alternatives to open surgical repair of aortic aneurysms. During the procedure, a minimally invasive catheter-based system is used to implant a metal and fabric endograft to isolate blood flow away from the aneurysm to prevent potential rupture and death. 

Aptus Endosystems' Heli-FX and Heli-FX Thoracic EndoAnchor systems feature an endovascular deployed anchor designed to attach a variety of aortic endografts to the native vessel wall. The off-the-shelf, customized solution minimizes the need for complicated procedures for the select subset of patients who would benefit from supplementary fixation, according to Medtronic. This may include patients with challenging anatomies, risk factors for a secondary intervention, existing seal complications, as well as in situations where a physician may intraoperatively determine the need for additional security.

"We are excited to add this unique complementary, anchor technology to our aortic portfolio," said Daveen Chopra, vice president and general manager of the aortic business, within the Cardiac and Vascular Group at Medtronic. "The Heli-FX and Heli-FX Thoracic EndoAnchor systems strongly align with our strategy to invest in treatments that address complex aortic disease with a vision to treat disease of the entire aorta."

The Heli-FX and Heli-FX Thoracic EndoAnchor systems have CE mark for distribution in the European Union and are cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both systems can be used with a wide variety of commercially available stent grafts, including Medtronic's Endurant and Valiant stent graft systems.

As part of the acquisition, Medtronic will also distribute the TourGuide Steerable Sheath, a device with adjustable tip that enables quick access and delivery of peripheral vascular products to the most challenging anatomy, in the United States and Europe.

"Medtronic's acquisition of the Aptus technology is validation of our mission to bring a durable solution to patients with challenging anatomies," said James Reinstein, president and CEO of Aptus Endosystems.  "Having the Heli-FX available in the broad distribution channels of the market leader, will be very good for our EVAR physicians and their patients."

Medtronic will continue the Anchor Registry—a global, multi-center, prospective post-market registry evaluating the Heli-FX Aortic Securement System. The company also plans to pursue approval for  a smaller-than-10-millimeter infrarenal proximal neck indication for Endurant with the use of the Heli-FX EndoAnchor system.

"The aortic business is an important growth engine for Medtronic," said Tony Semedo, president, Aortic and Peripheral Vascular, within the Cardiac and Vascular Group at Medtronic. "We are committed to bringing proven solutions that transform vascular disease management. We believe this acquisition of Aptus will further differentiate Medtronic's offerings in the market."

Dublin, Ireland-based Medtronic will report the Aptus business as part of its Aortic and Peripheral Vascular division within the Cardiac and Vascular Group.

Check out a video of the Aptus technology at work.