Medtronic Scoops Up PercuSurge

The news that PercuSurge, the leader in emboli collection/protection devices, had been purchased by Medtronic caused some medical device executives to shake their heads in disbelief. Many had viewed a much-anticipated PercuSurge IPO as one of the most promising in the device industry in years, and they were confident that the device itself has the potential to be a blockbuster. That blockbuster potential, combined with the $225 million price tag, made it seem, frankly, as if PercuSurge had given up too early and too easily. But executives close to PercuSurge defended the company's move while affirming the long-term potential of the device.