Medtronic to Buy RF Surgical Systems

Medtronic has agreed to acquire Carlsbad, Calif.-based RF Surgical Systems in a deal valued at about $235 million. RF Surgical has developed a system intended as an adjunct to manual counting methods to help prevent surgical sponges, gauze or towels from being left inside patients during surgery. Further details about the deal were not disclosed. It is expected to close in August.

Smith & Nephew Scoops Up DeOst Unit

UK-based Smith & Nephew has bought the trauma and orthopedics business of DeOst group, which has distributed the S&N’s products in Russia since 2009. “This investment, in-line with our strategy to build our platform in the emerging markets, significantly boosts our local presence and prospects and will enable us to take advantage of market dynamics and better serve Russian customers,” S&N CEO Olivier Bohuon said. The companies did not disclose terms of the transaction.

Thoratec Snags CE Mark for HeartMate PHP

Thoratec is planning a staged launch of its HeartMate percutaneous heart pump after winning CE mark certification. Approval was based on data from a U.S. clinical trial evaluating the system for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, the company says. It will make the study data available later this year. The device features a catheter that can generate an average blood flow of four to five liters per minute following administration through percutaneous insertion.

Zethon Recalls Forceps in UK

Citing sterility issues, Zethon is recalling certain batches of a bipolar forceps in the UK, Ireland’s Health Products Regulatory Authority says. Healthcare professionals are being advised to identify affected products, quarantine them immediately and return them to the manufacturer. Zethon, formerly known as Ross Electro-Medical, issued the field safety notice July 3. No incidents related to the product’s use have been reported.

iCAD Launches New Cervical Applicator

Nashua, N.H.-based iCAD has launched a new cervical applicator for its Xoft Axxent electronic brachytherapy cancer treatment system. The applicator works by administering a precise dose of radiation to targeted areas of the cervix while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue, the company says. The Xoft system is FDA-cleared and CE-marked for treatment anywhere in the body, including for nonmelanoma skin, early-stage breast and gynecological cancers.

France, Mexico Sign Device Pact

Mexico and France have signed a three-year cooperative agreement allowing the countries to exchange regulatory information and expand patient access to safe, effective and high-quality medical devices. The agreement — between Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks and France’s National Agency for Security of Medicines and Health Products — was reached July 11.