GUIDANT BUYS STAKE IN EAGAN MED-TECH STARTUP

Epitek, an Eagan startup that makes a device to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, said Monday it has sold a minority stake to Guidant Corp. Epitek has developed a device to close heart's left atrial appendage -- a small pocket off of the heart's main chambers -- as a way to prevent clots from moving into the brain and causing a stroke. The device, which sells for $5,000, can be placed through a minimally invasive procedure.

St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/business/13920721.htm)