Hull medical equipment manufacturer Smith & Nephew has completed the acquisition of US firm Tusker Medical.
The FTSE 100 company, which has been rooted in Hull for around 160 years, said the deal to buy the California-based business formed part of Smith & Nephew’s strategy to invest in innovative technology.
Tusker Medical is the developer of the Tula System – a device which helps fit tubes inside children’s ears without general anaesthetic ahead of surgery.
Terms of the acquisition have not been released by Smith & Nephew.
Brad Cannon, president at Sports Medicine & ENT at Smith & Nephew, said: “The Tula System is a truly innovative option for physicians treating incredibly common ear conditions.
“It is a game-changer when treating children, removing the risk and stress of general anaesthesia for patients and caregivers.
“Tula is a highly complementary addition to our ENT portfolio, and we are excited to significantly improve the treatment options for surgeons and patients with the launch of this technology.”
Every year in the US alone, approximately 700,000 children undergo tympanostomy tube placement surgery to address recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear.
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These procedures are traditionally performed under general anaesthesia in operating rooms.
Tusker Medical’s Tula system enables placement of ear tubes in the without general anaesthesia for patients six months and older.
Using Tula, a physician numbs the eardrum using novel, child-friendly anaesthesia while the patient may sit up, play, and watch videos.
A specialised tube delivery system allows the physician to place an ear tube precisely in less than half a second using an automated device.
Amir Abolfathi, president & CEO at Tusker, said: “I am immensely proud of the paediatric-focused technology that we have developed, and to receive PMA approval along with Breakthrough Device designation from the FDA.
“Smith & Nephew is well-placed to accelerate and broaden the launch of Tula and we look forward to working together to improve the quality of life of the millions of children who suffer from ear infections every year.”
Smith & Nephew’s announcement is the latest acquisition announced by the FTSE 100 firm.
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Last year, Smith & Nephew committed over £500m to buy Osiris Therapeutics.
That deal came hot on the heels of the £80m acquisition of medical tech firm Ceterix.
Other acquisitions announced by Smith & Nephew in 2019 included the purchase of Leaf Healthcare and Brainlab.
The Tusker Medical deal marks the first takeover move made by Smith & Nephew in 2020.
Smith & Nephew said it expected to begin commercial launch of Tula in the US in the first quarter of 2020.
All Tusker employees are expected to join Smith & Nephew.
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