VADs Set To Enter Big Leagues With St. Jude's Plan To Acquire Thoratec

St. Jude Medical says it will pay $3.4 billion to own ventricular-assist device leader Thoratec, pointing to significant synergies in the heart failure and interventional cardiology markets. The deal would thrust VADs into a diversified cardiology firm for the first time, and it includes a "go-shop" period that leaves an opening for other big device firms to enter competing bids.