Medtronic completes acquisition of Visualase

Medtronic has announced the completion of its previously-announced acquisition of the Houston-based medical technology firm Visualase.

The $105 million (62.1 million pounds) deal sees the company acquire the privately-held Visualase, the creator of an MRI-guided laser and image-guided system for neurosurgery applications, including surgical thermal ablation.

Visualase's laser ablation system provides neurosurgeons with a minimally invasive option to precisely target and treat small areas of tissues. It has already been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

This device will now be added to Medtronic's portfolio of therapies for treating neurological conditions within its surgical technologies business, while the underlying technology will become part of the company's broader neuroscience offerings.

Mark Fletcher, senior vice-president and president of Medtronic Surgical Technologies, said: "This acquisition broadens our strong and growing portfolio of innovative surgical products and represents entries into new areas such as surgical thermal ablation."

The company is also currently working to complete its $42.9 billion acquisition of Covidien, a move that will create one of the world's largest medical technology and services businesses.