Boston Scientific Acquires Distal Access' Gynecology, Urology portfolio
Boston Scientific has signed a deal with Distal Access — a company specializing in minimally invasive surgical devices — to acquire a single-use device intended for the resection of uterine polyps. The Resectr Tissue Resection Device is compatible with a number of existing hysteroscopes and enables clinicians to treat uterine polyps with more cost-efficient outpatient procedures in the office, hospital, or ambulatory care center.
Uterine polyps result from an over-growth of cells attaching to walls of the uterus and are associated with abnormal bleeding and infertility. Symptomatic polyps can be treated with medication but more commonly are surgically removed with a hysteroscopic polypectomy. Studies of procedure success — described in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology — demonstrate good outcomes in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Traditional tissue resectors are electromechanical and require a complex and costly system of machinery. In comparison, the Resectr is designed for single-use and is hand-powered by the surgeon, offering more control than traditional systems, according to the product website. Because the Resectr device is more portable, it can be used in a variety of clinical settings for “see-and-treat” procedures, where a doctor can diagnose and treat polyps in a single office visit.
Boston Scientific noted in the press release that 80 percent of women will develop polyps during their lifetime, and 400,000 polypectomies are performed in the U.S. each year. A 2015 study conducted by the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) found that outpatient polypectomies are more cost-efficient than inpatient procedures, and produce similar outcomes.
“The Resectr device is exactly the type of innovation we need to help make healthcare more cost-effective and accessible for physicians and their parents,” said David Pierce, senior VP and president of Boston Scientific’s urology and pelvic health business. “This acquisition is part of our commitment to advance comprehensive solutions for women’s health that can help physicians provide high quality care.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Boston Scientific will acquire the Resectr device and other products in Distal Access’ gynecology and urology portfolio. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition will be immaterial to earnings per share in 2016 and 2017, according to Boston Scientific.
In a recent earnings call, CEO Michael Mahoney attributed 13 percent growth to robust sales in the company’s surgical business, which includes supplies and devices for endoscopy, urology, and neuromodulation. Moving forward, Mahoney stated the company will look to “strengthen and diversify.”
Boston Scientific’s recent acquisitions include the LumenR tissue retraction system, which is front-loaded over colonoscopes to improve visibility during gastrointestinal procedures. Boston Scientific plans to continue developing the system before bringing it to market.
Additionally, in September, Boston Scientific signed a $210 million deal to acquire EndoChoice, a move that significantly expanded the company’s GI business.