To make laparoscopic procedures quicker, safer and less expensive, Israel-based Gordian Surgical Ltd. has developed a trocar with built-in closure capability. TroClose 1200 resembles a standard trocar, but is different in that it integrates two sutures and two biodegradable anchors that are positioned below the abdominal wall for the entire procedure.

Medical device companies raised $800 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, and venture capital represented half of that amount. Just over $4 billion was spent to acquire medical device companies, down 50% from Q3’s $8 billion. In vitro diagnostics/research financings were well above the previous quarter, raking in a total of $269 million, with late-stage rounds again bringing in most of the Q4 money. Only five M&A deals were completed, totalling $915 million – way down from Q3’s $2.8 billion for the same number of deals.

The dealmaking column is a survey of recent transactions, including strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, and financings, in the life sciences industries. Deals are listed by the following industry sectors: in vitro diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents. All transactions are excerpted from Elsevier's Strategic Transactions database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.

A roundup of recent medtech strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions and financings.