Thoratec Laboratories Corporation develops, manufactures and markets medical devices for circulatory support and vascular graft applications. Ventricular Assist Device System (VAD System), is being marketed in the United States and internationally for use as a bridge to heart transplant and is currently the only device approved by the FDA that can provide left, right or biventricular support for both bridge to heart transplant and post cardiotomy recovery. The company is also developing vascular grafts for hemodialysis and coronary artery bypass surgery. Thoratec developed Thoralon, a strong, flexible material that doesn't cause adverse reactions, and uses it in all the company's products. The firm is also testing Thoralon for replacement blood vessels in heart bypass surgery and for blood-vessel grafts for hemodialysis patients -approved in Canada and other countries.
