W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) has begun a deal to acquire Conformal Medical, a company developing the investigational CLAAS AcuFORM system, a next-gen left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) technology.

The CLASS AcuFORM system touts a nitinol endoskeleton with a proprietary foam matrix implant that conforms to a broader range of left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomies with fewer sizes. It’s designed in two sizes and has the potential to transform LAAO into a same-day procedure, moving clinical practice away from general anesthesia and overnight hospitalizations.

“The investigational CLAAS AcuFORM System represents the kind of transformative, science-driven innovation that reflects our long-term commitment to improving patient care,” said Bret Snyder, board chair and CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates. “It is an ideal fit with our endovascular portfolio and a strong complement to our existing cardiac products. As a privately held company founded on scientific innovation, Gore continues to thoughtfully pursue opportunities and partnerships that expand our ability to improve lives through the work of all our businesses, including expanding our ability to serve clinicians and improve patient outcomes.”

The acquisition helps Gore expand into adjacent endovascular treatments and reflects its commitment to develop and invest in breakthrough medical technologies. Over the last 50 years, the company has developed numerous technologies across its cardiac, vascular, and surgical solutions portfolios.

“We are pleased to join forces with a partner that reflects our belief that the investigational CLAAS AcuFORM Device can prove to be a transformative solution for stroke prevention. Our stakeholders will realize the value of this partnership as we bring this therapy through the clinical and regulatory process and eventually make it available to patients worldwide,” said James Reinstein, president and CEO of Conformal Medical. “This partnership combines Conformal’s deep expertise in LAAO with Gore’s world-class capabilities in technology development, distribution and operations. It will enable us to leverage Gore’s global presence, accelerating our mission of shaping the future of stroke prevention.”