Thoratec Corporation has entered into an agreement with Impra Inc, a subsidiary of C. R. Bard Inc, to distribute Thoratec's Vectra Vascular Access Graft (VAG).

Under the agreement, IMPRA receives exclusive U.S. marketing and distribution rights to the device. The agreement runs through December 2006, with opportunities for extensions. Thoratec and IMPRA remain in discussions for the international distribution rights, with the exception of Japan. Other terms and conditions of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The Vectra VAG is used to provide vascular access for patients suffering from end stage renal disease who are undergoing hemodialysis. It is based on the company's proprietary biomaterial, Thoralon, and is approved for sale in the U.S, Europe, Japan and a number of other countries throughout the world. The company estimates the worldwide market for vascular access grafts exceeds $120 million.

"We will be conducting training of the IMPRA sales force as well as initiating the U.S. marketing effort later this month," said D. Keith Grossman, president and chief executive officer of Thoratec. "We are delighted to be partnering with an industry leader such as Impra as they have a long and proven track record of success and leadership in the vascular graft marketplace."

The agreement with Impra replaces an agreement between Thoratec and Guidant Corporation signed in early 1999, which has been terminated.

"The addition of the Vectra graft gives IMPRA the most comprehensive and innovative range of vascular grafts in the industry," said William H. Longfield, chairman and chief executive officer of Bard. "We are looking forward to working with Thoratec and have high expectations for Vectra."