Boston Scientific to acquire Bolt Medical for US $664 million

USA – Boston Scientific has announced its decision to acquire Bolt Medical, a California-based company specializing in intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology, for up to US $664 million.

This deal includes an upfront payment of US $443 million, with an additional US $221 million contingent on achieving specific regulatory milestones.

Having been a strategic investor in Bolt Medical since the beginning, Boston Scientific already holds an equity stake of around 26%. With this acquisition, Boston Scientific will acquire the remaining 74% of Bolt Medical.

Bolt Medical is known for its innovative Bolt IVL system, which uses acoustic pressure waves within a balloon catheter to break down calcium deposits in blood vessels.

The company is currently celebrating the completion of two clinical trials, RESTORE ATK and RESTORE BTK.

These trials focus on assessing the safety and effectiveness of the Bolt IVL system. The data gathered from these trials will be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will also assist in securing CE mark approval.

Lance Bates, Senior Vice President and President of Interventional Cardiology Therapies at Boston Scientific, commented on the acquisition, stating, “Representing one of the fastest growing medical device segments, IVL therapy addresses a significant unmet need for patients with complex calcified arterial disease through a minimally invasive approach.

Bolt Medical is developing a next-generation technology that is highly complementary to our existing portfolio. The addition of this system to our offerings can help us better serve physicians and their patients and provides a platform for future innovation.”

For Boston Scientific, this acquisition is part of its ongoing strategy to expand its cardiovascular portfolio. In 2024, the company also acquired stroke specialists Silk Road Medical for approximately US $1.16 billion.

IVL technology, which is used to break down calcified plaques in arteries, remains a top priority in the healthcare sector.

Johnson & Johnson acquired Shockwave Medical—the company that pioneered IVL technology in 2009—for US $13 billion in 2024.

This highlights the growing demand for IVL, with several companies, including Boston Scientific, having previously shown interest in acquiring Shockwave Medical.