Smith & Nephew buys US ear tube maker

Medical technology firm Smith & Nephew said it had bought California-based Tusker Medical for an undiscosed sum.

Tusker makes ear tubes that can be inserted by doctors under local anaesthetic to treat infections or persistent fluid problems in young children.

These procedures are traditionally performed under general anaesthesia in operating rooms, S&N said on Friday in a statement. Tusker's Tula system enables placement of ear tubes in the physician's office without general anaesthesia for patients six months and older.

S&N said it would fund the purchase from existing cash and debt facilities.