ZOLL Medical Corporation, an Asahi Kasei company that manufactures medical devices and related software solutions, has acquired Respicardia Inc, a provider of implantable neurostimulators for the treatment of moderate to severe central sleep apnea (CSA).

Respicardia’s remedē System is the only implantable device approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe CSA in adult patients with reduced cardiac function.

“ZOLL and Respicardia both develop innovative therapies for conditions with large unmet clinical needs, and we share a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes,” says Jon Rennert, CEO of ZOLL Medical, in a release. “With this acquisition, ZOLL will combine its expertise in cardiac and respiratory care with Respicardia’s novel remedē System to make a meaningful difference in the health and quality of life for many patients.”

[RELATED: Remedē Shows Sustained Safety & Efficacy Through 5 Years]

Respicardia’s remedē System is implanted by a cardiac electrophysiologist during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The remedē System delivers electrical pulses to one of the phrenic nerves, which send signals to the diaphragm, restoring a more normal breathing pattern during sleep.

“Respicardia is excited to be joining the ZOLL family,” said Peter Sommerness, CEO of Respicardia, in a release. “As an innovator of safe and effective therapies that address the unmet needs of respiratory and cardiovascular patients, we see tremendous potential ahead with the support of ZOLL’s strong brand and global reach.”

ZOLL, which has been a significant investor in Respicardia for more than three years, will welcome all Respicardia employees into its global workforce and will maintain Respicardia’s current headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota.