Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Medical Device Deals Update column is a survey of recent medtech M&A, alliance, and financing activity. This month’s column covers deals announced February-March 2015.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Dealmaking column is a survey of recent health care transactions listed by relevant industry segment – In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, and Research/Analytical – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced February 2015.

Device companies finished 2013 strong, raising $1.2 billion in Q4, the highest quarter total of the year. CVS Caremark’s $2.1 billion buy of Apria’s infusion therapy business was the largest M&A of the year, and late-stage venture rounds dominated the $423 million total in diagnostics funding.

St. Jude announces the first post-approval implant of the Nanostim leadless pacemaker in the U.K. Gore launches a feasibility study of the TAG thoracic branch endoprosthesis for the treatment of aortic aneurysms requiring coverage of the left subclavian artery.