Jul. 30, 2009 (United Press International) -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block a cardiac device-maker's proposed $282 million acquisition plans.

Cardiac device-maker Thoratec Corp. (NASDAQ:THOR) , of Pleasanton, Calif., is trying to acquire outstanding shares of HeartWare International (NASDAQ:HTWR) (OOTC:HWIFF) , based in Framingham, Mass. The FTC has filed an administrative complaint in federal district court seeking to permanently stop the acquisition, announced in February, ModernHealthcare.com reported Thursday.

FTC officials said Thoratec is the only device-maker with a Food and Drug Administration-approved left-ventricular device on the market, and acquiring HeartWare, which has a competing device positioned for approval, would prevent price and quality competition.

"We can't have healthcare reform that truly benefits American consumers unless we have competition," FTC Bureau of Competition Director Richard Feinstein said.