Pacific

LOS ANGELES, November 17 - The most recent Executive Quiz results released today by the Korn/Ferry Institute indicate the majority of companies are not prepared for succession in the C-suite.

PLEASANTON, California, November 17 - Thoratec Corporation (Nasdaq: THOR), a world leader in device-based mechanical circulatory support therapies to save, support and restore failing hearts, said that data released today from the Destination Therapy (DT) pivotal trial for the HeartMate II left ventricular assist system (LVAS) demonstrate that the device achieved statistically superior results over the HeartMate XVE, including survival at two years while remaining free from disabling stroke or the need for reoperation to replace or repair the pump.