Medtronic Accused of Cornering Market for Electrosurgical Device

Medtronic Inc. is facing antitrust litigation over claims it’s monopolizing the market for a leading type of electrosurgical tool by reaching exclusive deals with bulk purchasers and making hospitals offers they can’t refuse.

Applied Medical Resources Corp. sued the medical manufacturing giant Tuesday, claiming its 78% share of the market for “advanced bipolar energy devices” is the result of an illegal scheme to sell product bundles at a steep, “predatory” discount that reflects below-cost pricing. The other products in the bundles allegedly include some must-have devices made principally by Medtronic.

“Medtronic is acutely aware that the only way to stop ...