UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 7, 2015

THORATEC CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (925) 847-8600

N/A
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01.         Other Events.

On October 7, 2015, Thoratec Corporation (“Thoratec” or the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the results of the special meeting of the shareholders held on October 7, 2015.  The special meeting was held for shareholders to vote on proposals pertaining to St. Jude Medical, Inc.’s acquisition of Thoratec (the “Merger”).  The proposals are described in detail in the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 8, 2015.  A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the impact of the Merger on Thoratec’s relationships with its employees, existing customers or potential future customers; and such other risks and uncertainties pertaining to the Thoratec’s business as detailed in its filings with the SEC on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. Thoratec assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this document.

Item 9.01.                    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)         Exhibits.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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