1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-32223, Registration Statement No. 333-11883, Registration Statement No.
33-35549, Registration Statement No. 33-35719, Registration Statement No.
33-72502, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 2-97542,
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 2-78926, and
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 2-78925 on Forms
S-8 of our report dated February 19, 1999, appearing in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K of Thoratec Laboratories Corporation for the year ended January 2,
1999.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE, LLP

San Francisco, CA
March 24, 1999