Wednesday's Small-Cap Winners & Losers

Small-cap stocks felt the pressure of the sinking broad market Wednesday despite positive announcements from a variety of sectors.

Cardica (CRDC Quote) helped to lead the charge among the day's few winners, rocketing nearly 55% in frenzied trading after the California-based company said its C-Port Flex A Anastomosis System was successfully used with Intuitive Surgical's (ISRG Quote) da Vinci robot for "groundbreaking minimally-invasive, closed-chest bypass" -- the "world's first" -- by two independent groups of "leading cardiothoracic surgeons."

Dr. Marc Katz, team leader at Bon Secours Saint Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Va., said the product "has the potential to revolutionize the field of cardiothoracic surgery," as it "enhances" these procedures, which "substantially reduce pain and trauma and provide a quicker return to normal functionality for the patient." Shares of Cardica surged $2.96, to $8.34.

Also in the green was LB Foster (FSTR Quote), which makes products for the rail, construction, energy and utility markets. Shares jumped 12.3% to $39.83 on word the Canadian Pacific Railway bought the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad, in which Pittsburgh, Pa.-based LB has a minority stake.

LB's cut will total about $151.5 million on closing, as well as up to $125.8 million more depending on commencement of a construction project, in addition to other milestones. Overall, the deal is worth $1.48 billion, not including up to some $1 billion in contingent payments.