Cardiorobotics, Inc., a medical device company developing advanced robotic technologies for use in a wide range of applications, including: medical, industrial, military, and law enforcement, announces the appointment of Dr. Samuel Straface in the position of President & Chief Executive Officer.
“We are excited that Dr. Straface has joined Cardiorobotics in this executive leadership role,” stated Executive Chairman and founding CEO, David Wagner. “Dr. Straface’s long track record of commercial success, exceptional management, interpersonal and organizational skills, along with a diverse industry background in biological sciences, surgical applications and medical devices will guide Cardiorobotics as we continue to develop into a world class company.
“This appointment reinforces Cardiorobotics’ commitment to creating a medical device company that will be a leader in developing products to serve a number of different specialist areas, including: minimally-invasive cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, natural orifice and a range of single-port laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures,” says Mr. Wagner.
Dr. Straface has joined the leadership team that includes the two company co-founders; Chief Technology Officer Howie Choset, Ph.D. and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, Marco A. Zenati, M.D. “I am excited about joining the Cardiorobotics team and leading them through the company’s first clinical trials and then commercialization for single port cardiac procedures,” stated Dr. Straface.
Dr. Straface began working with Cardiorobotics as an Executive-in-Residence at the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG). “We are thrilled that the PLSG is able to assist in the commercialization of Cardiorobotics and help to facilitate the development of the leadership team,” says John W. Manzetti, PLSG President & CEO. “Samuel has the background and demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership ability to augment and lead Cardiorobotics as the company prepares for market launch. We look forward to his continued contribution to the PLSG as an Executive-in-Residence CEO advisor.”
Cardiorobotics’ cardioARM™ will provide a breakthrough technology platform for minimally-invasive cardiac surgery, allowing a wide range of epicardial interventions via single-port, subxiphoid access. Cardiac surgery is different from other surgical procedures because the large sternotomy incision required to access the heart requires general endotracheal anesthesia. The heart-lung machine that is required for open-heart surgery (e.g. valve repair) adds further morbidity. Performing an epicardial intervention in a less invasive manner will dramatically improve patient recovery and decrease risks involved with the current procedures.
Cardiorobotics, Inc. is in its final stages of raising its Series A financing that will enable it to reach its clinical and commercial milestones.
Source: Cardiorobotics, Inc.