Dr. Lavin will focus on financial advice, strategic alliances, and investor outreach. As a physician with training in surgery, he will also be able to help MI-VAD source ideas on ways to help surgical implanters and patients around the world.

Sean enjoys working with early-stage companies. He uses his medical expertise and Wall Street experience to select innovative start-ups that often become very large multinational corporations that provide therapies to patients around the world. Since starting his Wall Street career in 2006, Sean has focused on minimally invasive devices that are able to treat patients with less associated morbidities and often lead to shorter hospital stays. These devices are almost always adopted as patients prefer the shorter recoveries and better outcomes and hospitals and payors prefer the decreased associated costs.

Dr. Lavin is the CEO of Alpha Lavin Advisors, LLC an advisory firm that he founded last year to help early-stage healthcare companies raise capital. He has held various roles and has been employed mostly as a senior analyst covering medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health at BTIG, Lazard Capital Markets, and Oppenheimer and Company from 2006 until the end of 2019. Before that, Dr.Lavin graduated with a B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.D. from the Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed two years of surgical residency training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach where he treated patients in the emergency room, in trauma, and with the urologic, cardiac, plastic and reconstructive, transplant, vascular, thoracic, and general surgery teams. Sean uses his surgical knowledge to help him select devices that he thinks will do well and will be widely adopted.

Over the years, Sean has covered a number of companies in the assist device space including Abiomed (ABMD), Heartware (Previously HTWR – acquired by Medtronic), and Thoratec (Previously THOR – acquired by St Jude Medical (now Abbott). In many cases, Sean was early to recommend investment in these companies. He has traveled the world to meet with leading implanters to learn about each device and to review trial results. He has attended the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation meetings for many years to review presentations on various assist devices and to discuss their merits with implanters. He has also held several investor-focused assist device days where assist device companies have presented to investors, took questions, and held one on one meetings with institutional investors.

Upon being asked to join MI-VAD as a financial advisor, Sean said, “I have always been a very strong proponent of assist devices as they prolong life and importantly, make patients feel better. I have recommended investments in some of the associated companies over the years. While assist devices have saved thousands of lives there remain hundreds of thousands who could benefit. I believe if a novel ventricular assist device could reduce thrombosis, bleeding, and other adverse events, it will almost certainly increase adoption. MI-VAD’s unique design features support physiologic, pulsatile flow with backwash which is expected to reduce adverse events. Additionally, I believe that because the MI-VAD device does not interfere with the native heart, patients and their insurers will benefit from fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. The MI-VAD pump is expected to require about 25% of the energy needs of currently available VADs, which could ultimately allow for the elimination of drive lines with a fully implantable VAD solution. Most physicians feel this would be the ultimate goal for VAD therapy; a fully implantable VAD solution with a rechareable power source housed inside the body should lead to adoption rates around the world many times over the levels of the currently available devices. While building a novel LVAD and securing regulatory approval is no easy task, the compelling design features of the MI-VAD pump suggest a great future for this novel ventricular assist device and I am pleased to be assisting in the company’s efforts to advance this device.”

Paul Heney, Chairman of Mivad said, “We are very excited to have Sean accept a role as an advisor. We believe that with his Wall Street experience and relationships, he will be instrumental in helping our company source capital that will facilitate successful development and trial implants of our device. We also believe Sean will help to enhance the awareness and understanding of our technology among the strategic players in our space as we become a potential acquisition target as well as enhance our relationships with cardiologists and implanting surgeons. We also expect that the successes and mistakes that Sean has witnessed of the companies he has followed as an analyst will be very valuable as he helps guide MI-VAD into trials and eventually towards regulatory approvals and commercial launch.”

MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned developmental stage medical device company that is continuing the development and clinical testing of its proprietary and potentially revolutionary minimally invasive mechanical blood circulatory pump, or ventricular assist device that aspires to change the management of end-stage heart failure.

For more information, contact us at paul@mivadinc.com.

Chris loves the energy, excitement, fun and “yes we can” spirit of start up companies. When the start up phase morphs into rapid growth, commercialisation and starting to change the world then the fun increases. This has translated in founding several high growth Technology companies including Left Technologies (Left.io), RightMesh AG (RightMesh.io) and Left Travel (Left Travel.com).

Over the past decade Chris’s companies won many awards including the Deloitte Fast 50 for Canada (#17 and #12) and the Deloitte Fast 500 for North America (#101 and #92). In addition, Left Technologies is a two-time recipient of Canada’s top 100 Employers.

As either CEO or COO at several companies Chris focuses on helping to align all of the moving parts on a clear, shared, vision. Over the past 20 years each business has been driven by the use of data and market insights to grow through the use of Internet based communication. In today’s world there is an expectation that information will be available, and choices will be made, based on what a person can access via their phone, tablet or laptop. Allowing people to find what they are seeking is Chris’s driving passion.

About MI-VAD:
MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned Rochester, Minnesota based company that is continuing its development of a revolutionary mechanical blood circulatory device or blood pump known as a ventricular assist device (or “VAD”) for heart failure patients that is minimally invasive. The Company was born from our CEO’s experience in managing a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons providing mechanical circulatory support therapy and cardiac transplantation to patients at a world leading healthcare institution that has been at the forefront in the delivery of advanced therapy for severe and end-stage heart failure. MI-VAD was founded as a result of an awareness of the significant limitations of the currently used VAD platforms, with the aim to create a device that would overcome the clinical shortcomings of the current generation of VADs and would be applicable to all types of heart failure, including both dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Media Contact:
Paul E. Heney
+971-553305842
paul@mivadinc.com
SOURCE: MI-VAD

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive condition in which the heart’s muscle becomes weakened after injury. As the condition worsens, quality of life diminishes. It is a global epidemic affecting more than 5.7 million Americans 10 million Europeans with the number of cases increasing due to an increasingly sedentary population; epidemics of diabetes and obesity from diet, and a growing population of the elderly who are particularly susceptible.

When lifestyle changes, medication and surgical intervention are unable to slow progression, heart transplantation is the only permanent treatment modality. However, with limited donor hearts available (~2,500 – 3,000 per annum in US), and with waiting list eligibility that excludes elderly and those with other health conditions, transplantation is an option for a select few. Consequently, VAD products have been developed and introduced to provide circulatory assistance when transplantation is not available. A VAD is a mechanical circulatory system employed to partially or completely substitute for the function of a failing heart, to increase blood flow.

“While the current generation of VADs have extended lives and enhanced the quality of life for patients there remains a need for a new generation of VADs to drive significant improvement in clinical outcomes resulting in increased longevity and enhanced quality of life for HF sufferers” said Dr. Sudhir Kushwaha, founder and CEO of MI-VAD. MI-VAD represents a paradigm shift in VAD technology and a conceptual approach that is truly novel. MI-VAD Chairman Paul E. Heney stated; “we are thrilled to be recognized for developing a product with the potential to shift the VAD paradigm and shape the future of heart failure care, by this impressive international forum. The recognition and validation of our work by our peers is very rewarding and motivating. Our next generation VAD aims to significantly reduce heart failure treatment costs while improving patient outcomes in an established worldwide VAD market that in 2017 was estimated at US$1 billion, and is growing annually at a double-digit rate.”

About MI-VAD:
MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned Rochester, Minnesota based company that is continuing its development of a revolutionary mechanical blood circulatory device or blood pump known as a ventricular assist device (or “VAD”) for heart failure patients that is minimally invasive. The Company was born from our CEO’s experience in managing a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons providing mechanical circulatory support therapy and cardiac transplantation to patients at a world leading healthcare institution that has been at the forefront in the delivery of advanced therapy for severe and end-stage heart failure. MI-VAD was founded as a result of an awareness of the significant limitations of the currently used VAD platforms, with the aim to create a device that would overcome the clinical shortcomings of the current generation of VADs and would be applicable to all types of heart failure, including both dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Media Contact:
Paul E. Heney
+971-553305842
paul@mivadinc.com
SOURCE: MI-VAD

Mr. Macdonald joins MIVAD with an extensive background in the financial services industry and brings a deep level of expertise and knowledge in finance, as well as corporate governance.  His previous experience includes his role as Head, Wholesale Technology and Operations for RBC’s Capital Markets and Wealth Management businesses. Most recently, Mr. Macdonald was responsible for RBC’s Commodities Trading business. He was also Co-CEO of RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corp, where he led RBC’s Discretionary Capital Group in the Bahamas. Mr. Macdonald’s corporate leadership experience includes holding the title of Chief Operating Officer for RBC Capital Markets, a member of the RBC Capital Markets Operating Committee and also served as Executive Vice President of RBC and President of RBC Dominion Securities from 2005 to 2015.

MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned developmental stage medical device company that is continuing its development of a novel and potentially revolutionary minimally invasive mechanical blood circulatory pump, or ventricular assist device (VAD) that can change the management of end-stage heart failure.  For more information, contact us at info@mivadinc.com

Mr Pervaaz is a Partner with Ernst & Young’s People Advisory group. He is responsible for the Americas Life Sciences strategy and portfolio from a human capital perspective. He has spent a significant part of his career in C-suite leadership capacities in the Pharmaceutical/Consumer Products industry. This has included leadership positions in Product Development/R&D, Innovation, M&A, Global Operations, Marketing, Corporate Affairs, Public Relations, and Organizational Effectiveness.

Viq has previously served as Chief Project Officer, providing portfolio/change management and lean/six sigma expertise to enterprise transformation, implementation, and business initiatives translated into a go-to-market solution. Currently, Viq has created and is leading the “Human Element” initiative and team. This is focused on ensuring that human capabilities are optimized to accelerate innovation in an era of disruption.  Viq is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker at international institutions.

MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned developmental stage medical device company that is continuing its development of a novel and potentially revolutionary minimally invasive mechanical blood circulatory pump, or ventricular assist device (VAD) that can change the management of end-stage heart failure.  For more information, contact us at info@mivadinc.com

“Over the past 15 years since I specialized in the field of advanced heart failure and transplantation, I have seen many patients die prematurely as their condition progressed despite available medication and device therapies. Although heart transplantation remains the definitive solution in end-stage heart failure, it is severely limited by the shortage of organ donors, leaving the future very promising for advances in artificial heart pumps. While technology continues to flourish in this field, there are still important limitations. With MI-VAD, I am very optimistic that we can finally have a “smart pump”; one that supports the heart but does not burden the body with various complications”.

Dr. Bader is a Staff Physician in the Heart & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Bader served as Medical Director of the Heart Failure Program and Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Fellowship Program at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was also Associate Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at the University of Utah, specializing in the field of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation. Dr. Bader also helped establish an advanced heart failure program for the Kuwait Ministry of Health, adding valuable regional experience to his experience practicing in the US.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Jordan School of Medicine in Amman, Jordan. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine as well as a fellowship in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant at the Yale University School of Medicine in Connecticut, US. He then completed a fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he also obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical Investigation.

Dr. Bader is American Board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Echocardiography, and Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology. His research interests include various aspects of ventricular assist devices, hemodynamics and cardiorenal interaction in heart failure, as well as noninvasive diagnosis of rejection in heart transplantation. He has participated in many single and multicenter trials and has published several articles in peer reviewed journals. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned developmental stage medical device company that is continuing its development of a novel and potentially revolutionary minimally invasive mechanical blood circulatory pump, or ventricular assist device (VAD) that can change the management of end-stage heart failure.  For more information, contact us at info@mivadinc.com

“Surgeons have wished for a truly intra-cavitary blood pump for years and the thought of a universal pump that can serve either the right or left side (or both) is a dream come true.  I am excited to have this opportunity to help bring this design to clinical fruition.  It will be a complete game changer for mechanical circulatory support”.

Dr. Joyce earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in 1973, and received his Ph.D. in 1982 from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Joyce completed his internship and residencies at the University of Minnesota Hospital (General Surgery), Dr. Jesse Edwards Miller Hospital (Cardiovascular Pathology), and the University of Utah (Cardiothoracic Surgery).

Dr. Joyce has been practicing in the field of cardiothoracic surgery for nearly 40 years, focusing on heart transplantation and the surgical treatment of heart failure. He is world-renowned in the field of cardiothoracic surgery having been on the team that implanted the first permanent artificial heart in a man, and was the first surgeon ever to use a total artificial heart in a woman. He has won numerous awards during the course of his distinguished career. He has also published countless peer reviewed articles in the field of heart failure and mechanical circulatory assist.  Dr. Joyce has also served as a Principal Investigator of many LVAD clinical trials.

Since 2017, Dr. Joyce has served as the Section Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Prior thereto, he served as Professor of Surgery and Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Assist Device Program at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Together with his son David who is a respected cardiac surgeon in his own right, Dr. Joyce co-authored “Mechanical Circulatory Support: Principles and Applications”, an all-in-one textbook guide to mechanical assist devices for the treatment of heart failure.  Published in 2011, it addresses all of the clinical scenarios encountered by the health care team during the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative periods following device implantation. In addition, it outlines the specific attributes of various technologies utilized by clinicians at the time of publication, giving a practical view of how the LVAD devices work.

MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned developmental stage medical device company that is continuing its development of a novel and potentially revolutionary minimally invasive mechanical blood circulatory pump, or ventricular assist device (VAD) that can change the management of end-stage heart failure.  For more information, contact us at info@mivadinc.com

“I am straining at my leash to apply lessons learned over the past three decades (!) towards this truly superior, disruptive heart-assist solution.  I’m exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this worthy endeavor – that will improve the quality of patients lives who are suffering from advanced heart failure”

Dr. Antaki currently serves as the Lowell and Susan McAdam Professor of Heart Assist Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.  Most recently, he served as Professor, Biomedical Engineering & Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

He is a recognized specialist in the field of ventricular assist devices and associated fluid flow technology, He has been involved in artificial heart research since the first implantation of the Jarvik-7 in Pittsburgh in 1985.  He is a widely published author, and an award winning engineer specializing in design and deployment of blood-wetted medical devices.  He is recognized by his peers as a pioneer in bio-medically engineered cardiac assist devices. Over the past 25 years he has contributed to development of number of cardiac assist devices used clinically including Heartmate-II, Novacor, Ventracor, TandemHeart and Levacor. 

Dr. Antaki was intimately involved and was integral to the success of MI-VAD’s Phase 1 development program that resulted in the successful preliminary animal studies and proof of concept. Dr. Antaki will continue to working closely with MI-VAD on the hydrodynamic capabilities of its device.

MI-VAD, Inc. is a privately owned developmental stage medical device company that is continuing its development of a novel and potentially revolutionary minimally invasive mechanical blood circulatory pump, or ventricular assist device (VAD) that can change the management of end-stage heart failure.  For more information, contact us at info@mivadinc.com