Pi-Cardia has appointed Gary Gratson to lead commercial operations for ShortCut, its dedicated leaflet modification device to enable transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients at risk of coronary obstruction.
The announcement comes after completion of enrolment in the ShortCut pivotal study in the USA and Europe in September 2023. Gratson brings experience from Medtronic’s structural heart business where he held various roles contributing to clinical, sales, marketing, operations and medical education, focused on effectively expanding TAVI therapy.
In his new role, Gratson will be responsible for building and leading the US commercial organisation, driving strategic initiatives, and contributing to the continued growth of Pi-Cardia, the company said in a press release.
“This is a very exciting moment for us as we continue to move closer to commercialising ShortCut,” said Erez Golan, Pi-Cardia’s chief executive officer. “Gary strengthens our leadership team by bringing extensive sales and marketing experience, as well as in depth domain expertise that will be key for building our strategy as a market leader.”
“I am honoured to join Pi-Cardia at such exciting times,” said Gratson. “I was fortunate to be part of a leadership team that over 15 years contributed to the growth of the TAVI market to a US$6 billion business. Knowing the structural heart space from within, and based on multiple conversations with top physicians, I am confident that the key to further growth in TAVI is the availability of leaflet modification technologies, such as ShortCut and Leaflex, that will offer a more holistic approach to lifetime management. Pi-Cardia’s commitment to leading innovation in this space and improving patient outcomes is truly inspiring, and I look forward to working with the team to drive commercial success and contribute to the company’s mission of advancing structural heart solutions.”
ShortCut is part of Pi-Cardia’s leaflet modification product portfolio, which includes the ShortCut Mitral for splitting leaflets in patients at risk for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction following transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR), and Leaflex, a standalone, non-implant-based mechanical scoring device to restore leaflet mobility and improve haemodynamics for patients with aortic stenosis. Leaflex global clinical trials are underway.
