From Vascular Solutions to AngioScore: A Journey Through Medical Device Innovation

Welcome to this blog post, which delves deeper into the fascinating journey of Dr. Gary Gershony, a true pioneer in the field of medical device innovation. In this post, we'll explore his pivotal roles in founding Vascular Solutions and co-founding AngioScore, two companies that have significantly impacted cardiovascular procedures and patient outcomes. We will examine his groundbreaking inventions, particularly the DuettTM Vascular Sealing Device and AngioScore's scoring balloon catheters. We'll also touch upon his contributions to medical education, his involvement with Stanford Biodesign, and his current activities as an investor and mentor in the MedTech space. This blog post serves as an extension to our recent podcast episode, where we had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Dr. Gershony himself. If you haven't already, we highly recommend listening to the full conversation to gain even more insights into his remarkable career. You can find the episode here.

Introduction: Dr. Gershony's Impact on Medical Device Innovation

Dr. Gary Gershony stands as a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in the medical device industry. His career is marked by a relentless pursuit of solutions to unmet clinical needs, a deep understanding of cardiovascular procedures, and a keen ability to translate ideas into tangible products that improve patient care. From vascular sealing to angioplasty, Dr. Gershony's inventions have touched countless lives and have become essential tools for interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons worldwide. His journey is not just about technological advancement; it's a story of vision, dedication, and a commitment to advancing the field of medicine. This dedication is one of the major themes covered in the podcast episode.

Vascular Solutions: Founding and Innovation in Vascular Sealing

Vascular Solutions, Inc., founded by Dr. Gershony, emerged as a leader in the development and commercialization of innovative vascular access and closure products. The company's success stemmed from its focus on addressing common challenges encountered during percutaneous cardiovascular procedures. One of the most significant problems faced by physicians was achieving reliable and efficient closure of the arterial puncture site following procedures like angiography and angioplasty. Traditional methods, such as manual compression, were time-consuming, uncomfortable for patients, and associated with complications like bleeding and hematoma formation. Dr. Gershony recognized the need for a more effective and patient-friendly solution, leading to the invention of the DuettTM Vascular Sealing Device. This company was the start of Dr. Gershony's impact on the medical device industry.

The DuettTM Vascular Sealing Device: Invention and Impact

The DuettTM Vascular Sealing Device, the brainchild of Dr. Gershony, revolutionized vascular closure. This innovative device employed a unique mechanism to achieve rapid and reliable hemostasis at the arterial puncture site. Unlike other closure devices that relied on sutures or clips, the DuettTM device utilized a collagen-based plug that expanded upon contact with blood, effectively sealing the puncture site from within the artery. This approach offered several advantages over existing methods, including reduced bleeding complications, shorter time to hemostasis, and improved patient comfort. The DuettTM device quickly gained popularity among interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons, becoming a standard tool in their practice. Its success not only propelled Vascular Solutions to a successful IPO in 2000 but also significantly improved the safety and efficiency of cardiovascular procedures. The impact of the DuettTM Vascular Sealing Device is a testament to Dr. Gershony's ability to identify unmet clinical needs and translate them into practical solutions. It’s a key part of the conversation when Dr. Gershony is interviewed, such as in the podcast.

AngioScore: Revolutionizing Angioplasty with Scoring Balloon Catheters

Building on his success with Vascular Solutions, Dr. Gershony co-founded AngioScore, Inc., with a focus on developing novel angioplasty balloon catheters. Angioplasty, a common procedure to treat blocked arteries, involves inflating a balloon inside the artery to widen the narrowed segment. However, traditional angioplasty balloons often faced challenges such as balloon slippage, incomplete lesion expansion, and vessel recoil, leading to suboptimal results and a higher risk of restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery). Dr. Gershony recognized the need for a balloon catheter that could more effectively dilate stenotic lesions and minimize these complications. This realization led to the development of AngioScore's unique scoring balloon catheters. These challenges and Dr. Gershony's solutions are discussed in depth in the related episode.

Contributions to Coronary and Peripheral Interventional Procedures

AngioScore's scoring balloon catheters represented a significant advancement in angioplasty technology. These catheters featured tiny scoring elements, such as wires or blades, embedded on the balloon surface. When the balloon was inflated, these scoring elements created micro-incisions in the plaque, facilitating more uniform and controlled lesion expansion. This approach offered several advantages over traditional angioplasty balloons. First, the scoring elements helped to prevent balloon slippage, ensuring that the balloon remained precisely positioned within the lesion. Second, the micro-incisions created by the scoring elements allowed for more complete lesion expansion, even in calcified or resistant lesions. Third, the controlled expansion reduced the risk of vessel injury and dissection, minimizing the likelihood of restenosis. AngioScore's scoring balloon catheters found widespread use in both coronary and peripheral interventional procedures, improving outcomes for patients with a variety of arterial diseases. Their success culminated in the company's acquisition in 2014, further validating Dr. Gershony's vision and the impact of his innovation.

Stanford Biodesign Innovation Program and Executive Education

Dr. Gershony's commitment to innovation extends beyond his entrepreneurial ventures. He has also been actively involved in medical education and mentorship, particularly through his association with the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Program. This program is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to medical device innovation, bringing together engineers, physicians, and business professionals to identify unmet clinical needs and develop innovative solutions. Dr. Gershony served on the adjunct faculty of the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Program, sharing his expertise and experience with aspiring medical device innovators. He also completed an Executive Program in finance and accounting at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, further enhancing his understanding of the business aspects of medical device development. His involvement with Stanford Biodesign highlights his dedication to fostering the next generation of medical device innovators. His connection to the Stanford Biodesign program is explored in the related podcast episode.

Dr. Gershony's Patents and Consulting Roles

Dr. Gershony's prolific career has resulted in the authorship of numerous medical device patents, reflecting his innovative spirit and technical expertise. These patents cover a wide range of inventions, from vascular sealing devices to angioplasty balloon catheters, demonstrating his breadth of knowledge and his ability to develop creative solutions to diverse clinical challenges. In addition to his patent portfolio, Dr. Gershony has served as a scientific advisor and consultant to numerous medical device companies and venture capitalists. His deep understanding of the medical device landscape, coupled with his clinical insights and business acumen, makes him a valuable resource for companies seeking to develop and commercialize innovative medical technologies. His consulting roles further underscore his commitment to advancing the field of medicine and supporting the growth of the medical device industry.

Investment and Mentorship in Early-Stage MedTech Companies

Today, Dr. Gershony is an active early-stage MedTech company investor and mentor. He is a member of Life Science Angels Medical Device and Digital Health Committee and a member of the Band of Angels, organizations dedicated to supporting and funding promising MedTech startups. In these roles, he leverages his extensive experience and network to identify and evaluate investment opportunities, provide guidance to entrepreneurs, and help early-stage companies navigate the challenges of developing and commercializing medical devices. His involvement in early-stage MedTech investment reflects his belief in the power of innovation to transform healthcare and improve patient outcomes. By investing in and mentoring promising startups, he is playing a vital role in shaping the future of the medical device industry. He brings the insights from his own journey as an entrepreneur to his mentorship activities. This aspect of his career is explored in the podcast episode.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Gary Gershony's career is a remarkable example of how innovation and entrepreneurship can transform the field of medicine. From his groundbreaking work in vascular sealing with Vascular Solutions to his revolutionizing of angioplasty with AngioScore's scoring balloon catheters, Dr. Gershony has consistently pushed the boundaries of medical technology. His contributions have not only improved the safety and efficacy of cardiovascular procedures but have also touched countless lives, making a lasting impact on patient care. Beyond his inventions, Dr. Gershony's commitment to medical education, his involvement with Stanford Biodesign, and his current activities as an investor and mentor demonstrate his dedication to fostering the next generation of medical device innovators. His legacy is one of vision, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of solutions to unmet clinical needs. To hear more about Dr. Gershony's incredible journey, listen to our recent podcast episode. We hope this post has provided a deeper understanding of Dr. Gershony's contributions and the lasting impact of his work on the medical device industry.