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Octin Health
Surgeon Driven. Outcome Oriented.
Clinical Need
Aortic arch operations are the highest risk cardiac surgery interventions. National data shows high mortality and morbidity rates still for these operations showcasing the need for innovation. Surgeons need a tool that will equip them with the ability to provide the best care possible for their patient.
Innovative Solution
The Elika Device is the only tool designed for improving the outcomes of aortic arch operations. It is a tool designed by practicing cardiac surgeons who understand the immediate challenges of aortic arch operations.
The Elika Device is currently in its concept design stage.
Note: This product is not yet FDA cleared.
Team
Meghana Helder, MD
Chief Executive Officer / Founder
Dr. Meghana Helder is a Mayo Clinic trained cardiovascular surgeon. During her time at Mayo, she was awarded the Nygaard and Inlow and Balfour awards distinguishing herself as an innovator. She also spent two years dedicated to translational cardiovascular and biomedical engineering research at Mayo, has over 26 publications, and is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery as well as a Feature Editor for Seminars of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. Her passion for excellence in healthcare shines as she leads Octin Health, Inc. through the perpetually progressing medical device industry.
Laura Walter
Chief of Operations
Laura began her career diving into compliance in Boston Scientific and then transitioned to the financial sector in the information technology space working on multi-divisional projects. She jumped back into Medtech given her passion for bringing innovative solutions to healthcare. She is a master at organizational efficiency and efficacy as well as building relationships.
Jason Hepfler
Chief Strategy Officer
Jason is a 30 year veteran in the cardiovascular market. Jason has experience not only bringing new devices to market but also initiating change in procedures and evolving treatment strategies; enabling more patients to be treated while improving outcomes.
Jason has launched several paradigm shifting therapies with both fortune 100 companies as well as small start-up companies. While at Guidant he helped launch Op-Cab, MIS Saphenous Vein Harvesting and EVAR. Then with Gore Medical he helped launch TEVAR before going to Medtronic and launching TAVR. After that Jason was the VP of sales for N America for OpSens/Haemonetics working with procedure enabling devices.
Jason is the current Vice President of Field Operations for Xdot Medical, a revolutionary Suture based large bore closure device. Jason also is a managing partner for Keystone Ventures Capital. KVC invests in early-stage start-ups in Cardiovascular projects and now has agreed to come on our small team and run our corporate Strategy.
Advisors
Dr. Szeto is the current Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at UPenn. He is widely considered a worldwide aortic expert and consults with major strategics in this space. He is also the acting Secretary of the Society of Thoracic Surgery.
Alex has extensive experience in the medical device field, including 26 years at Medtronic in leadership roles in Global Health Economics, Policy, and Reimbursement. Her background in emergency departments, where she witnessed the effects of aortic disease firsthand, adds a valuable perspective to her expertise. Additionally, her time in the US Senate demonstrates a broad understanding of healthcare policy.
With over 40 years of leadership in healthcare and medical technology, Mr. Ward most recently held key roles, including CEO of Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. before its acquisition by Abbott, and nearly 30 years at Medtronic, where he led the Cardiovascular, Neurological, and Diabetes businesses, driving transformative growth. Beyond his executive career, Mr. Ward has served on over 15 public and private company boards, chairs the Philanthropy Board at Gillette Children’s Hospital.
Chris has over 30 years of financial experience, with 25 of those years spent at Medtronic. Part of his time at Medtronic included work as the CFO of the Aortic Business Unit. He recently joined HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology as their CFO.
Wilson Szeto
Alexandra Clyde
Scott Ward