Direct Flow makes ex-CoreValve CEO new chief
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) specialist Direct Flow Medical has signalled its intent to compete with the likes of Medtronic and Edwards Lifesciences by appointing a new heavyweight CEO. Daniel Lemaitre was previously in charge at CoreValve, which was acquired by Medtronic for $800m; before that, he led strategic planning and business development for Medtronic. Mr Lemaitre replaces Bernard Lyons, who will be retiring. Direct Flow also named David Boyle as CFO – he has held the position at five healthcare companies including, most recently, drug developer Ogenx Therapeutics. Direct Flow has developed a CE-marked repositionable and retrievable valve that it claims completely eliminates aortic regurgitation, a complication seen with older products. It is currently carrying out a pivotal study in the US, SALUS, and has previously said it hopes for FDA approval in the first half of 2017.