Cardiovascular medical-device company VenstraMedical today announced a significant investment from Minnesota-based venture capital firm Highcroft Capital, which will accelerate the company’s development of its next-generation percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD). The funding underscores VenstraMedical’s ambition to transform temporary mechanical circulatory support for patients in cardiogenic shock or undergoing high-risk coronary interventions.
VenstraMedical’s device is a catheter-based pump system that collapses into a 9-French catheter for minimally invasive insertion and, once deployed, delivers up to 7 litres per minute of cardiac output to provide full ventricular unloading and hemodynamic stability. Eight issued patents protect the technology. According to VenstraMedical, the device is designed to combine high performance, safety, and ease of use in clinical settings.
The investment follows several key milestones for VenstraMedical: the publication of pre-clinical data in the ASAIO Journal, a presentation at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference, and a A$1 million grant from MTPConnect’s Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) under Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Highcroft Capital, founded in 2016 and based in Minnesota, specializes in early-stage MedTech investments led by practising physicians. The firm brings clinical insight and investment experience to support technologies advancing patient care.
VenstraMedical estimates the global market for pVADs exceeds US$2 billion annually, with rapid growth anticipated. The company believes its innovative, low-profile design has potential to redefine standards in temporary mechanical circulatory support.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’ve been highly impressed with VenstraMedical’s team and technology. As a physician-led group, we’re excited to support a system that could transform cardiac care through improved performance, safety, and ease of use.”
Dr. Peter Eckman, Partner, Highcroft Capital
“Support from experienced cardiologists and users of pVAD technology validates our approach and accelerates our path toward clinical trials.”
Dr. Martin Cook, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, VenstraMedical
