Podcast
Med Tech Gurus
Hosted by Tom Hickey · EN
Med Tech Gurus is a podcast dedicated to helping medical device executives stay on the leading edge of their industry. Whether you're looking to grow your sales team, commercialize new devices, set up national accounts, or improve your clinical performances, this podcast is designed to help. Each episode features an interview with a thought leader or practitioner, discussing topics like: sales force, innovation, patient outcomes, emerging technologies, supply chain, group purchasing organizations, device launches, value analysis, biotech, and more.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Patents to Patients: Reinventing Arterial Treatment
Jan 1400:32:13Tap to summarizeWhat happens when one of the toughest challenges in vascular medicine—severe arterial calcification—meets breakthrough engineering? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Robert Chisena, Co-Founder and CTO of Amplitude Vascular Systems (AVS). With a PhD in mechanical engineering and a portfolio of five patents, Robert has dedicated his career to tackling one of the most stubborn barriers in cardiovascular health: hardened arterial blockages that resist traditional interventions. From the labs at the University of Michigan to the founding of AVS, Robert shares how he and his team are developing a next-generation intravascular lithotripsy platform designed to fracture calcium safely and effectively—combining the familiarity of angioplasty with the power of shockwave technology. Along the way, he offers lessons on building IP-rich startups, fostering innovation cultures, securing clinical adoption, and navigating the high-stakes path from spinout to commercialization Whether you're an engineer, entrepreneur, or investor in medtech, this conversation shines a light on the strategies, setbacks, and breakthroughs required to transform a complex clinical challenge into a scalable, life-saving solution.
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Restoring Dignity: Wearable Neuromodulation at Home
Jan 700:43:21Tap to summarizeWhat if solving a widespread medical condition didn't require surgery, expensive implants, or harsh medications—but could be done by simply putting on a sock? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Isaac Oppenheim, CEO and Founder of Zida, a company pioneering wearable neuromodulation at the intersection of aging, textiles, and healthcare. Inspired by his grandfather's struggle with overactive bladder (OAB), Isaac developed the Zida Control Sock—the first FDA-cleared, Medicare-covered, home-use neuromodulation device for OAB. From his early career in textiles and wearable tech with brands like Nike and Lululemon, to navigating FDA clearance and CMS reimbursement without institutional capital, Isaac's journey shows what happens when design thinking, perseverance, and patient-centered innovation come together. Clinical trials show nearly 80% success rates, giving millions of patients renewed confidence, independence, and quality of life Whether you're an entrepreneur building medtech from scratch, a clinician seeking better therapies for aging populations, or an innovator curious about the future of neuromodulation, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, creativity, and making healthcare more human.
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Revolutionizing Surgical Collaboration: The Future of Surgeon
Apr 2, 202500:52:21Tap to summarizeGurus, get ready for an eye-opening discussion on the future of surgical education and collaboration! In this episode, we welcome Dr. Mark Soliman and Dr. Jeremy Heffner, two accomplished surgeons and innovators who are changing the way medical professionals connect and learn. Mark and Jeremy are the co-founders of SurgeON, a groundbreaking platform that has been called the "LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube of surgery"—a digital hub where surgeons worldwide can share expertise, collaborate on cases, and advance their skills like never before. With over 17,000 users in the U.S. and a rapid global expansion, Surgeon is proving that real-time, peer-driven education is the future of surgical excellence. From the challenges of launching a MedTech startup to the power of AI in healthcare, this conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike. Tune in now to learn how Surgeon is democratizing surgical education and transforming patient care across the globe!
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From Pixels to Patients: How 3D Printing is Reshaping Surgery
Mar 26, 202500:29:27Tap to summarizeGurus, get ready for an incredible conversation that blends artistry, innovation, and medical breakthroughs! In this episode, Nancy Hairston, CEO of MedCAD, a pioneer in patient-specific medical implants is our Guru. Nancy’s journey is anything but conventional—starting in digital sculpting and special effects, she leveraged her expertise to revolutionize surgical solutions. Since founding MedCAD in 2007, her company has created over 8,000 custom implants, helping patients around the world, including Ukrainian soldiers recovering from battlefield injuries. Nancy shares how MedCAD combines cutting-edge 3D printing, precision engineering, and surgical collaboration to restore patients’ identities with unmatched accuracy. From navigating FDA regulations to fostering a culture of innovation, her insights are invaluable for MedTech entrepreneurs. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of technology and medicine, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and be inspired by the future of personalized healthcare
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Seeing the Heart Like Never Before
Mar 19, 202500:33:50Tap to summarizeGurus, get ready for a game-changing episode! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of cardiovascular imaging with an industry trailblazer. Joining us is Tom Looby, CEO of Conavi Medical, a company that is redefining interventional cardiology with cutting-edge imaging technology. Tom brings a wealth of experience, where now, at Conavi, he is leading the charge in next-generation intravascular imaging, merging optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) into a single, co-registered solution—a first in the industry. Tom and I dive into: The Power of Combined Imaging The Future of AI in Cardiovascular Care –. Navigating the Regulatory & Commercialization Lessons in Scaling MedTech Companies Tom’s personal connection to cardiovascular health makes this conversation even more compelling. After witnessing his father’s extensive heart attack and recovery, he committed himself to developing technology that improves patient care and outcomes. Now, he’s leading one of the most exciting innovations in interventional cardiology. Gurus, this is an episode you do NOT want to miss! The future of cardiovascular imaging is happening now—and Conavi is at the forefront.
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From Battlefield to Breakthrough: How Intublade is Changing Airway Management
Mar 12, 202500:32:17Tap to summarizeGurus, get ready for an incredible conversation! Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Andrew Napier, CEO and founder of Intublade. His journey is nothing short of amazing—from being a battlefield medic in Afghanistan to an emergency physician, and now a MedTech entrepreneur shaking up airway management. Dr. Napier saw firsthand the challenges of intubation in high-pressure situations, and instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem, he built the solution himself. His innovation is transforming emergency care, making airway management faster, safer, and more reliable. Dr Napier and I get into; How to Innovate Under Pressure – Discover how Dr. Napier’s battlefield experience shaped his approach to problem-solving in MedTech. Turning a Big Idea into Reality – Hear the real talk on overcoming FDA hurdles, securing funding, and getting a new medical device into hospitals and EMS units. Why Collaboration is Key – Learn how breaking down silos between engineers, clinicians, and sales teams leads to better products and faster adoption. You won’t want to miss this one—Dr. Napier’s energy, insights, and no-nonsense approach to innovation will leave you inspired. Let’s dive in!
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Decoding Healthcare: How AI is Revolutionizing Medical Coding
Mar 5, 202500:27:33Tap to summarizeI am thrilled to have Andrew Lockhart, CEO of Fathom Health, as our Guru. Andrew’s company is transforming healthcare with cutting-edge AI that automates medical coding, alleviating the staffing crisis and improving efficiency. With a unique perspective at the intersection of AI and healthcare, Andrew shares how Fathom’s innovations are not only elevating operations but also enhancing care delivery. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the future of healthcare automation with this visionary leader!
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On the Cutting Edge
Feb 26, 202500:31:24Tap to summarizeTim Tobin, CEO of Planatome,is our Guru in this episode. Planatome isgroundbreaking innovation isreshaping surgical outcomes. Discover how nanopolished surgical blades are reducinghypertrophicscarring and transforming patient recovery. Tim shares insights from Planatome's journey, fromchallenges in commercialization to exciting breakthroughs in healing technology. Join us as we explorethe future of surgical precision and the societal impact of these cutting-edge advancements. Stay tunedfor an inspiring conversation with a true MedTech visionary!
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Using AI to Enhance Medical Research
Feb 19, 202500:34:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into the transformative power of AI in life sciences with Ome Ogbru, PharmD CEO of Aingens. Ome shares how his innovative AI-driven tools streamline scientific content creation, enhance engagement with healthcare professionals, and uncover groundbreaking insights from data. From speeding up clinical study reports to simplifying communication, Ome's solutions are revolutionizing the industry. Tune in as we explore real-world applications, discuss the future of AI in life sciences, and uncover valuable lessons on successfully implementing AI-driven platforms. Stay with us for an insightful and inspiring episode!
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A Game-Changing Approach to Mental Health
Feb 12, 202500:29:09Tap to summarizeWelcome, Med Tech Gurus! In this episode, we explore the cutting edge of healthcare innovation with Dr. Prentice Tom, Chief Medical Officer at Kintsugi. With a distinguished career spanning clinical care, health policy, and executive leadership, Dr. Tom shares how AI is revolutionizing mental health assessments using voice biometrics. We dive into the challenges of mental health care, the power of objective and scalable AI tools, and how Kintsugi's technology is bridging gaps in diagnosis and access. Dr. Tom provides invaluable insights into fostering creativity, overcoming biases in AI, and the future of mental health care in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. This is an episode full of inspiration, thought leadership, and actionable strategies you won’t want to miss!
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