In this week’s DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Dr. Robert Kowal, CMO of Medtronic’s cardiac rhythm and heart failure business and vice president of medical affairs, explains how new tech, savvy patients, eager physicians and, yes, COVID-19, have fueled a renaissance for remote technology, once seen as a mature, staid business.
Kowal, who left clinical practice to join Medtronic in 2017, identifies the building blocks that have allowed companies like Medtronic to sell devices that provided essential connectivity during the ongoing pandemic.
“Five or 10 years ago we were all saying cardiac implantable devices were a mature market, not much happening,” Kowal says. “Now, between the technology, these new devices and digital interconnectivity, I don’t see it as mature anymore. It’s a spry, young area once again. It’s a lot of fun to be working in it right now.”
Kowal shares stories on how connectivity might have saved a pacemaker user who fell ill after mowing the lawn. Another patient in Hawaii was aided by a Medtronic sales rep who supported the case from California. He also discusses why he left clinical practice to join the medtech giant.
In another interview, Jonathan Norris, managing director of Silicon Valley Bank, explains why medtech venture capitalists may be well-positioned to raise new funds in 2021. Meanwhile, early- and mid-stage medtech start-ups could also be attractive M&A targets.
Plus, Newmarker’s Newsmakers includes strategic acquisitions by Smith & Nephew and Stryker and a disappointing outcome for the Amazon-Berkshire Hathaway/JP Morgan backed Haven.
