In this episode of the Crux of Medtech Henry is joined by Thomas Looby, CEO of Conavi Medical.
Thomas breaks down why combining IVUS + OCT in a single catheter could change coronary interventions and how the team is pacing toward a Q3 2025 510(k) with a measured “crawl, walk, run” launch plan.
Expect candid insight on evidence, pricing, commercialisation, and strategic exit logic
Key Topics
The unmet need in PCI imaging and why single-modality tools leave blind spots.
Engineering IVUS + OCT into one catheter and testing lessons from v1 to next-gen.
Clinical evidence momentum: meta-analysis signals ~46% reduction in post-procedure mortality and ~52% less stent thrombosis.
Regulatory path: pre-sub complete; targeting a Q3 2025 510(k).
Commercial strategy: price-neutral entry, razor/razor-blade model, and a staged hospital rollout.
Capital story: public listing via Titan assets and a $20M raise led largely by U.S. investors.
Exit thinking: platform fit with strategics that currently have either IVUS or OCT Kanavi holds both.
Related Insights
Mission-driven teams as a magnet for top engineers and why it mattered here.
Don’t over-index on KOLs: early adopters forgive product “sins” that mainstream users won’t.
Market development should run in parallel with R&D, not after it.Canada-born tech, U.S.-centric commercialisation and how ecosystems and manufacturing partners align.
Core Challenges
Driving COGS down to single-modality parity at volume (supply chain, manufacturing).
Building broad market awareness beyond early KOL enthusiasm.
Navigating regulatory milestones cleanly to stay on a Q3 2025 filing cadence.
Competing with entrenched portfolios (Abbott, Philips, Boston) that bundle cath lab solutions.
Tune in now to learn how dual-modality imaging could reset outcomes, economics, and adoption in the cath lab.
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A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast;
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