NAMSA Experience With Cardiovascular Devices
NAMSA offers comprehensive expertise in cardiovascular medical devices, supporting manufacturers with preclinical, clinical, testing, and consulting services. Our proven experience ensures efficient development from concept to compliance, making us the ideal partner for advancing innovative cardiovascular solutions.
NAMSA Has Completed 8,700+ Projects for Cardiovascular Devices in the Last 5 Years
NAMSA has extensive experience supporting cardiovascular device development. Our expertise spans eight core categories: Vascular, Cardiac Assist, Structural Heart, Heart Valves, Electrophysiology, Interventional Cardiology, Rhythm Management and Surgery. We provide comprehensive services in clinical trials, device testing, and regulatory compliance, ensuring successful outcomes for innovative cardiovascular technologies. Clients trust NAMSA’s deep knowledge across these specialized areas to advance their products efficiently and effectively.
| Vascular | Cardiac Assist | Electrophysiology | Heart Valves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aortic and Vascular Grafts Clot Management Peripheral Vascular Closure Devices | Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps Mechanical Circulatory Support Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Devices | Ablation Catheters Diagnostic Catheters Lab Systems Mapping systems | Prosthetic Heart Valves Cardiac Valve Repair Devices Transcatheter Heart Valves |
| Interventional Cardiology | Rhythm Management | Structural Heart | Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Catheters Coronary Guidewires Coronary Stents | Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) Implantable Loop Recorders (ILR) | Transcatheter Valve Replacement/Repair Valvuloplasty devices Transeptal Devices Septal and LAA Closure Devices | Beating Heart Surgery Systems Perfusion Disposables |
NAMSA Gives You Direct Access to Cardiovascular Key Opinion Leaders
NAMSA’s Key Opinion Leaders bring deep clinical, scientific, and innovation expertise across the Cardiovascular landscape. Their combined backgrounds span advanced surgical techniques, device development, translational research, and early-stage innovation and strategy, giving manufacturers access to strategic, real-world guidance that strengthens decision-making from concept through commercialization. Together, they help clients refine strategy, anticipate clinical and regulatory needs, and ensure their technologies are shaped by leaders who actively influence the future of cardiovascular care. See All NAMSA Cardiovascular KOLs.
Numerous Accreditations and Certifications
NAMSA holds a comprehensive range of certifications and accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards in preclinical and clinical research. These credentials ensure rigorous quality, regulatory compliance, and data integrity. For a complete list of our certifications and accreditations, see this page.
- GLP
- ISO/IEC 17025
- AAALAC
- FDA ASCA
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NAMSA Preclinical Experience with Cardiovascular Devices
NAMSA’s preclinical services provide manufacturers with a comprehensive, globally accessible foundation for evaluating the safety and performance of cardiovascular technologies. Backed by deep therapeutic expertise and GLP compliant, AAALAC accredited facilities across the US and Europe, our teams design and execute studies that bridge preclinical insights to clinical success—accelerating development while supporting strong, decision ready data. To explore our full capabilities and facility resources, visit our Preclinical page.
Preclinical services we offer:
Why Cardiovascular Manufacturers Choose NAMSA for Preclinical Support
Preclinical Projects in Support of Cardiovascular Devices in the Last 5 Years
Fully Equipped ORs and Cath Labs in US and Europe
Pathologists Located in the US and Europe
Labs in US and Europe Offering Preclinical Services
Preclinical Expertise: Cardiovascular Models, Faster Translation, Stronger Submissions
NAMSA supports Cardiovascular innovators from concept through clearance by aligning preclinical execution with regulatory strategy from the start. Our consulting teams help:
- Define efficient, indication‑specific cardiovascular device testing plans
- Support FDA interactions (including pre‑submission strategy and responses) and engagement with other regulatory authorities
- Identify the least‑burdensome path to approval, ensuring preclinical data supports regulatory submissions and first‑in‑human readiness
Our GLP‑aligned preclinical platform is purpose‑built for cardiovascular devices, combining expertise in cardiovascular physiology, hemodynamics, biomaterials, and device–tissue interactions. We design studies that capture clinically relevant functional, behavioral, and histopathological endpoints, supporting early feasibility through GLP safety evaluations and producing data packages regulators expect to see.
NAMSA offers a broad and flexible range of cardiovascular specific animal models, selecting the most appropriate approach for each device and indication, and developing novel models in collaboration with sponsors when needed. Our experience spans interventional cardiology, structural heart, cardiac rhythm management, peripheral vascular applications, stents, transcatheter valves, embolic protection devices, vascular grafts, drug device combinations, or ablation technologies. These programs are supported across both small and large animal models, including pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits, and rats.
Why Cardiovascular Sponsors Choose NAMSA
- Preclinical strategies designed with the regulatory end goal in mind, not in isolation
- Deep experience across interventional, structural heart, and vascular technologies
- Ability to avoid common development traps that delay submissions and first‑in‑human studies
- Integrated consulting, preclinical, clinical, and testing expertise for faster, more efficient progression
- More than 50 years of medical device experience and regulator‑recognized reports that build confidence and trust
State of the Art Facilities in the US and Europe
With four strategically located preclinical facilities, two in the United States and two in Europe, NAMSA delivers globally accessible, world‑class environments purpose‑built for cardiovascular device evaluation. Each location is equipped to support a full continuum of preclinical research needs, enabling consistent study execution, rigorous data quality and seamless collaboration across regions. Learn More About our Equipment and Facilities.
Meet NAMSA’s Preclinical Cardiovascular Experts
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Jack Risdahl, DVM, PhD
Principal Strategy Consultant, PreclinicalView Bio -
Gaëlle Clermont, PharmD, PhD
Principal Strategy ConsultantView Bio -
Isabelle Truyers, DVM, DipECBHM
Director of Laboratory Operations DiestView Bio -
Travis Schaefers, RCIS
InterventionalistView Bio -
Katie Miedtke
InterventionalistView Bio -
Michael A. Jorgenson, BS
Principal InterventionalistView Bio
Selected Preclinical Projects for Cardiovascular Devices
NAMSA brings extensive experience delivering both GLP and non‑GLP preclinical programs for Cardiovascular devices, supporting everything from early feasibility and proof‑of‑concept work to pivotal safety and performance studies. Our teams have conducted hundreds of cardio-focused preclinical projects per year across four global sites, leveraging deep model expertise and decades of in vivo experience to generate high‑quality, decision‑driving data. Whether accelerating early iteration through fast‑paced non‑GLP studies or executing robust GLP programs aligned with regulatory expectations, NAMSA provides the scientific rigor, procedural excellence, and translational insight needed to advance innovative cardiovascular devices toward clinical readiness.
| Device Type | Indication (s) |
|---|---|
| Heart Valves | Cardiac Valve Replacement |
| Left Atrial Appendage Occluder | Prevent Stroke from Left Atrial Appendage |
| Cardiac Pacing Leads and Pulse Generator | Manage Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities |
| Implantable Cardio-Defibrillator | Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death |
| Coronary Stent | Restore Blood Flow |
| Drug Coated Balloon | Angioplasty |
| Coronary Bypass Graft | Total Coronary Occlusion |
| Cardiac Ablation | Cardiac Arrhythmias |
| Septal Closure Device | Septal Defects |
| Thrombectomy Devices | Clot Mitigation and Retrieval |
| Vena Cava Filter | Clot Migration/Capture |
| Surgical Sealant | Adjunct in Vascular Surgery |
| Vascular Graft | Vessel Replacement for Large and Peripheral Vessels |
| Ventricular Assist Devices | Heart Failure |
| Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation | Heart and/or Lung Failure |
Accelerate Your Startup’s Path to Market with Integrated CRO Support
MedTech startups often lose valuable time and momentum coordinating multiple vendors across regulatory, preclinical, clinical, and testing activities. While each provider may be capable, the result is often fragmented oversight, unclear timelines, and increased risk — especially in the early stages when decisions matter most.
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NAMSA Clinical Experience with Cardiovascular Devices
NAMSA’s clinical research teams provide end‑to‑end support across every stage of clinical evidence generation for medical device development, from first‑in‑human through pivotal, human factors, and post‑market studies. Backed by global expertise, rigorous SOPs, and a fully integrated suite of services, we help sponsors generate high‑quality clinical evidence, streamline regulatory submissions, and accelerate time to commercialization. To explore our full clinical capabilities and global support model, visit our Clinical page.
Clinical research services we offer:
Why Cardiovascular Manufacturers Choose NAMSA as Their Preferred CRO
Clinical Trial Sites Managed
Clinical Cardiovascular Projects in the Last 5 Years
Active CRO Employees with Cardiovascular Experience
Clinical Trial Subjects
NAMSA Expertise with Cardiovascular Devices
Cardiovascular device development is among the most demanding in all of MedTech: high-risk populations, complex endpoints, and intense regulatory scrutiny. NAMSA was built to help you navigate these challenges. Our cardiovascular team combines decades of hands-on trial execution with the regulatory, biostatistical, and clinical study strategy depth that Class III cardiovascular device manufacturers need from a single, accountable partner.
Clinical Expertise
Decades of cardiovascular trial experience, built into every project team
Cardiovascular clinical studies account for roughly 40% of NAMSA’s entire clinical study portfolio. That is not a coincidence — it reflects more than 55 years of focused investment in this therapeutic area. When you work with NAMSA, your study team is not staffed with generalists who rotate across therapeutic areas. Your clinical study manager, clinical research associates, data managers, safety monitors, and biostatisticians are professionals who run cardiovascular device trials every single day.
Site Network
A cardiovascular site network built for high risk, complex, difficult-to-enroll cardiovascular studies
Cardiovascular device trials fail on enrollment, not on science. Investigator sites that look good on paper often underperform because they lack scheduling flexibility, imaging infrastructure, or patient referral pipelines your study needs. NAMSA’s site qualification process is built specifically for cardiovascular complexity, finding the right site and the right investigator for you. We know which centers can execute, and we manage them relentlessly once they’re activated.
KOL Network
Cardiovascular KOLs who don’t just advise, they actively shape regulatory outcomes and clinical strategy
NAMSA’s cardiovascular Key Opinion Leaders are embedded in the work. They help sponsors refine trial strategy, anticipate FDA questions before they become deficiency letters, and connect programs to the broader cardiovascular clinical community.
End-to-End Clinical Research
One partner, one accountable team, from first protocol draft to final clinical study report
Cardiovascular sponsors who split their program across multiple vendors, one for study design, another for site management, another for biostatistics, another for data management, pay for it in miscommunication, rework, and timeline slippage. NAMSA provides every service a cardiovascular clinical program needs, integrated under a single project team with a single point of accountability. No hand-offs. No gaps. No vendor finger-pointing when something needs fixing.
Meet NAMSA’s Clinical Cardiovascular Experts
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Adam E. Saltman, MD, PhD
Chief Medical OfficerView Bio -
Corie Diaz, BA, MBA
Global Director, Clinical OperationsView Bio -
Chris Mullin, MS
Director, Global Strategy ServicesView Bio -
Tawnya J. Meier, MD
Director of SafetyView Bio -
Jeff Geschwind, MD
Medical Director–Oncology, Image-Guided Therapy, and Imaging Core LabView Bio -
Eric Bass, MS
Director, Global Data SciencesView Bio
Selected Clinical Research Projects for Cardiovascular Devices
Our global clinical teams provide flexible support models, whether sponsors need targeted, à la carte services like monitoring, biostatistics, data management, imaging core lab, CEC/DSMB oversight, or fully comprehensive, end‑to‑end clinical trial execution. This depth of expertise has enabled NAMSA to support hundreds of cardiovascular clinical studies across multiple geographies and study types, including first‑in‑human, pivotal, human factors, and post‑market projects such as PMCF studies. To learn more about how our clinical outsourcing models can accelerate your program, visit our outsourcing and Functional Service Provider page.
| Device Type | Indication | Study Type | Subjects | Sites | NAMSA Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large-Bore Vascular Closure Device | Common Femoral Arterial Access Sites | Pivotal | 100+ | 20 / US | Study Design, Monitoring, Study Management, Site Management, Data Management, Safety, Imaging Core Lab, Biostatistics, Reimbursement Strategy |
| LAA Closure System | Atrial Fibrillation (AF) | Pivotal | 80+ | 3 / EU | Data Management, Biostatistics Safety, Imaging Core Lab |
| Cryoablation Device | Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) | Pivotal | 200+ | 24 / US | Monitoring, Study Management, Safety, Data Management, Site Management, Biostatistics |
| Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) Therapy | Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) | FIH | 250+ | 13 / EU | Safety, Imaging Core Lab |
| PTCA Drug Eluting Balloon | Coronary Lesions in Small Vessels | Pivotal | 900+ | 84 / US, EU, LATAM | Study Management, Site Management, Monitoring, Data Management, Safety |
| Drug Eluting Stents (DES) | Coronary Artery Disease | Post-Market | 2000+ | 67 / US | Study Management, Monitoring, Site Management |
| PTCA Drug Eluting Balloon & (DEB) Catheters | Coronary ISR | Pivotal | 750+ | 75 / US | Study Management, Site Management, Monitoring, Data Management, Biostatistics, Safety |
| Abdominal Aortic Stent Graft | Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) | Post-Market | 300+ | 40 / US, EU | Study Management, Site Management, Data Management, Biostatistics, Safety, Imaging Core Lab, Monitoring |
| Thoracic Aortic Stent Graft | Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) | FIH | 40+ | 17 / EU | Study Management, Site Management, Data Management, Reimbursement, Monitoring, Imaging Core Lab |
| Thrombectomy Catheter | Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) | Pivotal | 100+ | 15 / US | Study Management, Monitoring, Data Management, Safety, Biostatistics, Core Lab |
| Venous Stent | Deep Vein Thrombosis | Pivotal | 160+ | 30 / US, EU | Data Management, Safety, Monitoring, Study Management |
| Peripheral Orbital Atherectomy | Superficial femoral artery (SFA) | Post-Market | 100+ | 12 / Japan | Imaging Core Lab |
| Transcatheter Heart Valves | Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) | Pilot | 60+ | 20 / US | Study Management, Monitoring, Data Management, Safety |
| Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) | Severe Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation | FIH | 10+ | 9 / US, CAN | Study Management, Monitoring, Safety, Biostatistics |
| Wireless-CRT | Heart Failure | Pivotal | 300+ | 90 / EU, Australia | Study Management, Data Management, Biostatistics |
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NAMSA Experience Testing Cardiovascular Devices
NAMSA is the pioneer of the medical device testing industry and continues to serve as the global leader for reliable medical device testing services. We have developed a reputation for excellence in biocompatibility, analytical chemistry, microbiology, and sterility testing, and every year more than 3,000 medical device companies trust us to ensure the safety and compliance of their devices.
Testing services we offer:
Why Cardiovascular Companies Trust NAMSA for Testing
Medical Device Tests Conducted Last Year
Bioburden Tests Conducted Last Year
Cytotoxicity Tests Conducted Last Year
Bacterial Endotoxin (LAL) Tests Conducted Last Year
Types of Tests We Conduct on Cardiovascular Devices
For cardiovascular devices, particularly implantable, blood‑contacting, or long‑term systems, NAMSA delivers integrated safety evaluations across biocompatibility, chemical characterization, microbiology, and sterility, aligned with the unique risks of the cardiovascular system.
- Biocompatibility evaluations address hemocompatibility, thrombogenicity, and tissue response for stents, catheters, grafts, valves, and structural heart devices, in alignment with ISO 10993 expectations.
- Chemical characterization programs define material composition, identify extractables and leachables, and support long‑term material stability for devices exposed to continuous blood flow.
- Microbiology services mitigate contamination risk through tailored bioburden and endotoxin strategies designed for complex lumens and vascular pathways.
- Sterility expertise supports robust sterilization validation approaches aligned with cardiovascular implant use and regulatory expectations.
Together, these capabilities provide a cardio‑focused testing strategy that reduces risk, supports regulatory expectations, and accelerates progress toward clinical use.
Meet NAMSA’s Testing Experts
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Frédéric Cadoret, PhD
Senior Study Director, Sterility AssuranceView Bio -
Marie-Eve Cluzel-Valentin
Principal Biological Safety and Validation ScientistView Bio -
Shelley L. Green, BS
Senior Validation ScientistView Bio -
Staci L. DeMoss, BS
Principal Validation ScientistView Bio -
Don Pohl, BS
Principal Strategy Consultant, BiocompatibilityView Bio -
Cayla Ruch, PhD, DABT
ToxicologistView Bio
Compliance and Consulting Experience With Cardiovascular Devices
From biological safety plans to FDA strategy and support, NAMSA has deep expertise in medical device compliance. Our extensive team of QA/RA and biological safety consultants, medical writers, scientists and market research experts all have first-hand experience with medical device industry manufacturers. They understand how to balance the benefit-risk ratio with the practicalities of regulatory compliance. Because NAMSA performs preclinical studies, clinical research and testing on thousands of medical devices and IVDs each year, our consultants come to each project with a well-informed sense of what the US FDA, European Notified Bodies and other national regulators expect.
Selected compliance services we offer:
Why Cardiovascular Companies Trust NAMSA
Consultants with Previous US FDA or EU Notified Body Experience
Average Years of Experience of Regulatory Team
Of All Recent Cardiovascular FDA PMAs Were Supported by NAMSA
Of All Recent Cardiovascular FDA De Novos Were Supported by NAMSA
Premarket Strategy to Postmarket Support
NAMSA’s compliance services are designed to guide manufacturers through the full spectrum of global regulatory requirements, with a strong emphasis on submission strategy and readiness. Our regulatory experts, including former FDA and EU Notified Body staff, help clients develop clear, efficient pathways for 510(k), PMA, De Novo, IDE, MDR/IVDR, and international submissions, ensuring documentation, clinical evidence, and risk management plans align with regulator expectations. From early strategic planning through post‑market support, we provide the insight, structure, and cross‑functional alignment needed to navigate complex compliance landscapes and achieve timely, confident market entry.
| US FDA | EU MDR/IVDR | General Regulatory |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Regulatory Strategy Pre-Submission Meetings 510(k) Clearance Premarket Approval Investigational Device Exemptions De Novo Submissions And more… | MDR/IVDR Strategy Animal Tissue Consulting Clinical Evaluation Reports IVD Performance Evaluation Reports PMCF Plans, Surveys and Reports Summary of Safety and Clinical Performance And more… | International Submissions Risk Management Postmarket Surveillance Literature Reviews Regulatory Remediation AI/SaMD Compliance Support Human Factors/Usability And more… |
Meet NAMSA’s Consulting Experts
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Monica R. Montañez, MS, RAC, CQA
Principal Strategy Consultant, RegulatoryView Bio -
Andy J. Wyen, MS, DABT, LAT
Principal ToxicologistView Bio -
Carla M. Wiese, BS-Mech Eng
Principal Strategy Consultant, RegulatoryView Bio -
Alfred Dibao-Dina, PhD, DABT, ERT
Biological Safety ScientistView Bio -
Jane Arnold-Round, MSc
Senior Principal Consultant, RegulatoryView Bio -
Phillip Smiraldo, PhD, DABT
Principal ToxicologistView Bio