Procyrion adds Silk Road Medical exec to its board

Procyrion, the developer behind the catheter-deployed Aortix percutaneous mechanical circulatory support device, has announced a new addition to its board of directors. Lucas Buchanan, currently the COO of Silk Road Medical in Sunnyvale, California, will join the team. Silk Road Medical is in the midst of a $1.16 billion acquisition by Boston Scientific, which aims to integrate its stroke-prevention technology for carotid artery disease. Buchanan oversees various critical functions at Silk Road Medical, including manufacturing, operations, finance, IT, commercial activities, and corporate development.

Procyrion board chair Gary F. Burbach expressed enthusiasm about Buchanan's appointment, stating, “Lucas’ extensive industry experience will be a valuable asset as we advance the Aortix therapy for patients with acute decompensated heart failure.”

This board expansion follows Procyrion's successful completion of a $57.7 million Series E funding round led by Fannin Partners. These funds will support the company’s DRAIN-HF pivotal IDE trial, ongoing R&D efforts, and the preparation for Aortix’s commercialization.

Procyrion (based in Houston) describes the Aortix device as a catheter-deployed pump that enhances kidney perfusion, reduces heart workload, and improves cardiac function. It operates using fluid entrainment to pump blood without a valve, offering a therapeutic benefit for patients with acute decompensated heart failure who are unresponsive to standard treatments.

Procyrion CEO Dr. Eric S. Fain commented, “These diuretic-resistant heart failure patients, who have not responded to existing therapies, are extremely challenging to treat. The innovative design of Aortix has shown promising early results and provides a crucial new treatment option. Lucas’ expertise in commercialization, financial management, and corporate strategy will be immensely valuable as we finalize enrollment in the DRAIN-HF trial and move towards bringing the Aortix pump to market.”