JenaValve Technology, Inc., a privately-held, venture-backed developer, manufacturer and marketer of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) systems for the treatment of aortic valve disease, today announced that medical device industry veteran David J. Drachman has been named the Company’s new chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Mr. Drachman brings nearly 30 years of leadership in the cardiovascular medical device industry, including the advancement of cardiovascular devices from concept to commercial success in markets around the world. From January 2002 to September 2012, Mr. Drachman served as president, chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors of AtriCure (NASDAQ: ATRC), a leading atrial fibrillation (AF) medical device provider. During his tenure, AtriCure became the first and remains the only company to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the surgical treatment of AF, expanded its product portfolio from one to six unique platforms and grew from a startup company to the market leader with sales in more than 30 countries.  

“Mr. Drachman is joining JenaValve at a key point in the Company’s evolution,” said chairman of the board Raymond W. Cohen. “David is a recognized leader who is highly competitive and up to the challenge of positioning JenaValve as a significant player in the TAVI space. The board and I look forward to working closely with David to achieve those goals.” 

Prior to AtriCure, Mr. Drachman held key executive positions at Biosense Webster, today a Johnson & Johnson company, where he led initial commercialization efforts in the European and U.S. markets. Previously, Mr. Drachman served as acting CEO, Worldwide President & Director of Impulse Dynamics and held leadership positions at Ventritex and Boston Scientific. 

Mr. Drachman commented, “JenaValve has developed and commercialized a truly unique TAVI system that has proven advantages for both physicians and patients. The Company now seeks to translate its innovation into a broader product platform, complete clinical study work and gain commercial growth in Europe and aggressively pursue serving new and larger geographies, including the United States and China.” 

Former CEO Helmut J. Straubinger said, “The last 8 years have been the most exciting period in my professional life. After having built JenaValve from scratch to a solid, well respected company with excellent products, it is time now for the next big step for the Company. I have no doubt that David has the expertise to enlarge JenaValve's international presence and lead the Company going forward.”