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.

The Crux of MedTech podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment agency.

To learn more about Cruxx,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠click here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast;

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTP plc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTP plc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

&

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KUKA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a global leader in robotics with over 25 years of experience partnering with medtech companies on their journey to market. Their reputation is built on robust technology, reliability and long term collaboration and being more than just a supplier.

KUKA provides trusted support throughout the product life cycle, from development to integration and beyond. 

Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kuka.com/healthcare⁠⁠⁠