BALTIMORE– Protaryx Medical, a pioneer in medical device innovation, today announced the appointment of David Mester, MBA as its new chief executive officer (CEO). With a career spanning over 33 years in the structural heart medical device industry, Mester brings a wealth of experience and expertise to guide Protaryx into a new era of growth and innovation. The company also announced the appointment of Peter Boyd, J.D., MBA to its board of directors.
Protaryx Medical is known for its Protaryx Transseptal Access Device, a cutting-edge technology for transseptal procedures that provides streamlined access to the left side of the heart through the fossa ovalis. What sets the Protaryx device apart is its unique integration of access and transseptal crossing functions into a single device that can be used independently or integrated with another therapy device. This approach was designed to optimize workflow efficiency.
Prior to joining Protaryx Medical, Mester held pivotal senior business and technical leadership roles at Sequoia Medical, Xeltis, Gore Medical, CarboMedics, and ViVitro Labs. His career has been dedicated to advancing innovative materials and delivery systems for heart valve applications. He led the acquisition of new technologies and played an instrumental role in forming a new business unit at Gore Medical to explore novel heart valve technology. In addition, Mester has overseen first-in-human and early feasibility studies for emerging technologies and led successful regulatory submissions for cardiovascular products. Mester earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University in business and applied science and an MBA from Louisiana State University.
David’s leadership prowess extends to overseeing first-in-human and early feasibility studies for emerging technologies, as well as leading numerous successful regulatory submissions for cardiovascular products. He is a respected figure in the industry, with active participation in ISO and FDA regulatory-sponsored working groups and a longstanding membership with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
“David Mester’s exceptional track record in driving innovation and leading transformative initiatives in the structural heart medical device industry makes him the perfect fit to lead Protaryx Medical into its next phase of growth,” said Jim Gammie, M.D., founder and officer of Protaryx. “His extensive experience in business leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to advancing innovation to improve patient care align seamlessly with our mission to redefine procedural outcomes.”
To further strengthen the Protaryx leadership team, Protaryx has also appointed Peter Boyd to its board of directors. Boyd is a healthcare entrepreneur with a background in business, science and law. He co-founded Harpoon Medical, where he negotiated and managed all aspects of a complex structured financing and the company’s subsequent acquisition by Edwards Lifesciences. Boyd has also worked as an associate at Latham & Watkins in Silicon Valley in the emerging company and M&A practice groups and co-founded startups including ReGeleTec Inc., Sonnest Inc., and Wheelhouse Ventures. He currently serves as an advisor to startups including CoapTech and NeoProgen. Boyd earned his J.D. and MBA from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina.
