The Heart of It All

Meet CMC

RICHARD STACK, MD

LAUREN BAKER, PHD

Thomas Caranasos, MD

Ke Cheng, PHD

RANDOPLH CHITWOOD, MD

Susan Joseph, MD

Scott Levin, MD

Brian O’Neill, MD

William O’Neill, MD

Manesh Patel, MD

William Starling, MBA

Dee Dee Wang, MD

Empowering Cardiac Innovation Through Elite Collaboration

Welcome to the Cardiovascular Masters Consortium, where the world’s leading minds in cardiovascular medicine converge to redefine the future of heart health. We are a unique assembly of renowned cardiologists, each a titan in their field, committed to advancing medical device innovation and enhancing patient care through our consensus-driven approach.

Our Genesis

Born from the need for a collaborative platform that harnesses top-tier medical expertise for the advancement of cardiac care, the Cardiovascular Masters Consortium stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence. Our founders, distinguished key opinion leaders in cardiology, recognized the transformative potential of uniting their vast experiences and insights to guide researchers, medical device companies and venture groups towards groundbreaking innovation.

Our Mission

To combine our healthcare expertise for the betterment of all cardiovascular patients

Who We Serve

The Cardiovascular Masters Consortium is dedicated to guiding both innovators in the medical device sector and the investment community seeking to support the next frontier of cardiac care solutions. We are the bridge between groundbreaking ideas and the market that brings these innovations to life. We guide our clients through the complexities of technology, healthcare, and regulatory, ensuring the technologies we champion are poised to redefine standards in healthcare enabling
practitioners to achieve better outcomes for their patients.

Our Values

Collaboration

At our core, we believe in the power of consensus. Through collective expertise we find the most innovative solutions.

Innovation

We are committed to not just keeping pace with advancements in cardiac care but leading the charge. Our guidance is rooted in cutting-edge research and a deep understanding of the evolving medical landscape.

Excellence

Our consortium embodies excellence in every endeavor. We set the standards for what it means to achieve in the realm of cardiac health.

Integrity

Truth in all endeavors. With every consultation, our advice is given with the utmost consideration for the well-being of patients and the efficacy of solutions. We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring our contributions are both significant and meaningful.

connect with CMC

Ready to elevate your cardiac care innovation? Reach out to discuss how our consortium can support your objectives. With the Cardiovascular Masters Consortium, you're not just gaining clinical partners; you're joining a movement towards a healthier heart for humanity.

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©2024 CARDIOVASCULAR MASTERS

RICHARD S. STACK, MD

Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board, Cardiovascular Masters Consortium (CMC)

Richard Stack, MD, FACP, FACC, is a Duke Professor Emeritus in Cardiology and is the original founder of Duke University’s Interventional Cardiology Section, a pioneering and internationally recognized leader in intervention.  Dr. Stack is also a distinguished inventor, entrepreneur, and former Silicon Valley venture capitalist with a track record that includes three unicorns (startups achieving >$1 billion market cap) among eight portfolio companies, amassing $13.4 billion in market capitalization.  As an inventor, he created some of the best known cardiovascular interventional products during his career with over 100 patents that have been used to treat tens of millions of patients worldwide. A prolific founder, Dr. Stack has established 10 medical device companies throughout his career.  Currently, in addition to serving as Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board of CMC, he also serves as Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board of Structural Heart Imaging (SHI), LLC and Synchrony Labs LLC, a large GLP medical device Contract Research Facility. 
 

Lauren Baker, PhD

Dr. Lauren Baker, PhD, is the President and CEO of Insight Medical Consulting, a strategic advisory group dedicated to partnering with clients throughout the product development lifecycle. Previously, Dr. Baker owned and operated Boston Biomedical Associates (BBA), a consultancy focused on clinical research and regulatory affairs for new medical products. BBA was sold in 2018 and now operates as Avania LLC, an international CRO.

Dr. Baker’s extensive career in the clinical and regulatory industry began at Boston Scientific, where she led the corporate clinical research group, overseeing all clinical trials globally. She also established a dedicated team at Boston Scientific to support regulatory, preclinical, and engineering aspects of IDE filings, leveraging her vast experience to build a robust support structure for product development teams.

Before her tenure at Boston Scientific, Dr. Baker was a research assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, where she managed clinical and preclinical research studies and mentored students and residents. Additionally, she served as a professor in mechanical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Dr. Baker remains a prominent leader in clinical research and regulatory affairs across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, neurovascular, orthopedics, GI/GU, and various biologics associated with cell and gene therapy. A licensed professional engineer, she holds a master’s and PhD in mechanical engineering with a focus on biomedical engineering and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Thomas Caranasos, MD

Dr. Caranasos is a distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon with a focus on advancing clinical practices in several key areas. His current areas of clinical interest include valvular heart disease, transcatheter valve replacement, aortic aneurysm disease, and endovascular therapies. He is also dedicated to minimally invasive approaches to cardiothoracic surgery, as well as the management of heart failure patients and heart transplantation.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Caranasos is deeply involved in research, particularly in the fields of regenerative medicine and stem cell research as they pertain to cardiothoracic patients. His research endeavors also include a significant focus on the prevention of aortic aneurysms. Through his clinical and research efforts, Dr. Caranasos aims to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

Dr. Caranasos attended medical school at West Virginia University, underwent surgical training at the University of Southern California and West Virginia University, and completed his cardiothoracic surgery training at the University of Florida. He participates in leadership for multiple national cardiothoracic surgery societies and is currently the Director of Cardiac Surgery for UNC Health.

Ke Cheng, PHD

Dr. Cheng is the Alan L. Kaganov Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University, where he leads pioneering research at the intersection of regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering. Before joining Columbia, he was the Randall B. Terry, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Regenerative Medicine at NC State University and held a prominent role in the NIH as Chair of the Biomaterials and Biointerfaces study section from 2022 to 2024. Dr. Cheng also co-directed the NIH Comparative Molecular Medicine T32 Training Program and served as Executive Director of Interdisciplinary Scholarship at NC State.

Recognized as one of the “2023 Highly Cited Researchers” by Clarivate, Dr. Cheng’s groundbreaking research has been published in top-tier journals, including Nature Materials, Science Translational Medicine, Circulation, Circulation Research, and the European Heart Journal. His research lab explores innovative therapeutic approaches in stem cells and exosomes, particularly their application in regenerative medicine, heart and lung therapies, and drug delivery.

A fellow of prestigious organizations like BMES, IAMBE, AIMBE, and the American Heart Association, Dr. Cheng is not only a recognized authority in biomedical research but also a dynamic leader in translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications. He has led several FDA-approved IND applications and founded biotech companies that are at the forefront of developing novel therapeutics and minimally invasive delivery methods for cardiovascular implications.

In addition to his research, Dr. Cheng contributes to scientific literature as Editor-in-Chief for Extracellular Vesicle, Associate Editor for Bioactive Materials, Editorial Board Member of Circulation Research. His influential work continues to shape the future of biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic innovations, positioning him as a key figure in advancing patient care and medical technology.

W. Randolph Chitwood Jr., MD

Dr. Walter Randolph “Ranny” Chitwood Jr. is a distinguished leader in cardiothoracic surgery, renowned globally for his pioneering work in minimally invasive and robotic heart surgery. As past President of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Heart Valve Society, and the North Carolina Chapter of the
American Heart Association, Dr. Chitwood has significantly advanced the field. He served as the Principal Investigator for the FDA robotic heart surgery trials, leading to the approval of intracardiac operations in the United States and performed the first robotic mitral valve operation in the U.S. and ten other countries.

Dr. Chitwood’s career includes founding and directing the East Carolina Heart Institute and serving as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at East Carolina University. His leadership in robotic cardiac surgery programs has trained over 450 surgeons worldwide.

With over 300 scientific publications and numerous awards, including the Scientific Achievement Award from the American Association of Thoracic Surgery and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Dr. Chitwood’s contributions to cardiothoracic surgery are unparalleled. He continues to influence the field as a consultant in valve technologies and innovations. His commitment to advancing patient care through innovative surgical techniques and his extensive research in myocardial preservation, simulation, and endoscopic/robotic cardiac surgery have solidified his reputation as a key figure in the field. His dedication to teaching and mentorship further underscores his impact on the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.

Susan Joseph, MD

Dr. Susan Joseph is a leading authority in advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation and currently serves as Chief of Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation at the University of Maryland. Renowned for her pivotal role in treating the world’s first porcine-to-human heart transplant. Dr. Joseph served as the Medical Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support at Baylor, Dallas. With extensive research contributions and editorial roles in prestigious journals, her expertise spans heart transplantation, congestive heart failure, and mechanical circulatory support. Dr. Joseph earned her MD from the University of Michigan and completed specialized fellowships at Washington University in St. Louis.

Scott Levin, MD

Dr. Scott Levin is a distinguished transplant surgeon and an international authority in advanced microsurgical techniques. He serves as the Paul B. Magnuson Professor of Bone and Joint Surgery and Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levin is board-certified in both Orthopedic Surgery and Plastic Surgery and holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery.

Dr. Levin is known for pioneering the field of “Orthoplastic Surgery,” which integrates the principles of orthopedic and plastic surgery for limb salvage and reconstruction. He also specializes in surgery of the hand and upper extremity, as well as reconstructive microsurgical techniques for extremity reconstruction.

Dr. Levin’s groundbreaking work includes leading the teams that performed the first bilateral hand and arm transplants in the United States, as well as the world’s first bilateral hand transplant in a child. He also directed the teams responsible for the first transcontinental hand transplant.

His extensive research focuses on extremity soft tissue reconstruction and vascularized composite allotransplantation. Dr. Levin has authored over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles, 85 book chapters, and 11 books. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal Orthoplastic Surgery.

Dr. Levin has been recognized by many professional organizations, including serving as President of the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field, including being named to Philadelphia magazine’s “Top Docs” list from 2010 through 2021 and receiving the Andrew J. Weiland Medal from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Before joining the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Levin played a pivotal role at Duke University, where he directed the Human Fresh Tissue Laboratory and the Anatomic Gifts Program. He continues to be an influential figure in medical education, research, and clinical practice.

Brian O’Neill, MD

Dr. Brian O’Neill is a highly accomplished interventional cardiologist, board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. With a commitment to advancing cardiovascular care, Dr. O’Neill has made significant contributions to the field through both his clinical practice and academic endeavors.

Dr. O’Neill previously served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he was instrumental in educating the next generation of cardiologists and advancing innovative interventional cardiology techniques. Dr. O’Neill has interests throughout the entire field of structural heart disease, with a particular interest in tricuspid valve disease.  He currently participates in multiple clinical trials of next generation devices and maintains a consistent podium presence as panel member and speaker at many national and international meetings focused on structural heart.

William O’Neill, MD

Dr. William O’Neill is an internationally recognized leader in interventional cardiology and structural heart disease, renowned for his pioneering research and innovative techniques in diagnosing and treating heart disease. With over 25 years of experience in both academic and private settings, Dr. O’Neill’s career is marked by groundbreaking advancements and an unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Dr. O’Neill is one of just over 50 Master Fellows out of 4,500 members of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), reflecting his exceptional contributions to the field. He performed the first transcaval aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the United States in 2005 and has been at the forefront of advancing catheter-based treatments for structural heart disease. His leadership in the Detroit Cardiogenic Shock Initiative has significantly improved survival rates from massive heart attacks.

With over 450 peer-reviewed articles and abstracts, Dr. O’Neill’s extensive contributions to medical literature underscore his influence in the field. His accolades include the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions’ Helping Hearts Lifetime Service Award and the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. O’Neill has held prestigious positions, including Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Disease at William Beaumont Hospital and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the University of Michigan Hospital.

Manesh Patel, MD

Dr. Manesh Patel is an esteemed leader in the field of interventional cardiology, holding dual roles as Chief of the Division of Cardiology and Chief of Clinical Pharmacology at Duke University. He also serves as the RS Stack Endowed Professor and Director of the Duke Heart Center. Dr. Patel’s clinical expertise includes diagnostic and interventional coronary and peripheral angiography, as well as endovascular interventions. His research, particularly in athero-thrombosis therapies, has led to groundbreaking multicenter PCI trials and significant contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine.

In addition to his clinical and research work, Dr. Patel has held influential positions, such as Chair of the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions and Chair of the ACC Task Force for Appropriate Use Criteria. His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the AHA 2023 Physician of the Year and the Duke School of Medicine Career Mentoring Award. Widely published, Dr. Patel has authored over 400 peer-reviewed articles and is among the top 1% of cited researchers globally. His dedication to improving patient outcomes through innovative and patient-centered care has cemented his reputation as a leader in cardiology.

William N. Starling

Mr. Starling has had a distinguished 45-year career in the medical device industry, showcasing his expertise in founding, leading, and advising numerous successful companies. As the former Chief Executive Officer of Synecor, LLC, based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Mr. Starling played a pivotal role in creating and nurturing new life science companies until Synecor’s dissolution in December 2023. During his tenure at Synecor, he co-founded seven innovative companies, including BaroSense, Inc., Bioerodible Vascular Solutions, Inc. (acquired by Guidant/Abbott), InnerPulse, Inc., Interventional Autonomics Corporation, NeuroTronik Limited, Conveyor Cardiovascular Limited and TransEnterix/Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE:ASXC), acquired by Karl Stortz in August 2024.

Mr. Starling also co-founded and served as Managing Director of Synergy Life Science Partners, LP, a venture capital partnership, until its conclusion in December 2020. His leadership extended to serving on the Board of iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: IRTC) from its inception until its initial public offering in 2016. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Board of InnAVasc, Inc., an early-stage startup focused on renal dialysis technology, which was acquired by W.L. Gore & Associates in August 2022.

His recent board memberships and personal investments include YorLabs, Inc., Senaptec, Inc., and EnCompass Technologies, Inc. Mr. Starling holds a BSBA degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Mr. Starling began his career at American Edwards Laboratories (now Edwards LifeSciences) and was part of the founding management team and Director of Marketing for Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (acquired by Lilly/Guidant/Abbott). He co-founded Ventritex, Inc., where he served as Vice President and Board member until its acquisition by St. Jude Medical/Abbott. He was also co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors and President/CEO of Cardiac Pathways Corporation (IPO in 1996, acquired by Boston Scientific Corporation in 2001).

Beyond his corporate roles, Mr. Starling serves on the Board of Advisors at the Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford University Medical Center, and the Kenan-Flagler Business School Board of Advisors. He has been Chairman of the UNC/NCSU Department of Biomedical Engineering Industry Advisory Board and is a member of The Chancellor’s Innovation Circle at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dee Dee Wang, MD

Dr. Wang is an internationally recognized leader in the field of Structural Heart Imaging and lectures around the world on peri-procedural planning for complex valvular and structural heart disease.  She is an interventional imaging physician specializing in peri and intraprocedural guidance of catheter based structural and valvular heart disease interventions including but not limited to transcatheter mitral, tricuspid, aortic, LAA, adult-congenital, and ASD/PFO interventions.  She has published over 200 peer reviewed manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters in the world’s leading medical journals, and co-authored multiple imaging consensus guidance statements for Structural Heart Imaging.   

Dr. Wang has been working on transcatheter mitral valve replacement therapies and pioneered the development of a left ventricular outflow tract prediction modeling tool used by health systems around the world to identify patients who may be suitable anatomical candidates for transcatheter mitral valve replacement interventions. She has also developed the pathway for integrating multi-detector CT to optimize patient outcomes in left atrial appendage closure procedures.  These initiatives have been proven to increase delivery of personalized patient-centric care, improved patient procedural success rates and minimize procedural complications.

Dr. Wang’s research interests are focused on advancing patient safety and procedural outcomes utilizing 3D+4D imaging for Structural Heart Interventions. She became the first Interventional Imaging Physician to be inducted as a Fellow of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and the International Andreas Gruentzig Society, and additionally attained the rank of Clinical Professor at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine during her early career.