The Man Behind the Sheath: How Dr. Gary Ansel went from Almost TV Repairman to Endovascular Innovator

In this episode, our host Dr. Bryan Hartley interviews interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Ansel about his career in medical device innovation, including the development of the Ansel Guiding Sheath and the Pounce Thrombectomy System (which was recently acquired by Surmodics).

Dr. Ansel describes his early career and how he identified a clinical need within the realm of renal stenting. His collaboration with Cook Medical evolved into a guiding sheath that has now become widely popular. Dr. Ansel stresses the importance of ensuring that a device has a value proposition for all stakeholders– patients, doctors, hospitals, and payers. The added cost of a new device must provide overall benefits to the procedure.

Next, we discuss Dr. Ansel’s development of a percutaneous thrombectomy system over the course of twelve years, multiple patent applications, and various obstacles. Throughout this process, Dr. Ansel highlights the benefits of having the expertise of a knowledgeable business team. He also tells new entrepreneurs to focus on de-risking their ideas with patents and early sales, in order to make their offerings more attractive to potential investors and acquirers.