AtriCure has announced that David Francischelli has been appointed as vice president of Research and Development, effective 6 August 2013.
Francischelli has spent much of his career at Medtronic in various research capacities; most recently as director of Research and Development in the company’s Structural Heart business. In this role, he directed all aspects of research and development for radiofrequency and cryogenic surgical ablation technologies; including novel disposable devices and capital equipment systems, developing new approaches to lesion creation and evaluating areas for new therapy applications. Previously, Francischelli lead research functions for Medtronic’s Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiac Assist Systems sectors. During his tenure at Medtronic, Francischelli developed the Cardioblate irrigated ablation system, which has treated over 150,000 patients worldwide. In addition to these accomplishments, Francischelli has been granted over 50 patents, with an additional 80 more pending. He was recently named as a 2013 Top Inventor by Twin Cities Business.
“David is a proven leader with a strong record of business and product innovations spanning over twenty years. His experience with atrial fibrillation and ablation technologies will be invaluable as we strive to lead the industry in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. We could not ask for a better fit for the role, and are thrilled to have David on board,” said Mike Carrel, president and CEO of AtriCure.
David will report directly to Mike Carrel and be a member of the AtriCure Executive Leadership Team.
“I have worked with David Francischelli for over a decade, and I am thrilled he is joining AtriCure. David is an innovative leader and talented engineer in the atrial fibrillation space and will be a great addition to the already strong team at AtriCure,” said Ralph Damiano, chief of Cardiac Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine.
