Dr. Richard R. Heuser is an internationally recognized cardiologist, inventor, educator and author. Dr. Heuser is one of the early pioneers of angioplasty and is considered one of American’s top cardiologists. He is Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, as well as past Director of the Interventional Fellowship Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus.
Dr. Richard R. Heuser
Dr. Hauser holds 30 patents and has cofounded many medical device companies, including PQ Bypass that was purchased by Endologix LLC on April 13 for more than $300 million.
He cofounded PQ Bypass with Dr. James Joyce, a cardiologist in California, and they pioneered first-of-its-kind technology to address the complexity of treatment for severe peripheral arterial disease, or PAD.
PQ Bypass’ proprietary Detour platform for percutaneous femoral-popliteal bypass has been designated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a Breakthrough Device. The Detour System consists of the TORUS stent graft and the PQ Crossing Device. The Detour System is currently being studied in a U.S. and European clinical trial, DETOUR2.
The device and technique, which replaces leg bypass surgery, allows the blood vessel to stay open 80% to 90% of the time — an improvement over traditional surgical procedures, Heuser said.
“The acquisition of PQ Bypass is a seminal moment in Endologix’s history, building upon our leadership in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm to champion disruptive technologies for the treatment of vascular disease,” said Richard Mott, CEO and chairman, Endologix. “We intend to actively pursue new and innovative vascular technologies that are clinically relevant to surgeons, hospitals and patients, with a commitment to world-class medical education, clinical research and excellent procedural outcomes.”
