Israeli Medical Device companies Open U.S. Offices

Three Israeli heart companies will develop their products in Ohio as part of new investments from the Cleveland Clinic-backed Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center.

The center invested a total of $1 million in Cardiostar Ltd., Sensible Medical Innovations Ltd. and Vasostar Ltd. Cardiostar is developing a non-invasive way to monitor blood-pressure, beat-to-beat. Sensible Medical’s device works during congestive heart failure to, among other things, quickly detect fluid in the lungs. And Vasostar’s catheter would better break up artery blockages known as total chronic occlusion.

Cardiostar and Vasostar have formed joint ventures with the Frantz Group in Mentor, OH, to further develop their products. Initially, the two companies  will hire three to five workers. If their products are successful, each could employ 20 to 30 employees.

Sensible Medical likely will locate in Columbus because it plans to work primarily with Dr. William Abraham of Ohio State University, Sudow said. The company should begin operations in the state by the end of the summer.