Today we are joined by Charles DeCoster, CEO, and Tony Watson, COO, of Xenocor, a company that is revolutionizing laparoscopic surgery with a new scope they call Saberscope. This device was designed to be less expensive, more effective at providing the surgeon with available light, and safer for the patient.
Laparoscopic surgery was invented in the 1980’s and the technology platform is now 30 years old. It has not changed dramatically since then. The single use model eliminates a lot of the frustrations. You open up the package, you plug it in. That’s the whole workflow. A reusable scope’s workflow, from the time it gets opened in the OR to the time it gets back to the OR to be used again, is quite onerous. By making it single use, they are reducing waste and simplifying the process.
What are surgeons’ frustrations with laparoscopy?
What is the impact on the environment of single use vs. reusable devices?
What was your innovation goal in designing the Saberscope?
How do you warm the scope to avoid fogging?
What is the growth rate of the laparoscopic device market?
What is your production capacity?
And that’s just the start of it.
Enjoy the show!
Biographies
Charles DeCoster IV
Charles DeCoster IV is a seasoned strategy, business development and investor relations leader. He has led transformations for numerous companies going through dramatic market changes, including at Stryker. Through his consultancy, he has driven organizational vision for companies across med device, travel & leisure, aerospace, geospatial analytics, alternative energy systems and defense.
He is currently focused on defining and achieving enterprise priorities, growth strategies, financial performance, capitalization goals and strategic partnerships. He has a Master of Science in Accounting degree from Grand Valley State University.
Tony Watson
Tony Watson spent 16 years in marketing and sales for medical device companies including Medtronic, Covidien, US Surgical and Valleylab, fine-tuning his understanding of the complex relationships between providers, administrators and industry and how to be successful in this space. His strong suits are execution and leading and developing teams, all of which are grounded in a genuine care for both patients and employees alike as well as accountability, detailed planning and analysis.
He has extensive go-to-market experience, most recently having developed and implemented a successful marketing strategy, which introduced a product and created a new market for the start-up TTCMed. Tony is now focused on launching the Saberscope into the market to improve procedures, lower costs and simplify operational flow, with the goal of ultimately to increasing access to high quality laparoscopic care.
Tony earned a BS in Marketing from St. Cloud State University and an MBA in the Medical Device Industry from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website and podcast are purely informational and not considered investment recommendations. Tim Dougherty’s participation in Biotech Insights is separate and apart from his role as an investment advisor representative. Nothing contained herein may be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any of the companies discussed. Tim Dougherty has no financial affiliation with any of the companies mentioned in this communication. Tim Dougherty makes no representation that the information conveyed in this material is accurate and is under no obligation to update this information as changes occur.
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