EndoShape

About EndoShape

EndoShape, Inc. was a medical device company established in 2006 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The company focused on creating polymer-based, minimally invasive products for vascular embolization, a procedure to block blood flow in a vessel. The technology was originally developed at the University of Colorado and was centered on a proprietary shape-memory polymer. This material was designed to allow for better and more efficient vessel occlusion compared to traditional metal implants.

The company was guided by CEO Jim Kasic, a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the medical device industry, and co-founder Robin Shandas, who served as Director and Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Shandas's background in bioengineering and medical research was instrumental in developing the company's core polymer technologies. Over its lifetime, EndoShape secured approximately $30 million in funding from investors including High Country Ventures, Volcano Capital Management, and the National Science Foundation.

EndoShape's primary product was the Medusa Vascular Plug, a device for arterial and venous embolizations in the peripheral vasculature. The plug, made from the company's shape-memory polymer, was deployed via a catheter, simplifying the occlusion procedure. A significant milestone was achieved when the Medusa Vascular Plug received FDA 510(k) clearance, allowing for its commercialization. The company operated in the surgical and medical device market, specifically targeting the coil embolization and occlusion sector. After years of operation, EndoShape is now considered a deadpooled company.