Reza Malek, M.D.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Solutions

Co-founded in 2006 — the first pure interventional practice in Northern California

MISS (endovascularsurgery.com) is the first pure interventional, neurointerventional, and vascular practice in Northern California. Founded in San Jose in 2006 by Dr. Reza Malek and colleagues, the practice focuses on advanced, minimally invasive procedures designed to provide faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications than traditional open surgery.

Concentric Medical (MERCI Retriever)

Advisor & investigator — first FDA-cleared mechanical clot retrieval system for stroke

Concentric Medical developed the MERCI™ Retriever, the first mechanical embolectomy device used to remove blood clots in acute ischemic stroke. Dr. Malek was involved from the early stages as an advisor and participated as an investigator in key clinical studies sponsored by the company. The first documented clinical cases using the device were performed at UCLA in 2001; Dr. Malek applied the MERCI device in one of the earliest reported basilar artery occlusion cases in 2002, later published in Neurology in 2003. The MERCI Retriever became the first device cleared by the FDA for mechanical clot retrieval in acute ischemic stroke in 2004, and Concentric Medical was acquired by Stryker in 2011 in an all-cash transaction for $135 million.

RenovoRx

Targeted oncology therapies and drug-delivery innovation

RenovoRx is developing the proprietary TAMP™ (Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion) therapy platform for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, enabled by the FDA-cleared RenovoCath® catheter. The approach delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor via arterial perfusion, with the goal of improving local effectiveness while limiting systemic side effects.

TurnCare

Mobility and recovery technology for high-risk patients

TurnCare developed Guardian, a therapy system designed to adapt to individual patient needs in real time. The technology promotes early mobility and is intended to help reduce adverse events, vascular compression, and overall length of stay in patients with limited mobility.

Darmiyan

FDA De Novo–authorized brain health imaging AI

Darmiyan's medical AI and brain-imaging software received FDA De Novo authorization for precision brain health screening and monitoring. Its technology grades the health of the space in between brain cells, helping clinicians distinguish normal aging from neurodegenerative disease.

CygnusMed

Safer, simpler endovascular intervention

CygnusMed is developing the only medical device that allows continuous arterial blood pressure measurement while eliminating blood loss across endovascular procedures — making interventions safer, simpler, and more efficient.

R³ Vascular

Bioresorbable scaffold technology with sirolimus coating

R³ Vascular is developing a world-class bioresorbable scaffold technology with a sirolimus coating for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease — addressing a wide-open market where no effective therapy exists today.

Lazarus Effect

Next-generation devices for acute ischemic stroke

Co-founded by Brian Martin and Martin Dieck, Lazarus Effect developed the Lazarus Cover — a novel nitinol mesh cover designed to complement stent retriever platforms in acute ischemic stroke. The company was acquired by Medtronic in September 2015 for approximately $100 million.

Neuravi

Acute ischemic stroke devices — acquired by Johnson & Johnson

Neuravi was an Irish medical-device company advancing neurovascular therapies for acute ischemic stroke, best known for the EmboTrap clot-retrieval platform. Dr. Malek served as an advisor and was the first investor in the company. Johnson & Johnson acquired Neuravi through its Codman Neuro division in April 2017; the exact sale price was never publicly disclosed, though Irish media described it as a multimillion-euro deal and the largest exit for a venture-backed European medtech company since Medtronic's $700 million acquisition of CoreValve in 2009.

VenaSeal (Sapheon)

Medical adhesive system for treating varicose veins

Sapheon developed the VenaSeal closure system, a novel medical adhesive approach for treating superficial venous disease and varicose veins without thermal ablation. Dr. Malek served as an advisor and investor in the company. Covidien acquired Sapheon in August 2014 for a total potential value of approximately $240 million, consisting of $108 million in cash at closing and up to $130 million in contingent milestone-based payments.

Genophen (BaseHealth)

Personalized health management platform

Genophen, developed by BaseHealth in Los Altos / Silicon Valley, combined genetic, clinical, lifestyle, and laboratory data to assess disease risk and deliver personalized prevention and wellness recommendations. Dr. Malek served as Chief Medical Officer from 2010 to 2013. BaseHealth was acquired by Genalyte in March 2020; the financial terms were not disclosed.