A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND
A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

Reshaping the future of Medicine with experience, dedication and collaboration in pursuit of improving the quality of life for coronary artery bypass surgery patients.

Meet the Medical 21 Leadership Team

We redefine medical technology with solutions that enhance patient care and streamline processes. Our commitment to research keeps us at the forefront of advancement by turning challenges into opportunities. Together, we empower clinicians and patients with better outcomes and a healthier future.

Our Mission

Manny Villafaña, Ph.D.Sc

Founder & CEO

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Andrea Sweeney, B.S.

Vice President, Business Administration

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Chaid Schwarz, Ph.D.

President, Chief Operating Officer

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Erik Hermansen, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

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Jeff Vreeman, B.S.

Vice President, Manufacturing

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Eric Solien, B.S.

Vice President, Clinical Sciences

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A GLOBAL CONCERN WITH UNPARALLELED
POTENTIAL FOR PROGRESS

800K

2.5M

2B

15B

Annual Bypass Graft Procedures

Annual Bypass Patients

Global Market
Potential

Adults At Risk
For Heart Disease

The Medical 21 team has a long, proven history of creating incredible and lasting value in the medical device industry.

Medical 21 is Manny Villafaña’s eighth medical device company, having led the previous seven to IPO financing.

A History Of Innovation

Our Founder's Story

  • 1972

    Manny Villafaña founded CPI/Guidant in Minnesota and developed the very first lithium-powered pacemaker and defibrillator. His technology is incorporated into virtually every defibrillator and pacemaker around the world.

  • 2006

    CPI / Guidant was purchased by Boston Scientific for $27 Billion.

  • 1976

    Villafaña was the founder of St. Jude Medical, Inc. in 1976 and the co-developer of the St. Jude heart valve, which is the most commonly used prosthesis in the world. There are approximately five million patients with the St. Jude heart valve implanted.

  • 2010

    St. Jude Medical, Inc. was purchased by Abbot Medical of Chicago for $30 Billion.

  • 1990

    Villafaña then founded ATS Medical and developed the next-generation ATS heart valve.

  • 2010

    The ATS heart valve, is now part of Medtronic, Inc. through a purchase of $400 million.