#United States #Salt Lake City #Second Heart #Bill Carpou #Whisper device

Second Heart Assist Welcomes Bill Carpou to Its Board

In a significant move aimed at bolstering its leadership, Second Heart Assist, Inc. has announced the appointment of Bill Carpou to its Board of Directors. This change comes as the company prepares to advance its innovative cardio-renal platform. Carpou, who currently serves as the CEO of Octane—a prominent growth platform for medical tech firms—brings a wealth of experience, having previously held a senior operating position at Blackstone, one of the leading alternative investment management firms globally.

A Strategic Addition

The timing of Carpou’s appointment aligns perfectly with Second Heart’s ongoing development of its Whisper support platform, a breakthrough percutaneous device designed to optimize heart function while enhancing kidney perfusion without significant hemolysis. This technology aligns with the recent American Heart Association's CKM initiative, focusing on integrated solutions for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic care.

Jeff Donofrio, CEO of Second Heart Assist, emphasized the strategic significance of Carpou’s role: “Bill's addition to the board reinforces the message that Second Heart is structuring itself to lead. He knows how to prepare companies for public markets and create sustainable value.” His extensive track record in Orange County—considered one of the most competitive hubs for MedTech—demonstrates a capability to thrive amidst challenges, an essential asset for Second Heart as it aims for growth in a competitive landscape.

Building Momentum

Notably, Carpou’s recruitment is just a part of a larger strategy. Second Heart is actively recruiting additional executives, including clinical teams from rival companies, indicating its commitment to establishing a leadership team that excels in governance and clinical expertise. As Carpou stated, “Second Heart Assist is at an inflection point. They possess a technology that’s already ahead of market trends.” His excitement about contributing to a vision that combines innovation with robust corporate leadership reflects the company’s ambition to dominate the market.

Second Heart's Whisper platform is carefully designed for rapid deployment and maximized kidney-perfusion efficacy with minimal hemolysis when compared to similar devices. This focus not only represents a shift in patient care paradigms but also positions Second Heart at the forefront of a new standard of care that integrates multi-organ health management into a single therapy.

Insights from a Leader

Bill Carpou, as CEO of Octane and a founding partner of Visionary Ventures, a highly active venture capital fund in the healthcare sector, now brings his expertise to a firm that seeks rapid growth. Having headed various leadership roles across notable organizations, his vision for Second Heart Assist comes will be accompanied by necessary oversight to ensure the company’s pace of development remains steady and impactful.

As the company’s strategy unfolds and new leadership comes onboard, the message to potential investors and partners is unmistakable: Second Heart Assist is committed to assembling a team that can turn pioneering technology into enduring market success. This commitment signals a readiness not just to innovate but to lead.

With Bill Carpou sitting on the board, Second Heart aims not only to enhance its scientific readiness but also to ensure corporate strength. This strategic addition conveys a clear message—Second Heart Assist is on a path to transforming groundbreaking technology into a leading market position. The future is promising, and with the right leadership, Second Heart is poised for impressive growth in a demanding field.