Devices & Diagnostics

Minnesota’s CSI raises $5M for arterial plaque-removing device

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI), based in New Brighton, Minnesota, has raised $5 million from the sale of debt, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In 2008, CSI filed an initial public offering (IPO), hoping to raise $86.3 million to help expand sales of its Diamondback 360 device, which removes plaque from peripheral vessels in the pelvis or leg.

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI), based in New Brighton, Minnesota, has raised $5 million from the sale of debt, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company, which had abandoned an effort to go public two years ago, netted $3.5 million and $1.5 million in two separate SEC filings.

In 2008, CSI filed an initial public offering (IPO), hoping to raise $86.3 million to help expand sales of its Diamondback 360 device, which removes plaque from peripheral vessels in the pelvis or leg. But given the weak economy and non-existent demand for IPOs, CSI ultimately merged with Replidyne Inc., a publicly traded shell company with $40 million in cash reserves.

The company is conducting a clinical trial, dubbed Orbit II, to see if Diamondback 360 can effectively treat coronary arteries or vessels above the waist. Winning approval from the Food and Drug Administration for such a use would open a significant new market to CSI, CEO David Martin said.

Former Medtronic vice president Dr. Glen Nelson, a prolific local medical device entrepreneur and investor, serves as CSI chairman.