Summary

Lazzaro Medical has developed a robotic, minimally-invasive surgery and device that cures Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). TBM is a common disease where the throat collapses and causes difficulty breathing, chronic cough, & recurring infections. Previously, patients could only be treated for TBM with a very invasive procedure described as “worse than the disease itself”. With Lazzaro, TBM patients can have hope of recovery and a return to a normal life.

Background

It is estimated that over 6.5m Americans suffer from Tracheobroncomalacia (TMB). Lazzaro Medical uses small incisions and robotics to install their Tracheal Scaffold System to support and repair the trachea & bronchial tubes. Think of the Tracheal Scaffold System as an exoskeleton for the trachea, opening the airway and curing the patient of TBM. Lazzaro Medical has also begun R&D on other devices that will aid in diagnosing and treating many Thoracic conditions, including TBM.

Why Cashmere Fund Invested:

Primed for launch and growth:

Lazzaro has already gained the attention of 16 key opinion leaders in thoracic surgery and trained them in this new procedure. This will allow Lazzaro to streamline adoption in hospital systems and kickstart use of their device. From there, Lazzaro has partnered with Intuitive Surgical to scale surgeon training across the country in Intuitive’s robotic training facilities.

Line of sight from approval to acquisition:

Lazzaro’s team has extensive experience with the FDA process and device acquisitions. Dawn Bitz (CDO) worked in acquisitions at both Vyaire and Medtronic. Peter Wehrly (CEO) worked as an SVP at Medtronic and led two other medical device companies who were acquired. Other investors, including Northwell Health, show the potential acquisition appetite from healthcare systems & device manufacturers for this technology.