- Case Studies -

Cardiology expertise clarifies real-world legal and business issues

CardiologyWise consults with myriad businesses, investment firms, and legal firms (representing the plaintiff or defense). These firms rely on the responsiveness, professionalism, and objective perspective of Dr. Michael Staab and his colleagues.

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Case study #1

Provide real-world feedback to investor looking to invest in new cardiology device

Situation: A company has developed a new test for heart disease. Initial testing on the device has been favorable and further testing is in development.

Challenge: A venture capital company overseas was interested in the perspective of American cardiologists regarding the current state of testing for coronary artery disease. The company representative also wanted to know whether the new device is likely to be adopted if found to be an accurate diagnostic tool.

Solution: Despite the significant variance in time zones, Dr. Staab and the venture capital investor arrived at a mutually agreeable time for an in-depth phone discussion. Dr. Staab offered the objective perspective of a practicing cardiologist, providing useful, real-world information for an investor on the brink of a significant business decision.

Case study #2

Offer cardiology education and insight to investors, while respecting SEC confidentiality regulations

Situation: Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm condition that can result in blood clot formation in the atrial chambers. These blood clots may dislodge and cause strokes. Warfarin, a blood thinner, is prescribed to prevent blood clots. Warfarin has several disadvantages: its effect may vary within one patient, it has multiple medication and food interactions, and it requires frequent blood tests to monitor the degree of blood thinning. Several new medications are in clinical trials to determine if they will be able to thin the blood safely and effectively as an alternative to warfarin.

Challenge: Investment firms are interested in the market for new blood-thinning medications. However, investors lack the medical expertise and experience to understand the medical conditions at question. Clinical trial investigators are strictly prohibited from disclosing any information gleaned from a study that has yet to be completed and reported. Investors are bound by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations – they cannot use non-public information, with strict penalties for violating the rules.

Solution: Dr. Staab provided useful background information to the investors. Explanations and discussions included a clear explanation of atrial fibrillation, how often it is treated with blood thinners, the indications and drawbacks of current therapy, and how new medications could be used if found to be effective.

With these types of careful consultations, Dr. Staab and his colleagues are able to educate investors without breach of confidentiality by either party.


Case study #3

Audit echocardiograms and provide an objective opinion for valve-damage cases

Situation: A medication taken by millions of people is found to damage heart valves.

Challenge: The key challenges were two-fold:
  • The claimants of injury numbered tens of thousands more than expected.
  • Determining the degree of heart valve damage by echocardiography can be subjective. The organization entrusted to administer the claims needed to determine which patients actually exhibited injury to heart valves and identify cases in which the degree of valve injury had been overstated.

Solution: Dr. Staab was selected by the claim administrators to audit the echocardiograms and provide an objective opinion of valve damage.

Dr. Staab has also worked with plaintiff attorneys to review echocardiograms of their clients.






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