Half a Million Patients a Year and No Good Options, Until Now with Dr. Lucy O'Keeffe

In this episode, your host Jordan Burgin sits down with Dr. Lucy O'Keeffe, CEO and Co-Founder of CroíValve, for the first ever in-person recording of the Crux of Cardio. Lucy explains why the tricuspid valve was once considered the "forgotten valve", how her Dublin-based team is building a device that sits between repair and replacement, and what it really takes to raise €60 million and navigate clinical validation as a first-time founder in structural heart. Key Topics: Why the tricuspid valve was overlooked for decades and what changed CroíValve's "adaptive co-optation" approach and how it differs from clip and replacement technologies Clinical validation: early European data, device updates, and the path to FDA and CE mark Fundraising as a first-time founder in Ireland's medtech ecosystem Building a team culture that retains talent and creates future founders Related Insights: Why Ireland has become a launchpad for medtech startups The role of Enterprise Ireland and angel syndicates in early-stage medtech funding Why a dual US/Europe regulatory strategy still matters in the MDR era Core Challenges: Tricuspid regurgitation affects 3.6% of the over-65 population, yet current commercial devices leave many patients anatomically unsuitable for treatment and deliver variable outcomes. CroíValve's DUO system is designed to treat the broadest range of patients while preserving right heart function, but the capital-intensive journey of clinical validation competes with venture timelines and a funding landscape increasingly tilted toward AI. Tune in now to hear how a Trinity College spin-out is rewriting the playbook for tricuspid valve treatment. The Crux of MedTech podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment agency. To learn more about Cruxx, visit https://www.thisiscruxx.com/ A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast; TTP plc -   / the-technology-partnership   With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, TTP plc can accelerate your development with the latest technologies. Learn more at https://www.ttp.com/