Pumpinheart
About Pumpinheart
Heart failure treatment has advanced dramatically, yet for the millions of patients with Advanced Stage HFpEF (Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction), effective therapies that extend life are unavailable. Pumpinheart fixes this.
Pumpinheart is developing the world’s first transcatheter, implantable ECG-gated diastolic heart pump designed specifically for Advanced Stage HFpEF. Born out of research at the
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences , our platform represents a new category of minimally invasive mechanical circulatory support for patients and addresses an unmet medical need.
Advanced Stage HFpEF affects
approximately 50% of all advanced stage heart failure patients , many of whom experience debilitating symptoms with limited treatment options. Existing therapies fail to effectively address elevated left atrial pressures during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle (diastole), the key issue with Advanced HFpEF. Pumpinheart’s device delivers targeted diastolic unloading designed to: Reduce left atrial pressure Improve cardiac filling Allow patients, that presented as breathless even at rest, breathe freely again Enhance exercise tolerance, quality of life and extend life by many years
This revolutionary innovation is coupled with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in a cath lab (Ambulatory Surgical Centre) with just one overnight stay. Our scientific and clinical foundation is built on extensive cardiovascular research and early feasibility studies. Pumpinheart is now preparing for expanded clinical validation and strategic partnerships across the U.S. and Europe.
The Opportunity
Pumpinheart is expanding its high-impact Advisory Board composed of cardiovascular innovators, device experts, health-system leaders, and strategic investors. We are seeking deeply experienced clinical and business leaders to help guide the development, validation, and adoption of one of the first transcatheter devices designed specifically for HFpEF.
As an
Advisory Board Member , you will play a central role in positioning Pumpinheart for clinical success ensuring that our device and workflows align with the realities of frontline cardiology, mechanical circulatory support, heart failure management, and interventional practice.
Advisors will help shape: Integration of Pumpinheart’s device into cardiology, interventional cardiology, HF clinics, and cath-lab workflows Optimization of pathways for clinical trials, regulatory approval, and early commercial adoption Scalable workflow models for hospitals, heart failure programs, and interventional teams Go-to-market strategy, KOL engagement, and early adoption roadmaps Real-world evidence generation and long-term validation plans Strategic connections across mechanical circulatory support and cardiovascular centers, heart failure networks, and health systems
Advisors will receive early visibility into Pumpinheart’s current fundraising round, with the opportunity to participate alongside clinicians, medtech leaders, and institutional supporters.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Workflow, Integration & Regulatory Pathways Advise on integration of Pumpinheart into HF, cardiology, and cath-lab workflows Provide feedback on clinical trial design, regulatory considerations, and endpoint selection Share insights on procedural workflow, device positioning, and clinical data needs
Go-to-Market Strategy & Strategic Connections Introduce Pumpinheart to heart failure programs, cath-lab leaders, interventional cardiology networks, or hospital systems Support expansion across priority markets in the U.S. and EU Provide guidance on health-system engagement, payer strategy, and geographic rollout
Product & Market Insight Offer feedback on device usability, implantation workflow, and clinician experience Advise on patient selection, outcomes measurement, and adoption barriers Provide insights on pricing, reimbursement opportunities, and commercial differentiation
(Optional) Clinical Expertise Clinical background in
cardiology, heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, cardiac surgery, or interventional cardiology
preferred but not required.
Ideal Advisor Profiles
We are especially interested in individuals with at least
3
of the following: 10+ years in cardiology, interventional cardiology, mechanical circulatory support, heart failure care, or health-system leadership Experience in medical device innovation, clinical trials, or FDA/CE regulatory strategy Expertise in device reimbursement, payer strategy, or value-based cardiac care pathways Leadership experience in cardiology networks, HF programs, or major hospital systems Strong networks across cardiology, interventional practices, or health-system innovation Interest in minimally invasive cardiac technologies and device-based solutions Passion for improving HFpEF outcomes and reducing the burden of heart failure globally
Founding Team
Donald Hickey – Co-Founder & CEO Serial entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling technology companies. Expertise in early-stage commercialization, product strategy, and fundraising. Leads Pumpinheart’s corporate strategy, partnerships, and execution. Dr. Aamir Hameed – Co-Founder & CMO Clinician-scientist and RCSI academic with a background in cardiothoracic surgery. Expert in cardiac anatomy, regenerative medicine, and translational research. Leads clinical strategy, risk-benefit evaluation, and first-in-human planning. Dr. Andrew Malone – Co-Founder & CSO Medical physicist specializing in cardiovascular device development and simulation engineering. Former RCSI post-doctoral researcher. Responsible for prototyping, test method development, preclinical testing, biomechanical modeling, and core technology development. Jonathan Bouchier-Hayes – Non-Executive Director CEO of Endowave with deep experience taking minimally invasive devices from concept to market. Advises on commercialization, regulatory preparation, and partnerships. Dr. Faisal H. Cheema – Non-Executive Director CEO of ClinRé CRO and renowned physician-scientist entrepreneur and Associate Professor at University of Houston. Expert in basic, translational, and clinical cardiovascular research. Supports strategy, trial design, and KOL engagement.
Compensation & Engagement Equity-based advisory compensation 1–2 hours/month
(virtual) Access to internal strategy documents, clinical roadmap sessions, and investor updates Option to participate in current or future funding rounds
Equal Opportunity Commitment Pumpinheart is committed to building a diverse, mission-aligned advisory team. We welcome professionals from all backgrounds and experiences and are proud to be an equal opportunity organization.
Heart failure treatment has advanced dramatically, yet for the millions of patients with Advanced Stage HFpEF (Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction), effective therapies that extend life are unavailable. Pumpinheart fixes this.
Pumpinheart is developing the world’s first transcatheter, implantable ECG-gated diastolic heart pump designed specifically for Advanced Stage HFpEF. Born out of research at the
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences , our platform represents a new category of minimally invasive mechanical circulatory support for patients and addresses an unmet medical need.
Advanced Stage HFpEF affects
approximately 50% of all advanced stage heart failure patients , many of whom experience debilitating symptoms with limited treatment options. Existing therapies fail to effectively address elevated left atrial pressures during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle (diastole), the key issue with Advanced HFpEF. Pumpinheart’s device delivers targeted diastolic unloading designed to: Reduce left atrial pressure Improve cardiac filling Allow patients, that presented as breathless even at rest, breathe freely again Enhance exercise tolerance, quality of life and extend life by many years
This revolutionary innovation is coupled with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in a cath lab (Ambulatory Surgical Centre) with just one overnight stay. Our scientific and clinical foundation is built on extensive cardiovascular research and early feasibility studies. Pumpinheart is now preparing for expanded clinical validation and strategic partnerships across the U.S. and Europe.
The Opportunity
Pumpinheart is expanding its high-impact Advisory Board composed of cardiovascular innovators, device experts, health-system leaders, and strategic investors. We are seeking deeply experienced clinical and business leaders to help guide the development, validation, and adoption of one of the first transcatheter devices designed specifically for HFpEF.
As an
Advisory Board Member , you will play a central role in positioning Pumpinheart for clinical success ensuring that our device and workflows align with the realities of frontline cardiology, mechanical circulatory support, heart failure management, and interventional practice.
Advisors will help shape: Integration of Pumpinheart’s device into cardiology, interventional cardiology, HF clinics, and cath-lab workflows Optimization of pathways for clinical trials, regulatory approval, and early commercial adoption Scalable workflow models for hospitals, heart failure programs, and interventional teams Go-to-market strategy, KOL engagement, and early adoption roadmaps Real-world evidence generation and long-term validation plans Strategic connections across mechanical circulatory support and cardiovascular centers, heart failure networks, and health systems
Advisors will receive early visibility into Pumpinheart’s current fundraising round, with the opportunity to participate alongside clinicians, medtech leaders, and institutional supporters.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Workflow, Integration & Regulatory Pathways Advise on integration of Pumpinheart into HF, cardiology, and cath-lab workflows Provide feedback on clinical trial design, regulatory considerations, and endpoint selection Share insights on procedural workflow, device positioning, and clinical data needs
Go-to-Market Strategy & Strategic Connections Introduce Pumpinheart to heart failure programs, cath-lab leaders, interventional cardiology networks, or hospital systems Support expansion across priority markets in the U.S. and EU Provide guidance on health-system engagement, payer strategy, and geographic rollout
Product & Market Insight Offer feedback on device usability, implantation workflow, and clinician experience Advise on patient selection, outcomes measurement, and adoption barriers Provide insights on pricing, reimbursement opportunities, and commercial differentiation
(Optional) Clinical Expertise Clinical background in
cardiology, heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, cardiac surgery, or interventional cardiology
preferred but not required.
Ideal Advisor Profiles
We are especially interested in individuals with at least
3
of the following: 10+ years in cardiology, interventional cardiology, mechanical circulatory support, heart failure care, or health-system leadership Experience in medical device innovation, clinical trials, or FDA/CE regulatory strategy Expertise in device reimbursement, payer strategy, or value-based cardiac care pathways Leadership experience in cardiology networks, HF programs, or major hospital systems Strong networks across cardiology, interventional practices, or health-system innovation Interest in minimally invasive cardiac technologies and device-based solutions Passion for improving HFpEF outcomes and reducing the burden of heart failure globally
Founding Team
Donald Hickey – Co-Founder & CEO Serial entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling technology companies. Expertise in early-stage commercialization, product strategy, and fundraising. Leads Pumpinheart’s corporate strategy, partnerships, and execution. Dr. Aamir Hameed – Co-Founder & CMO Clinician-scientist and RCSI academic with a background in cardiothoracic surgery. Expert in cardiac anatomy, regenerative medicine, and translational research. Leads clinical strategy, risk-benefit evaluation, and first-in-human planning. Dr. Andrew Malone – Co-Founder & CSO Medical physicist specializing in cardiovascular device development and simulation engineering. Former RCSI post-doctoral researcher. Responsible for prototyping, test method development, preclinical testing, biomechanical modeling, and core technology development. Jonathan Bouchier-Hayes – Non-Executive Director CEO of Endowave with deep experience taking minimally invasive devices from concept to market. Advises on commercialization, regulatory preparation, and partnerships. Dr. Faisal H. Cheema – Non-Executive Director CEO of ClinRé CRO and renowned physician-scientist entrepreneur and Associate Professor at University of Houston. Expert in basic, translational, and clinical cardiovascular research. Supports strategy, trial design, and KOL engagement.
Compensation & Engagement Equity-based advisory compensation 1–2 hours/month
(virtual) Access to internal strategy documents, clinical roadmap sessions, and investor updates Option to participate in current or future funding rounds
Equal Opportunity Commitment Pumpinheart is committed to building a diverse, mission-aligned advisory team. We welcome professionals from all backgrounds and experiences and are proud to be an equal opportunity organization.