Silk Road Medical has announced the appointment of Sumaira Macdonald to the position of chief medical officer. In this new role, Macdonald will direct the company’s scientific and technical agenda and lead research in endovascular interventions for the prevention and treatment of stroke.
Prior to joining Silk Road Medical, Macdonald was a vascular radiologist and honorary clinical senior lecturer at Newcastle University and the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. “To have attracted a clinician of Dr Macdonald’s significant calibre is a testament to the promise of our technology in preventing stroke resulting from carotid artery disease,” said Erica Rogers, president and chief executive officer. “Her leadership in clinical research and renowned medical skills will significantly contribute to the advancement of our products and company’s growth. We are honoured to have her on the team.”
Macdonald is well regarded for her career-long efforts to improve endovascular interventions. In addition to being the co-editor of the Springer “Carotid Stenting; A Practical Guide”, Macdonald has authored over 70 medical publications on vascular disease, is the recipient of many academic society honours, serves on the editorial boards of a number of scientific journals and is highly sought after as a speaker, having given over 300 international lectures.
“I am excited to join Silk Road in its pursuit of promising technology to protect the brain from the risk of stroke during carotid artery stenting. The unique combination of providing temporary flow reversal and avoiding arch manipulation affords the best protection against typical complications associated with transfemoral access filter-protected carotid stenting procedures,” said Macdonald. “The company is striving hard to provide solutions to patients with carotid artery disease, a shared goal to which I have also devoted my professional career.”