Restore Medical: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Restore Medical is an innovative clinical-stage medical technology company based in Israel, dedicated to transforming the treatment of heart failure through groundbreaking transcatheter therapies. Founded by a team of experts in interventional cardiology and medical device development, the company is pioneering a new device called ContraBand™, designed to treat patients suffering from Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). Given the critical global health burden of heart failure, Restore Medical's work offers promising hope for patients who currently face limited treatment options. This article explores key facets of Restore Medical, its technology, clinical progress, and impact within the evolving landscape of cardiovascular care.

1. Origin and Mission of Restore Medical

Restore Medical was established with the vision to improve outcomes for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), a chronic, progressive condition affecting millions globally. The company focuses on developing innovative, minimally invasive devices to reduce hospitalizations and mortality related to heart failure. Its foundation in Israel's vibrant medtech sector builds on deep expertise in cardiovascular implant development and a commitment to disruptive medical innovation. The company is led by CEO Gilad Marom, who has over two decades of experience in medical device development, and a skilled team including CTO Stephen Bellomo and medical co-founder Dr. Elchanan Bruckheimer.

2. The ContraBand™ System: A Breakthrough Device

At the core of Restore Medical's technology is the ContraBand™ system, the first and only transcatheter Pulmonary Artery Banding (PAB) device designed specifically for HFrEF patients. Implanted via a catheter, this device supports the left ventricle (LV) by leveraging the right ventricle (RV), improving LV ejection fraction and restoring optimal ventricular geometry. This reversible and minimally invasive therapy offers a new treatment paradigm, targeting heart structure and function to enhance cardiac performance without the need for open-heart surgery.

3. Clinical Progress and FDA Breakthrough Designation

Restore Medical has successfully completed enrollment in its first-in-human clinical study, demonstrating promising safety and efficacy data. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized the innovative potential of ContraBand™ by granting it Breakthrough Device Designation in 2024. This designation enables accelerated development and review of the device, underscoring its potential to address unmet needs in heart failure treatment. Ongoing clinical trials continue to evaluate long-term benefits such as improved ventricular remodeling and patient quality of life.

4. Global Financial Support and Strategic Partnerships

In 2025, Restore Medical closed a significant $23 million Series B funding round co-led by Pitango HealthTech and a global strategic healthcare partner, alongside support from the European Innovation Council (EIC) and Peregrine Ventures. These funds are facilitating the completion of European clinical studies and the launch of U.S.-based trials. The backing of prominent venture capital and strategic investors validates the company's technological promise and positions it to scale its impact worldwide.

5. Addressing a Critical Unmet Medical Need

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction remains a major cause of hospitalization and premature death worldwide. While pharmacological therapies have improved outcomes, many patients remain symptomatic or progress despite treatment. Device options currently available often entail invasive surgery and are limited to severe cases. Restore Medical’s ContraBand™ system introduces a vital minimally invasive option, potentially bridging treatment gaps for a broader patient population.

6. Technology Features and Benefits

The ContraBand™ implant is designed for reversibility and efficiency. Its catheter-based delivery allows for a shorter, less complex procedure compared to traditional surgical methods. By restoring favorable left ventricular geometry and improving hemodynamics, the device enhances cardiac output and patient functional capacity. Its reversible nature ensures adaptability to patient response over time, minimizing risks associated with permanent implants.

7. The Leadership Team and Expertise

Restore Medical is led by a distinguished team with extensive backgrounds in cardiology and medical technology. CEO Gilad Marom previously held executive roles at Edwards Lifesciences, overseeing cardiovascular implants. CTO Stephen Bellomo brings over 20 years of medtech R&D experience. The medical director, Dr. Elchanan Bruckheimer, is a renowned pediatric interventional cardiologist with strong expertise in structural heart disease. Their combined skills drive innovation and rigorous clinical evaluation.

8. Ongoing Clinical Trials and European Feasibility Study

The company’s ongoing European multi-center feasibility trial involves patients under maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy. Preliminary results indicate favorable safety and efficacy profiles, with meaningful improvements in ventricular remodeling and exercise capacity. These clinical assessments are crucial for regulatory approval processes and to establish ContraBand™ as a new standard of care.

9. Impact on Healthcare and Patient Quality of Life

By reducing hospitalizations and improving cardiac function, Restore Medical’s technology aims to decrease the high clinical and economic burdens of heart failure. Improved ventricular geometry not only extends survival but enhances patients' daily physical capabilities and wellbeing. This technology promises to fill a critical void for heart failure patients who have limited treatment options, influencing future standard treatments and healthcare delivery.

10. Future Prospects and Market Potential

With strong clinical data, regulatory support, and substantial funding, Restore Medical is positioned for growth and broader deployment. Plans include expanding clinical studies in the United States and Europe, navigating regulatory approvals, and ultimately commercializing the ContraBand™ system. As heart failure prevalence rises with aging populations, this innovative solution holds significant market potential and could substantially impact global cardiovascular health outcomes.

Conclusion

Restore Medical exemplifies the future of medical innovation in treating heart failure, offering a novel, minimally invasive device that addresses a critical unmet need. With positive clinical results, regulatory endorsements, and strong investor backing, the company is paving the way for transformative therapies in cardiology. As heart failure continues to challenge healthcare systems worldwide, technologies like ContraBand™ inspire hope for improved survival and quality of life. The ongoing evolution of such therapies invites a new era in cardiac care — one where intervention and restoration are safer, more effective, and accessible to many.