Eric L. Buehlmann

CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., located in Cupertino, Calif., is a leading developer of proprietary technologies in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. CTS introduced its first generation system for minimally invasive beating heart bypass surgery in January 1997. Since that time, over 11,000 beating heart bypass procedures, including midline and thorocotomy approaches, have been performed using CTS' propriety instruments. CTS is also developing technologies in the area of minimally invasive valve repair. CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., has been acquired by Guidant in 1999.

Cryovascular Systems, Inc. used to develop therapy products for the treatment of peripheral vascular and cardiovascular diseases. The company products were includes non-saline angioplasty devices for arterial catheterization. Cryovascular Systems was founded by James Joye & Ronald Williams in 1977 and was headquartered in Los Gatos, CA