DASI Simulations is a medical technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and computational modeling to create personalized 3D simulations for heart valve procedures, particularly Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).
DASI Simulations is tackling a critical problem in heart valve procedures, particularly TAVR: the challenge of imperfect interaction between the implantable device and the patient's unique anatomy.
Here's a breakdown of the problem they address:
One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Traditional methods of planning these complex procedures often rely on manual measurements from CT scans and don't fully account for the patient's anatomy. This can lead to complications such as:
- Paravalvular Leakage: Blood leaking around the valve.
- Coronary Obstruction: Blocking blood flow to the heart.
- Valve Malposition: Incorrect placement of the valve.
Limited Pre-Procedural Visualization: Surgeons lack the tools to visualize how different devices will interact with a specific patient's heart before the procedure. This makes it difficult to choose the optimal device size and placement.
Risk of Complications: These complications can lead to: Increased risk of re-intervention. Longer hospital stays. Higher healthcare costs. Adverse patient outcomes.
DASI Simulations aims to solve this problem by:
- Creating Personalized 3D Models: Using AI to generate accurate 3D models of each patient's heart from their CT scans.
- Predicting Device Interaction: Simulating how different valves will interact with the patient's unique anatomy.
- Improving Pre-Procedural Planning: Providing surgeons with valuable insights to optimize device selection and placement, ultimately reducing the risk of complications.
By addressing these challenges, DASI Simulations strives to improve patient safety, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall success of heart valve procedures.
DASI Simulations, founded in 2020 by medical device executive Theresa Sirset and bioengineer Dr. Lakshmi Dasi, is transforming structural heart interventions. Dr. Dasi’s expertise in heart valve biomechanics, combined with Sirset’s 25+ years in medical device sales and management, drives the company's mission: "Save Lives, One Structural Heart Procedure at a Time."
Leadership includes:
- Senior Advisor Sean McKibben (24+ years as a hospital executive)
- VP Sales Rich Gray (25+ years in startups with successful exits)
- VP Finance Reed McCalmon (10+ years in financial services and biotech startups)
- Regulatory Consultant Jeff Langfield (20+ years in regulated medical markets).
- Senior Advisor Kent Smith brings 30 years of healthcare experience, including leading a startup to a $300M exit.
The esteemed Medical Advisory Board, chaired by Dr. Vinod Thourani includes leading cardiologists and experts in the field. Professional counsel is provided by Alex Brown (Dickinson Wright PLLC) and JD Lymon (Reimbursement).
DASI Simulations' go-to-market strategy focuses on the rapid adoption of its AI-powered 3D simulation technology as the standard of care for structural heart procedures. We target cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and hospital administrators, emphasizing improved patient outcomes and cost neutrality through CMS reimbursement.
Our multi-layered sales approach combines a direct sales team targeting high-volume centers, a distributor network for initial market reach, and engagement with physician Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). We will leverage KOLs to advocate for DASI and provide peer-to-peer education.
A robust marketing strategy will include trade show presentations, targeted digital campaigns, and public relations efforts to build awareness. Our subscription-based pricing model and focus on CMS reimbursement will demonstrate a clear ROI for hospitals, eliminating financial barriers to adoption. We will emphasize that DASI benefits all patients undergoing structural heart procedures, not just high-risk cases, minimizing potential complications. Our phased market expansion will begin with high-volume centers, then expand to mid-sized centers and targeted regions, and eventually explore international markets.
DASI Simulations is rapidly transforming structural heart procedures through its innovative, AI-powered 3D simulation platform. A key driver of our growth is the establishment of a dedicated CMS reimbursement code, enabling hospitals to bill for the use of our technology. This has directly translated into substantial revenue generation, validating the clinical and economic value of DASI. In 2022, we generated $49,000 in revenue, primarily through research collaborations and pilot programs. With the implementation of the CMS code, we experienced exponential growth, reaching $800,000 in 2024. This remarkable progress demonstrates the increasing adoption of DASI Simulations by leading medical centers. The CMS reimbursement code not only provides a sustainable revenue stream but also signifies recognition of our technology's clinical utility. This validation is crucial as we strive to establish DASI Simulations as the standard of care for all structural heart procedures. By providing surgeons with precise, patient-specific pre-procedural planning, we aim to improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and ultimately transform the landscape of cardiac care. Our revenue growth reflects the increasing demand for this transformative technology and positions us for continued success in the years to come.
DASI Simulations is preparing to launch its Series A funding round in Q2 2025. The pre-money valuation for this round will be determined by market conditions in Q1 2025, ensuring a fair and competitive valuation. We anticipate seeking $20 million in funding to accelerate our growth trajectory and capitalize on significant market opportunities.
This capital will be strategically allocated to several key areas:
- Sales and Marketing Expansion: A significant portion will be dedicated to building a robust sales and marketing infrastructure. This includes hiring experienced sales representatives, marketing professionals, and support staff to drive market penetration and brand awareness.
- R&D Investment: We will expand our R&D team by hiring talented engineers and scientists to further enhance our simulation technology, develop new product features, and explore innovative applications of AI in structural heart interventions.
- Scaling Production and Operations: Funding will support scaling our production capabilities to meet increasing market demand. This includes investing in infrastructure, processes, and personnel to ensure efficient and timely delivery of our products and services.
- Global Conference Presence: To increase visibility and generate leads, DASI will establish a prominent booth presence at major cardiology conferences worldwide, engaging with key stakeholders and showcasing our cutting-edge technology.
DASI Simulations employs AI and computational modeling to create personalized 3D heart simulations for structural heart procedures, especially TAVR. This technology directly addresses the problem of suboptimal device-patient interaction, a frequent issue with traditional planning methods that depend on manual measurements and generic device sizing. DASI's AI algorithms analyze patient CT scans, generating highly detailed, interactive 3D heart models. These models then power computational simulations that predict how various heart valves will interact with the patient's unique anatomy, identifying potential complications like paravalvular leak or coronary obstruction before the actual procedure. This predictive capability empowers surgeons to optimize device selection, sizing, and placement, ultimately improving patient outcomes and mitigating risks. The cloud-based SaaS platform streamlines integration for hospitals. Clinicians simply upload patient CT scans, and DASI handles the complex simulations in its secure cloud environment, delivering comprehensive reports back to the care team. Securing two FDA clearances and CMS reimbursement validates the technology's safety, efficacy, and clinical value. The CMS reimbursement is a key driver of adoption, offering a cost-neutral solution for hospitals. Currently focused on commercialization, DASI continues to invest in research and development, expanding its capabilities and solidifying its position as a leader in AI-driven surgical planning for structural heart interventions. The company’s ultimate goal is to establish its technology as the standard of care.
$1.1M Grants 11.7M Seed Funding (Convertible Note)
