Transforming Kidney Stone Care
At Calyxo, our mission is to improve care for patients with kidney stones by delivering paradigm-shifting solutions that enable urologists to safely, effectively, and efficiently achieve unrivaled clinical outcomes. We envision a day when kidney stones are efficiently removed in a routine, one-time treatment, leaving behind only peace of mind for both patients and physicians.
Transforming Kidney Stone Care
At Calyxo, our mission is to improve care for patients with kidney stones by delivering paradigm-shifting solutions
that enable urologists to safely, effectively, and efficiently achieve unrivaled clinical outcomes.
Who We Are
Founded in 2016, Calyxo brings together a team of medtech professionals who care deeply about advancing kidney stone care. We combine deep expertise in urology and a track record of building and scaling medical technologies, with a shared goal of improving outcomes for patients and physicians.
Who We Are
Founded in 2016, Calyxo brings together a team of medtech professionals who care deeply about advancing kidney stone care. We combine deep expertise in urology and a track record of building and scaling medical technologies, with a shared goal of improving outcomes for patients and physicians.
Calyxo Milestones
2016
Company
Founded
2019
First-in-Human
Study Completed
2020
First-Gen
CVAC System
FDA Cleared
2021
ASPIRE RCT
Initiated
2023
ASPIRE Study
Completed
2024
Second-Gen
CVAC System
FDA Cleared
2025
Reverse Deflection
Launched
2026
40,000 Patients
Treated
Our Leadership Team
The Calyxo leadership team is passionate about bringing innovative medical device technologies to market that meet important clinical needs. The team has an unparalleled track record of success and extensive experience with medical device startups, the field of urology, product development, and commercial launch.
Joe Catanese III, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
Full Bio
Joe has dedicated his career to using innovation to improve care for patients. He is a co-founder of NeoTract, Inc. where he was one of the inventors of the UroLift System, a revolutionary treatment for BPH that has helped over 400,000 patients to-date. Joe is a named inventor on over 40 patents. He earned his PhD in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco and his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.
Jee Shin
Founder and Chief Business Officer
Full Bio
Jee is a 25-plus year healthcare veteran who has spent over 12 years in healthcare venture, investing in innovative medical device and biopharma companies prior to founding Calyxo. Jee earned her MBA from Stanford University and BA in International Studies from the University of Washington.
Doug Hughes
Chief Financial Officer
Full Bio
Doug is a highly experienced CFO who partners with executive teams to build best-in-class organizations and execute high growth commercialization strategies. He has been instrumental in four successful medical device exits including the acquisition of NeoTract by Teleflex for $1.1B. Doug earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and his BS in International Finance from San Francisco State University.
Chris Buchko, PhD, JD
Chief Administrative Officer
Full Bio
Chris has nearly 30 years of experience in medical devices and life sciences as an executive, attorney, and engineer with companies ranging from industry giants to startups. Most recently, he was a member of the NeoTract executive team during commercialization, high growth, and acquisition. He holds a JD from Santa Clara University, a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Michigan, and a BS in Physics from Stanford University.
Luis Cardona
Chief Operating Officer
Full Bio
Luis is a MedTech operations executive with more than 25 years of experience across supply chain, research and development, manufacturing, Information Technology and quality. He has held leadership roles at Shockwave Medical, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company, and Medtronic, as well as engineering, manufacturing, research & development and quality roles at Boston Scientific and Guidant. His experience also spans across various business areas including Neurovascular, Spine, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat), Cardiovascular and Cardiac Rhythm Management. Luis is known for building high-performing teams, strengthening quality systems, and leading organizations through growth and continuous improvement. He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus and is a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Ryan Connolly
Senior Vice President, Research and Development
Full Bio
Ryan is an experienced engineering leader with 23 years in product development, including 19 years dedicated to medical device R&D. His expertise spans the development of implants and delivery systems, endoluminal devices, and complex medical platforms, with a focus on innovation and design for high-volume manufacturing. Ryan fosters innovation and teamwork through his collaborative leadership approach to drive meaningful results and lasting relationships. He is committed to advancing scalable, effective medical technologies that improve outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers. Ryan earned his BS in Manufacturing Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and his MS in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford University.
Lisa Campbell
Vice President, People
Full Bio
Lisa is a leader with over 30 years of progressive experience in the medical device, aesthetics, insurance, and legal industries. She has a passion for leading people teams in start-up organizations and building the infrastructure and programs to support rapid growth while ensuring high levels of engagement. Lisa earned her MBA from Strayer University and her BBA from University of Illinois, Springfield.
Yash Kolambkar, PhD
Vice President, Marketing
Full Bio
Yash is a results-driven business leader with multidisciplinary strengths in Commercial Marketing, Innovation and Strategy. He has a track record of developing and marketing disruptive technologies in various disease states and most recently held Marketing leadership roles at Imperative Care and NeoTract / Teleflex. He earned his PhD in Bioengineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Cincinnati, and a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University (India).
Erika Martinez
Vice President, Finance
Full Bio
Erika is a people-first leader with over 20 years of diverse experience leading teams in Finance, Strategy, and Business operations across various industries. Her broad experience ranges from small cap and Fortune 50 companies along with a track record of collaborating across teams to drive profitable growth. Erika earned her BA in Economics and Sociology from Stanford University.
Dave Messina
Vice President, Sales
Full Bio
Dave Messina has over two decades of experience in the Medical Device space, with a focus on helping to commercialize and grow early-stage companies. Throughout his career, Dave has been dedicated to championing innovative technologies that have the potential to revolutionize patient care. With a proven track record of success, Dave has played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of numerous early-stage companies, leveraging his expertise to navigate complex market landscapes and forge strategic partnerships. Dave received his BS in Management Information Systems and his MBA, both from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Michael Nevares
Vice President, Quality
Full Bio
Michael is an accomplished Quality and Regulatory professional with over 25 years of experience in the medical device industry. He has a proven track record of building and scaling medical devices quality systems, leading high-performing teams, developing people, and driving results across organizations – from early-stage startups to large-scale commercial businesses. Michael has played a key role in advancing new technologies and helping companies grow through various stages of development.
Prior to joining Calyxo, Michael held senior Quality and Regulatory positions with various medical device companies including Avive Solutions, NeoTract (acquired by Teleflex), Ventus Medical, AngioScore, Abbott Diabetes Care, TheraSense (acquired by Abbott), and Baxter-Novacor. Michael earned his BS in Industrial Technology from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo.
Jacqueline Welch, MD, PhD
Vice President, Medical and Clinical Affairs
Full Bio
Jacqueline is a strategic, team-oriented executive with over 15 years of medical device development experience and leadership across medical, clinical and scientific affairs within complex, highly regulated environments. She brings a proven track record of focusing on patient outcomes to drive sustainable growth through cross-functional collaboration. Jacqueline’s background spans both start up and S&P 500 companies where she has successfully navigated diverse business landscapes to support innovation and execution in dynamic healthcare settings. She holds an MD and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.
Our Core Values
Find Joy
We celebrate wins. We enjoy the journey!
Integrity
We are truthful, honorable, and reliable.
Transparency
We share what’s going on in our business. We are open, honest, and have clear communication across our organization.
Win as a Team
We are earnest collaborators. We hold ourselves and each other accountable.
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