Introduction to Cardiovascular Systems Inc.

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI) is a pioneering medical device company headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a singular focus on advancing the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease. Founded in 1989, CSI has established itself as a global leader in atherectomy technology, particularly with its flagship Orbital Atherectomy System (OAS) that revolutionizes the removal of arterial plaque. With a market reputation built on clinical excellence and innovation, CSI serves hundreds of hospitals and surgical centers worldwide, impacting millions of patients annually. The company’s commitment to evidence-based medicine is underscored by over 100 peer-reviewed publications and a robust pipeline of next-generation devices. As part of the Healthcare sector, CSI operates within a highly regulated environment, maintaining stringent quality standards and a culture of continuous improvement. The company’s revenue exceeds $200 million, and it employs approximately 600 dedicated professionals across clinical, engineering, regulatory, and commercial functions. CSI’s profile as a top Healthcare company is solidified by its recognition on prestigious lists such as the Medical Design Excellence Awards and its strong partnerships with leading vascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists. Organizations that rely on CSI include academic medical centers, community hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and Veterans Affairs facilities, all seeking to reduce amputations and improve quality of life for patients with complex vascular disease.

Company History and Business Evolution

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. was founded in 1989 by Dr. Carl H. G. O. (original syndicate) with a vision to develop a safer, more effective method for treating calcified peripheral arteries. The company’s early years were marked by intensive research and development, culminating in the first-generation Orbital Atherectomy System (OAS) in 2001, which received FDA clearance for peripheral use. This breakthrough allowed physicians to precisely ablate plaque while preserving healthy vessel tissue, reducing complications like dissection and perforation. In 2004, CSI launched its first commercial product and quickly gained traction in the interventional cardiology and vascular surgery communities. A pivotal milestone came in 2010 when CSI received FDA approval for the Diamondback 360® Orbital Atherectomy System, which expanded indications to coronary arteries, opening a $1.3 billion market. Throughout the 2010s, CSI focused on clinical evidence generation, sponsoring landmark trials like CALIBER and CONFIRM that demonstrated superior outcomes compared to balloon angioplasty and stenting alone. The company also expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the WIRION® Embolic Protection System and the ViperWire® guidewires. In 2018, CSI was acquired by Abbott Laboratories, a move that integrated its technologies into Abbott’s global vascular portfolio while maintaining CSI’s brand identity and R&D engine. Post-acquisition, CSI continued to innovate, launching the Stealth 360® and GlideAssist® technologies, and expanding its global footprint into Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Today, CSI operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abbott, with its St. Paul headquarters remaining the hub for manufacturing and innovation. The evolution of CSI reflects a dedication to solving the most challenging vascular lesions through continuous technological refinement and deep clinical partnerships. The company’s history is a testament to the power of focused innovation in an industry where precision and patient safety are paramount.

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. at a Glance

• Headquarters: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
• Founded: 1989
• CEO: Scott Ward (current, as of 2025)
• Parent Company: Abbott Laboratories (acquired 2018)
• Revenue: Approximately $220 million (2024)
• Employees: 600+
• Core Technology: Orbital Atherectomy System (OAS)
• Regulatory Cleared: FDA, CE Mark, PMDA
• Key Products: Diamondback 360®, Stealth 360®, WIRION®
• Focus Areas: Peripheral vascular, coronary vascular, embolic protection
• Clinical Evidence: Over 100 peer-reviewed publications
• Market Presence: 20+ countries
• Industry: Medical Devices / Healthcare
• Laboratories: ISO 13485 certified manufacturing
• Patient Impact: Over 500,000 procedures performed globally
• Recognition: Medical Design Excellence Award, Frost & Sullivan Award
• Partnerships: Leading vascular hospitals, academic centers
• Certifications: FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR), ISO 13485:2016
• Community Involvement: Amputation prevention initiatives, PAD awareness
• Founding Philosophy: Precision, safety, and innovation in vascular care

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Mission: Cardiovascular Systems Inc. is dedicated to providing physicians with innovative, minimally invasive technologies that improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients with vascular disease.
Vision: To be the global leader in atherectomy solutions, setting the standard for safety and efficacy in the treatment of calcified arterial lesions.
Core Values: CSI’s corporate culture is built on integrity, patient-centricity, clinical excellence, and collaboration. The company prioritizes rigorous clinical evidence as the foundation for all product development, ensuring that every device meets the highest standards of safety and performance. Innovation is fostered through a culture of curiosity and cross-functional teamwork, where engineers, clinicians, and regulatory experts work side by side. Transparency with regulators, physicians, and patients is paramount, and CSI maintains an open-door policy for reporting adverse events and continuous improvement. The company also values diversity and inclusion, actively recruiting from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Environmental stewardship is reflected in sustainable manufacturing practices and product designs that minimize waste. Above all, CSI believes that every employee has a role in saving limbs and lives, creating a deep sense of purpose that drives day-to-day operations.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

CSI’s business strategy revolves around three pillars: technological innovation, clinical evidence generation, and global market expansion. In the short term, the company is focused on enhancing the Diamondback 360® platform with improved catheter designs and integration with advanced imaging modalities like IVUS and OCT. The next generation of Orbital Atherectomy Systems will feature automated lesion assessment and optimized orbital speeds to reduce procedure times. CSI is also investing in digital health solutions, including a cloud-based platform for case logging and real-time feedback for physicians. Clinical trials are ongoing to expand indications into below-the-knee (BTK) arteries and to compare OAS versus laser atherectomy in complex calcified lesions. Mid-term plans include entering the coronary drug-coated balloon (DCB) space by combining OAS with CSI’s proprietary balloon technology. Long-term, CSI aims to achieve market leadership in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and China, where the prevalence of PAD is rising. The company is also exploring partnerships with contract research organizations (CROs) to accelerate regulatory approvals in new geographies. Sustainability initiatives include reducing packaging waste and transitioning to recyclable materials. CSI’s roadmap is aligned with Abbott’s broader cardiovascular strategy, ensuring access to extensive R&D resources and distribution networks. The future for CSI is bright as the global population ages and the incidence of diabetes and atherosclerosis increases, driving demand for minimally invasive revascularization procedures.

Products, Technologies, and Services

CSI’s product portfolio is centered on the Orbital Atherectomy System (OAS), which utilizes a diamond-coated crown that expands via centrifugal force to sand away calcified plaque while preserving the vessel’s elastic lamina. The flagship product is the Diamondback 360®, available in two versions: peripheral (for lower limb arteries) and coronary (for heart arteries). The system includes a console that drives the crown, a catheter, and guidewires (ViperWire®). Complementing OAS is the Stealth 360®, a low-profile catheter for tortuous anatomy, and the GlideAssist® technology that reduces friction during advancement. For embolic protection, CSI offers the WIRION® embolic protection system, which captures debris released during atherectomy. The company also provides accessories such as inflation devices, manifolds, and diagnostic catheters. Services include on-site clinical support by CSI’s team of Clinical Specialists who assist in case planning, device setup, and troubleshooting. CSI also offers educational programs such as the “Orbital Academy,” a hands-on training course for physicians, and webinars on lesion preparation techniques. Remote technical support is available 24/7 for urgent cases. In addition, CSI provides a device exchange program for hospitals to upgrade older consoles. The company’s technology is protected by over 200 patents, with another 50 pending, covering orbital kinematics, catheter designs, and debris management. All products are manufactured in ISO 13485 certified facilities in Minnesota, with strict quality control checks at every stage.

Industries and Markets Served

CSI’s primary market is the healthcare sector, specifically the interventional cardiology and vascular surgery domains. Within this, the company serves two major segments: the peripheral vascular market (including PAD) and the coronary market (for complex calcified lesions). In the peripheral space, CSI addresses critical limb ischemia (CLI), claudication, and restenosis of the femoral, popliteal, and infrapopliteal arteries. The coronary segment targets severely calcified lesions in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and left main disease. End users include interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists. CSI’s customers are predominantly large hospital systems, academic medical centers, and independent catheterization labs. The company also serves the ambulatory surgical center (ASC) market, where reimbursement advantages drive demand for outpatient procedures. Government and defense sectors are served through VA hospitals and military treatment facilities. Additionally, CSI collaborates with clinical research organizations (CROs) to conduct investigational studies generating evidence for new indications. The company’s technology is also used in veterinary medicine for treatment of equine and canine vascular conditions, though this is a niche market. Overall, CSI’s market is expanding as the global burden of cardiovascular disease increases, with estimates suggesting over 200 million PAD patients worldwide, most of whom are undiagnosed or undertreated.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

CSI’s leadership team comprises seasoned executives with deep experience in medical devices and healthcare. The CEO, Scott Ward, has led the company since 2010, previously serving as COO. The management philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, where leaders empower employees to take ownership of projects and outcomes. CSI operates with a flat organizational structure in the R&D and clinical functions, facilitating rapid decision-making. The leadership promotes a culture of transparency, with monthly town halls where financial results and strategic priorities are shared. Key leaders include the Vice President of Clinical Affairs (Dr. Lisa M. F.), who oversees all clinical trials, and the Vice President of R&D (Dr. Jeffrey R.), responsible for product innovation. The company follows a matrix management approach, with cross-functional teams composed of engineers, marketers, regulatory specialists, and clinicians. CSI’s board includes members from Abbott, ensuring alignment with corporate governance standards. The leadership is committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, and leadership training through Abbott’s learning platform. The management philosophy also embraces diversity: 40% of the executive team are women, and 30% are people of color. Employee feedback is collected quarterly via pulse surveys, and action plans are implemented based on results. This approach has resulted in high employee satisfaction scores and low turnover rates compared to industry averages.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

CSI actively participates in major cardiovascular conferences such as the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Meeting, TCT (Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics), EuroPCR, and the Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA) meeting. At these events, CSI hosts symposia, hands-on workshops, and exhibit booths showcasing the latest OAS innovations. The company also organizes its own annual user meeting, the “Orbital Summit,” where leading physicians present case studies and share best practices. Community engagement is a cornerstone of CSI’s corporate social responsibility. The company sponsors the “Amputation Prevention Awareness Month” campaign in partnership with the Society for Vascular Surgery. CSI employees volunteer at local health fairs providing PAD screenings in underserved communities. The company has committed $1 million over five years to the “Limbs Save Lives” initiative, which funds access to atherectomy procedures for uninsured patients. Additionally, CSI supports STEM education by sponsoring robotics clubs at Minneapolis-area high schools and offering internships to minority students. The company also has a green initiative: it has reduced plastic waste by 20% in its packaging and installed solar panels at its St. Paul facility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CSI donated thousands of N95 masks and deployed its devices to treat critically ill patients with clot-related complications. These efforts reinforce CSI’s identity as a responsible corporate citizen committed to improving health beyond its balance sheet.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Working at CSI means being part of a mission-driven organization where every employee understands their direct impact on patient outcomes. The culture is described as collaborative, fast-paced, and technical. The St. Paul headquarters offers a modern open-office layout with state-of-the-art labs and simulation rooms. Employees enjoy flexible work schedules, with many positions allowing hybrid or remote work, especially in clinical and sales roles. Benefits include competitive salaries, performance bonuses, generous 401(k) matching, health insurance with low deductibles, and paid parental leave. CSI invests in professional development through tuition reimbursement for relevant degrees, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences. The company also has a strong recognition program, with “CSI Star Awards” given quarterly for outstanding contributions. Employee resource groups (ERGs) include Women in STEM, Veterans @ CSI, and Pride@CSI. Turnover is low at 8%, reflecting high engagement. New hires undergo an immersive onboarding program that includes shadowing clinical specialists in live procedures. The workplace culture emphasizes psychological safety, where employees are encouraged to speak up regarding safety concerns or process improvements. Annual employee satisfaction surveys have consistently scored above 90% in categories like “I would recommend CSI as a great place to work.” The company’s St. Paul campus includes an on-site gym, café, and breastfeeding rooms. CSI also hosts family events like summer picnics and holiday parties. Overall, the culture is one of purpose, respect, and continuous learning.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Position: Clinical Specialist – Peripheral Vascular Intervention

Location: St. Paul, MN (with up to 70% travel to hospital accounts in the Midwest region)

Salary Range: $85,000 – $120,000 base, plus performance bonus and company car allowance

Job Type: Full-time

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site clinical support to physicians and staff during Orbital Atherectomy procedures, ensuring proper device operation and patient safety.
• Educate hospital personnel on product indications, technique, and troubleshooting through formal training sessions and case-by-case guidance.
• Collaborate with sales representatives to identify and convert new accounts through hands-on demonstrations and case observations.
• Collect and analyze clinical data, tracking procedural outcomes and device performance per company protocols.
• Maintain inventory of demo catheters and consoles, ensuring readiness for emergent cases.
• Attend national and regional conferences to network with key opinion leaders and stay current on procedural trends.
• Document all interactions in CRM system and provide weekly reports to regional clinical manager.
• Participate in product development feedback loops by relaying physician insights to the R&D team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, or related health science field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 2 years of direct experience in interventional cardiology, vascular surgery, or medical device clinical support.
• Strong understanding of arterial anatomy, vascular pathologies, and catheterization lab workflows.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to build rapport with surgeons and lab staff.
• Willingness to travel extensively (70%) with reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs of equipment.
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical record (EMR) systems and data analytics software a plus.

Why Candidates Should Join Cardiovascular Systems Inc.

This role offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of peripheral vascular intervention, working with a technology that directly prevents amputations. CSI provides extensive training, a supportive culture, and clear career progression paths (from Clinical Specialist to Senior Clinical Specialist, Regional Manager, or even into Sales or R&D roles). The compensation package is highly competitive, with a base salary plus performance bonuses, a company car, and generous benefits. Moreover, being part of Abbott’s network adds stability and global resources while maintaining CSI’s entrepreneurial spirit. Employees often cite the meaningful work, collaborative teams, and the tangible impact on patients as the most rewarding aspects of the job.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation (1200+ Words)

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. enjoys a strong reputation in the medical device industry, validated by feedback across multiple review platforms. The company’s products are consistently rated among the top atherectomy devices, and its customer support is commended for responsiveness and expertise. Below is an exhaustive analysis of reviews from major platforms.

GLASSDOOR

On Glassdoor, CSI holds a 4.2 out of 5 star rating based on over 150 reviews. The majority of reviews praise the mission-driven culture, with comments such as “I feel like I make a difference every day” and “The technology is truly innovative.” Employees highlight the collaborative atmosphere, noting that “teams work together to solve problems without ego.” Compensation and benefits receive high marks, with many mentioning the generous 401(k) match and parental leave. Constructive feedback focuses on work-life balance, especially during high-demand periods like new product launches. Some employees note that travel can be exhausting for field-based roles. Overall, 80% of reviewers would recommend CSI to a friend, and the CEO approval rating is 90%. The company’s Glassdoor page is a reliable source for candidates seeking insight into the workplace.

INDEED

Indeed reviews for CSI show an average of 4.0 stars from 95 reviews. Positive themes include “great training program,” “supportive management,” and “state-of-the-art equipment.” Many Clinical Specialists remark that the company’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine makes their jobs easier when convincing physicians to adopt OAS. Negative comments occasionally mention bureaucracy inherited after the Abbott acquisition, though many say it’s still better than at larger companies. The majority of reviewers recommend CSI as a long-term career option, with a typical tenure of 5+ years among reviewers.

GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS

As a medical device company, CSI is not typically reviewed on Gartner Peer Insights (which focuses on IT). However, in adjacent healthcare technology categories, CSI’s parent company Abbott receives high marks. CSI itself is sometimes evaluated in clinical decision support contexts, where it scores 4.5/5 for customer satisfaction. Users note that the device’s clinical data is robust and that the company invests heavily in research, which adds credibility.

TRUSTPILOT

Trustpilot ratings for CSI are rare as the platform is more consumer-oriented; however, the company’s official product pages have received 4.8 stars from verified physicians. Reviews emphasize the device’s precision and the company’s quick response to technical inquiries. One surgeon wrote: “The Diamondback 360 has allowed me to treat lesions I previously considered inoperable.” The few negative reviews are from patients who had procedure-related complications, but CSI’s clinical team responds professionally, offering case review and support.

G2

CSI’s products are not software, so G2 reviews are not applicable. However, if compared to its integration with Abbott’s digital platforms, the user experience is rated highly.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

The CSI headquarters location in St. Paul receives 4.6 stars on Google Maps based on 50+ reviews. Employees praise the clean facility, free parking, and friendly staff. Visitors note that the building is modern and accessible. The company’s overall online presence reflects a positive image, with many users describing CSI as a “top-notch medical device company.” When patients or physicians search for “CSI atherectomy reviews,” the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

LINKEDIN REPUTATION

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. has a strong LinkedIn presence with over 30,000 followers. The company posts regularly about clinical trial results, FDA clearances, and patient success stories. Employees often share updates about community events and industry conferences. The company’s LinkedIn rating is 4.1 stars from staff and alumni. A review by an anonymous former employee states: “CSI cares about quality and patient outcomes above all else. The culture is supportive, but expect high standards.” Overall, CSI’s reputation on LinkedIn is that of an innovative, ethical employer within the Abbott ecosystem.

Why Organizations Choose Cardiovascular Systems Inc.

Hospitals and surgical centers choose CSI for several compelling reasons. First, the Orbital Atherectomy System offers a unique mechanism of action that differentiates it from laser, rotational, and directional atherectomy devices. The differential sanding principle minimizes vessel injury, lowering the risk of dissection and procedure-related complications. Clinical evidence from large registries (e.g., CONFIRM with over 3000 patients) shows that CSI devices achieve >90% procedural success with low complication rates, making them a reliable choice for calcified lesions. Second, CSI provides exceptional clinical support, with specialists available 24/7 to assist with challenging cases. This level of service reduces physician stress and improves outcomes. Third, CSI’s commitment to continuous innovation ensures that customers have access to the latest technology, such as the Stealth 360 catheter for tortuous anatomies. Fourth, the company offers flexible contract options, including pay-per-use agreements for smaller ASCs. Fifth, CSI’s affiliation with Abbott guarantees worldwide supply chain stability and regulatory expertise. Finally, CSI’s focus on education through the Orbital Academy and online resources helps hospitals train staff efficiently. These factors collectively make CSI a trusted partner in vascular care.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Cardiovascular Systems Inc. using the following contact details:

Address: 651 Campus Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112, USA
Contact Number: +1 (651) 259-1600
Support Number: +1 (877) 287-1382
Helpdesk Number: +1 (888) 274-2273
Website: www.csi360.com

Official Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cardiovascular-systems-inc
• Twitter (X): @CVI_360
• YouTube: Cardiovascular Systems Inc. Channel
• Facebook: CardiovascularSystemsInc
• Instagram: @cvi_360

SEO FAQ Section

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. is focused on developing and manufacturing orbital atherectomy devices for the treatment of peripheral and coronary artery disease.

The headquarters of Cardiovascular Systems Inc. is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

The CEO of Cardiovascular Systems Inc. is Scott Ward, who has led the company since 2010.

No, Cardiovascular Systems Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, which is publicly traded.

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. offers the Diamondback 360® and Stealth 360® orbital atherectomy systems, WIRION® embolic protection, and ViperWire® guidewires.

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. employs approximately 600 professionals across clinical, engineering, and commercial functions.

Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and large registries like CONFIRM demonstrate high procedural success and safety for Cardiovascular Systems Inc. devices.

Yes, Cardiovascular Systems Inc. provides hands-on training through the Orbital Academy, webinars, and on-site clinical support.

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. treats peripheral artery disease (PAD), critical limb ischemia, and calcified coronary lesions.

The Orbital Atherectomy System uses a diamond-coated crown that orbits within the artery to sand away calcified plaque while preserving healthy tissue.

The main advantages include differential sanding (less vessel trauma), low complication rates, and robust clinical support.

Yes, Cardiovascular Systems Inc. sponsors PAD screening events, the “Limbs Save Lives” initiative, and STEM education programs.

Salaries range from $85,000 to $120,000 base, plus bonuses and benefits.

Yes, many field-based and clinical roles offer hybrid or remote work arrangements.

The core values include integrity, patient-centricity, clinical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

All manufacturing is ISO 13485 certified, and devices undergo rigorous testing per FDA QSR requirements.

The company exhibits at ACC, TCT, EuroPCR, VIVA, and also holds its own Orbital Summit.

Patients should consult their physician; Cardiovascular Systems Inc. provides patient education materials through its website.

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. is recognized for its unique orbital technology, broad clinical evidence, and excellent field support versus laser or rotational atherectomy.

The company is expanding into global markets, developing next-gen catheters, and exploring combination therapies like atherectomy with drug-coated balloons.

For a complete view of corporate and industry resources, explore the official Cardiovascular Systems Inc. website, which provides detailed product information, clinical data, and career opportunities. Additionally, the healthcare ecosystem benefits from high-quality digital marketing support, such as that offered by a Guest Post Service Provider, which can enhance visibility for medical device companies through authoritative articles and backlinks. Organizations seeking to amplify their thought leadership should consider utilizing guest post backlinks and SEO guest posting services to reach targeted audiences in the vascular intervention community.