Millions of people battling heart failure face worsening symptoms due to functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), a condition that often leads to repeated hospital stays and diminished quality of life. Cardiac Dimensions is tackling this problem with the Carillon Mitral Contour System — a minimally invasive device designed to reshape the mitral valve and restore better heart function without damaging valve leaflets.
Now, the company is gaining momentum after raising $53 million in an oversubscribed Series E funding round to fuel clinical trials and expand global commercialization. The Cardiac Dimensions heart failure funding round was led by Ally Bridge Group, with strong backing from existing investors like Hostplus, M.H. Carnegie, Horizon 3 Healthcare, and Lumira Ventures. New investor Claret Capital Partners also joined the round, signaling growing confidence in the Carillon system’s potential.
This latest raise builds on previous rounds — including a $35 million Series D in 2023 — bringing the company’s total funding to more than $214 million. With a solid financial foundation, Cardiac Dimensions is now focused on completing the U.S. pivotal EMPOWER Trial and accelerating global market expansion.
Founded in 2001 by Scott Wolf, Cardiac Dimensions has spent over two decades pioneering minimally invasive therapies for heart failure patients — particularly those with FMR. The Carillon system offers a unique solution: it repairs the mitral valve from the right side of the heart without replacing or damaging the valve itself.
Clinical studies show that up to 70% of heart failure patients suffer from FMR. The Carillon device targets the root cause, delivering significant reductions in mitral regurgitation while improving heart function. Notably, research led by Prof. Dr. Andreas Hagendorff found an 83% reduction in regurgitant fraction post-implantation — a major breakthrough for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
“The Carillon therapy is designed to be safe, simple, and effective — addressing a huge unmet need in heart failure care,” said Rick Wypych, President and CEO of Cardiac Dimensions. “This funding reflects strong belief in our technology’s potential to transform treatment for this patient population.”
The Series E funding will push two key initiatives: completing the EMPOWER Trial and expanding commercial sales worldwide. The EMPOWER Trial, a blinded, randomized, sham-controlled study — the first of its kind for mitral valve treatment — will generate the most rigorous clinical data to date. The trial builds on findings from over 250 patients in prior studies, setting a new benchmark in cardiovascular research.
Steve Plachtyna of Ally Bridge Group, now joining Cardiac Dimensions’ board, praised the company’s rapid progress. “We’re excited to support Cardiac Dimensions as they continue advancing their clinical work and scaling commercial sales. The team has made remarkable progress, and this funding will help accelerate both paths.”
Beyond the U.S., Cardiac Dimensions is strengthening its presence in Europe and Australia, operating out of Kirkland, Washington, Sydney, and Frankfurt. The company’s focus remains on bringing Carillon therapy to more patients worldwide, particularly those in earlier stages of FMR where intervention can delay disease progression.
Cardiac Dimensions is Improving Lives, One Heart at a Time
FMR affects up to 59% of heart failure patients and, if left untreated, leads to increased hospitalizations and higher mortality rates. Unlike other invasive procedures, Carillon therapy preserves the heart’s natural structure while promoting favorable left ventricular remodeling, improving survival rates, and enhancing quality of life.
What makes Carillon stand out is its ability to support future treatment options — giving physicians and patients greater flexibility in managing heart failure over time.
With significant financial backing and growing clinical evidence, Cardiac Dimensions is positioning the Carillon system as a first-line therapy for heart failure patients struggling with FMR. The company’s mission is clear: to deliver innovative, minimally invasive solutions that extend lives and improve outcomes for millions living with heart disease.
