Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> August 3, 1998
MANUEL A. VILLAFANA is Chairman and CEO of ATS Medical, a company that
develops, manufactures and markets an innovative open pivot, pyrolytic
carbon, mechanical heart valve. The ATS Open Pivot valve is designed to
'Advance the Standard' of existing mechanical heart valves by providing
improved performance and by being easier to implant and monitor. Since
1972, he has launched three of the country's most successful medical
technology companies. Starting with cardiac Pacemakers in 1972 and St.
Jude Medical in 1976, he has become a legend in the medical industry. It
is difficult to pinpoint Mr. Villafana's strongest ability. His sense of
judgment, expertise in sales and marketing and the ability to select and
motivate talented employees are but a few of his entrepreneurial skills.
He is active in community affairs. He has been a guest speaker at many
medical conferences and symposiums. In 1983, he was elected to the
Minnesota Business Hall of Fame. In 1990, he received the National
Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award from 'INC.' magazine. In 1993, he
was elected to the National Alumni Hall of Fame for the Boys and Girls
Club of America as well as being elected to the hall of Fame of his
school, Cardinal Hayes High School. Sector - Medical Devices Profile
on ATS Medical, and then bring us up to date. Over the next two to three
years, what do you see as the key opportunities and
