More than eight years after founding Augmedics, Nissan Elimelech is leaving the developer of augmented reality surgical guidance systems.
Elimelech stepped down from the corner office in January to make way for former Bardy Diagnostics CEO Kevin Hykes. Elimelech stayed on in a chief product officer role.
But in a LinkedIn post today, Elimelech said: “Building a successful startup is maybe the hardest thing ever, but the reward and satisfaction [is] worth the effort.”
He later cited “significant changes in the company and disagreements with the new management and board” for his departure. “I am now sitting on the sidelines in the cheerleading role, hoping that the company and the technology we have built will be as successful and transformative as we all hoped it will be.”
Hykes responded in a comment, saying, “Thank you, Nissan. Good luck in your next endeavor.”
Elimelech thanked Hykes and wished him and Augmedics well as he explores new opportunities.
More than 2,000 Xvision commercial cases for Augmedics
The news comes just weeks after the Chicago-based company announced more than 2,000 commercial cases completed utilizing its FDA-cleared Xvision spine system. The augmented reality guidance system enables surgeons to see patients’ anatomy as if they have “X-ray vision.” The goal is for surgeons to more accurately navigate instruments and implants during spine surgeries — without having to look away from the patient.
Just months after bringing on Hykes, the company hired Medtronic veteran Reed Krider as its chief marketing officer. Nadav Tomer, who retired in January from a role as global president of spine for J&J’s DePuy Synthes, joined the company’s board.
MassDevice‘s Medical Design & Outsourcing sister site in 2020 featured Augmedics among its roundup of 20 medical device startups you need to know.