Jim Bullock has been named president and CEO of Atritech (Minneapolis). Bullock, previously an entrepreneur-in-residence for Split Rock Partners, also has recently served as president and CEO of Endocardial Solutions. Atritech has developed the Watchman left at-rial appendage system, a device-based solution to isolate the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation who require blood-thinning medications.

Robert Palardy has resigned as vice president of finance and administration, CFO and secretary of Cambridge Heart (Bedford, Massachusetts). Palardy left the company after seven years as CFO for a new opportunity in Florida. Its accounting and financial functions will report directly to President and CEO David Chazanovitz until a replacement is identified. Cambridge Heart is engaged in the development of products for the non-invasive diagnosis of cardiac disease.

Dr. Stephen Grant has joined Celladon (La Jolla, California) as chief medical officer following service in clinical and regulatory affairs at the FDA, most recently as a medical officer and team leader in the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapy. Celladon develops treatments for cardiovascular diseases, with its first product targeting congestive heart failure using a gene-based therapy to improve calcium cycling in the heart.

Gerald Seery has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of international operations for CryoLife (Kennesaw, Georgia). Seery has been president of CryoLife Europa, based in the UK, for the past three years. In his new post, he will be based at corporate headquarters in Kennesaw. Seery joined CryoLife in 1993 and has held several positions with the company, including marketing manager for vascular tissues, director of marketing, vice president of marketing and president of the Aurazyme subsidiary. CryoLife is a biomaterials and biosurgical device company.

Kelly Elliott, RN, has joined Spectranetics (Colorado Springs, Colorado) as vice president of clinical affairs. Elliott most recently served as senior director, clinical applications research and training development at Stereotaxis. Spectranetics manufactures single-use medical devices used in minimally invasive surgical procedures within the cardiovascular system in conjunction with its excimer laser system.

Jane Wilder has been appointed secretary and legal counsel for Ventracor (Sydney, Australia). Wilder takes over from Bernadette Kerrigan, who will provide support to quality, regulatory and clinical affairs teams preparing for the commencement of implants in the U.S. and Ventracor's application for CE mark approval for the VentrAssist. Wilder was recently company secretary and corporate solicitor for Tempo Services until its recent takeover and delisting. Ventracor has developed the VentrAssist left ventricular assist system for pati-ents in cardiac failure.