Case Study: Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. achieves 25% faster development and 20% lower manufacturing costs with SolidWorks

Improving the treatment of vascular disease with SolidWorks software

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. faced the challenge of developing, commercializing, and manufacturing safe, effective orbital atherectomy devices to remove calcified arterial plaque and improve patient outcomes. To move beyond 2D concepts and bring disposable, high‑precision devices like the Diamondback 360® to market, Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. turned to SolidWorks software—implementing SolidWorks CAD along with SolidWorks Simulation Premium and SolidWorks Composer to meet visualization, analysis, and manufacturability needs.

Using SolidWorks, CSI applied design-for-manufacturability tools (DFMXpress, TolAnalyst, moldability analysis), structural and fatigue simulation, and Composer-driven assembly animations to streamline development and production. SolidWorks helped CSI reduce development time by 25%, cut manufacturing costs by 20%, validate lower‑cost materials for disposable devices, eliminate paper instructions in the clean room, and ultimately enable a clinically effective treatment that improves the health and lifestyles of vascular disease patients.

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.

Christopher Narveson

Design and Engineering Services Manager