For the past two decades, arteries have outshone veins as a source of inspiration for clinicians, investors and entrepreneurs. Interventional cardiology now stands as a paradigm of innovation and adoption of dramatic new technologies capable of treating the deadliest of diseases. Veins, meanwhile, while serving an equally integral responsibility within the circulatory system, have been designated as a place where technologies, start-ups, and the capital that has funded them go to die.
This isn't the veins' fault. Clogged arteries can lead to heart attack, death, or limb amputations. Without immediate and effective...