FAQ: Houston Medical Company Wins Global Health Tech Competition at Scientific Sessions 2025

What is the main topic of this announcement?

Houston-based medical technology company PolyVascular was named the overall winner of the American Heart Association’s Health Tech Competition at Scientific Sessions 2025 for their innovative cardiovascular disease solutions.

Why is this competition and its winners significant?

The competition showcases groundbreaking health technologies that can help close the gap in cardiovascular care, as nearly half of U.S. adults live with cardiovascular disease or stroke, and these innovations reach people where they live, work and play.

How does PolyVascular’s winning technology work?

PolyVascular is developing a minimally invasive valve that can be expanded over time to grow with children who have congenital heart disease, potentially reducing the need for repeated open-heart surgeries.

Who were the other finalists in the competition?

Other finalists included Brainomix (AI-powered stroke diagnosis software), Lumia (wearable solutions for blood flow disorders), Noah Labs (voice-based digital biomarkers), and Cambrian Health (AI-powered clinical platform).

When and where did this competition take place?

The American Heart Association’s Health Tech Competition occurred at Scientific Sessions 2025 in Dallas, TX, with the announcement made on November 10, 2025.

What criteria were used to evaluate the competing technologies?

Solutions were evaluated based on three key criteria: validity (how well the prototype functions with customers), scientific rigor (use of evidence-based research), and impact (improvement of patient outcomes through innovative technology).

What benefits does PolyVascular’s technology offer?

The technology helps children with congenital heart disease avoid repeated open-heart surgeries, allowing them to enjoy healthier, more carefree lives by using a minimally invasive approach that grows with the child.

What recognition do the winners receive?

Both PolyVascular and Brainomix will be invited to join the American Heart Association’s Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network, which connects entrepreneurs, providers, researchers and payers to advance innovation.

What types of health problems did the competition address?

Finalists addressed clinical problems including heart failure, hypertension, congenital heart defects, stroke diagnosis, orthostatic intolerance, chronic blood flow disorders, and cardiometabolic diseases.

Who was involved in judging the competition?

Star Jones, attorney, TV personality and American Heart Association national volunteer, served as one of this year’s judges, comparing the competition to ‘our own version of Shark Tank’ for health innovations.