About Us

How Synapse Started

Synapse Biomedical Inc. (SBI) was founded in September 2002 to commercialize the NeuRx® Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS) which has been developed during a twenty-year period, in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University and the University Hospitals of Cleveland. The innovative research performed at these institutions has led to significant advances in state-of-the-art electrical stimulation for the treatment of chronic respiratory insufficiency.

Utilizing the Power of the NeuRx DPS®

This innovation allows clinicians to reach beyond current methods of treatment to meet the ventilatory needs of people dependent on mechanical ventilation due to spinal cord injuries and to provide diaphragm conditioning for patients with ALS.

Our Culture

Our culture is best described by its people: smart, driven, energetic and committed to improve the lives of individuals with neurological impairment, such as spinal cord injury, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease and others.

Our Mission

Synapse Biomedical (SBI) is dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of life-altering neurostimulation products. The pioneering of this technology will allow the global healthcare community to reach beyond current methods of treatment and provide a new standard of care to improve patient outcomes.

The Synapse Team

Anthony R. Ignagni

President & CEO

Anthony R. Ignagni is the President & CEO of Synapse Biomedical, as well as a co-founder. He brings to the company over 30 years of experience in the development and commercialization of neurostimulation medical devices. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and managed software development at the Cleveland FES Center for eleven years. As a founding member of NeuroControl Corp. and VP of New Product Development & Operations, he has brought neurostim devices to market in the US and Europe.

Moustapha Diop

Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director-Europe

Moustapha Diop joined Synapse Biomedical in 2005 as Chief Operating Officer. He has over 25 years of experience in the medical device industry and prior to Synapse Biomedical, he was the Director of Global Operations Planning for Invacare Corporation. Moustapha relocated to France as Director of European Operations with NeuroControl where his responsibilities also included management of sales and marketing in Northern Europe. He is a graduate of Phillips Academy – Andover, he has his Bachelor degree in Physics from Oberlin College and Masters in Operations Management from Weatherhead School of Management (Case Western Reserve University).

Timothy Crish

V.P. of Product Development

Timothy Crish joined Synapse Biomedical in 2006 as V.P. of Product Development & Operations. He has over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry (implantables, circuitry & software). Over the years, he has held various engineering positions in product development at the Cleveland FES Center as well as at Axon Engineering, Picker International, Life Systems Inc., and Case Western Reserve University. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

Dave Mahilo

Vice President of Quality

Dave Mahilo has over 25 years of experience with medical devices (Class I-III, electrical, software, CE marking, International) while holding various quality assurance/engineering roles in Quality Engineering, Reliability Engineering, and Product Design Qualification primarily with Invacare Corporation.  Dave’s past experience also includes Six Sigma experience along with years of product standards development with ISO organizations.  Dave has a Bachelor in Science in Industrial Engineering from Cleveland State University along with ASQ CQE and ASQ CQA credentials.  Dave was a past course instructor for the Cleveland Section of ASQ and past Chair-Education for Cleveland ASQ.

Russ Moskol

V.P. of Operations

Russ Moskol joined Synapse Biomedical in 2006 as Engineering Manager. In 2012 He was promoted to Director of Operations in charge of Manufacturing Engineering, IT dept., purchasing, production and in 2023 promoted to Vice President of Operations. He has over 30 years of experience with class 1-111 medical devices including blood analyzers, implantable, external devices and cleanroom product. Over the years, he has held various engineering positions in product development, manufacturing and testing areas at Ciba Corning, Bayer, Neuro Control, Sparton Medical.  Prior to His carrier in the Medical Instrumental field, He served 6 years in the United States Marine Corps.

Discover the Benefits of Diaphragm Pacing Technology

Learn More About the NeuRx DPS®

Patients interested in utilizing the NeuRx DPS® should speak with their physician about ordering the device. If you have any questions about using this device to condition your diaphragm, or if you want to learn more about the NeuRx DPS®, please contact the Synapse Biomedical team.