Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2009
Welcome to the third edition of our Top 10 Medical Innovations. We are pleased to share with you the final results of a rigorous selection process that started many months ago when we asked scores of our clinicians and researchers at the Cleveland Clinic the simple question: "Whatgame-changing medical technology, device, or therapy do you see breaking through in 2009?"
Cleveland Clinic's culture of innovation naturally fosters a good deal of discussion about "hot" new technologies and which ones will have the greatest impact each year. The purpose of our annual "Top 10 Medical Innovations" is to share the perspective of our leaders on what innovations they felt would help to re-shape health care in the next year. As you turn the pages and move from innovation #10, through to the #1 selection for 2009, we are certain that you will be amazed by the diversity of these innovations, their unique utility, and by their truly game changing nature.
Cleveland Clinic Top 10 for 2009
1. Use of Circulating Tumor Cell Technology:
Use of new technology to measure circulating tumor cells as a predictor of success of chemotherapy.
2. Warm Organ Perfusion Device:
Warm organ perfusion device to preserve organs for transplantation during transplant.
3. Diaphragm Pacing System:
Use of a diaphragm (phrenic nerve) stimulator to enable paralyzed patients to breath without the assistance of a mechanical ventilator.
4. Multi-Spectral Imaging Systems:
Improvements in multi-spectral image analysis to assess multiple protein pathway configuration in a single sample/cell.
5. Percutaneous Mitral Valve Regurgitation Repair:
Use of a special clip to percutaneously repair mitral valve regurgitation (MVR).
6. New Strategies for Creating Vaccines for Avian Flu:
Use of new strategies for creating vaccines for avian flu, including genetically-engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) as the basis for vaccines.
7. LESS and NOTES Applications:
Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopy (NOTES) for nephrectomy, cystectomy, prostatectomy, colon resection, and other applications.
8. Integration of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (Tractography):
Integration of diffusion tensor imaging (tractography) with surgical navigation of the brain to minimize damage to fiber tracts during brain surgery.
9. Doppler-Guided Uterine Artery Occlusion:
Doppler-guided non-invasive transvaginal uterine artery occlusion for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.
10. Private Sector National Health Information Exchange:
Use of a common exchange standard among participants to enable access through the Internet regardless of provider source.