UC Health physicians, who hold dual roles as researchers in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, have consistently pushed the boundaries of medical knowledge and practice. With a commitment to advancing patient care, they have pioneered groundbreaking discoveries and advancements to improve lives around the world.
Over the last five years, several UC physicians have funneled their innovations through the UC Venture Lab program, an initiative that expedites the startup process and fosters commercialization. Some have also engaged with UC's Tech Transfer team to disclose and file patent protections on their inventions.
Among the recent breakthroughs are:
- Pep Buddy: This revolutionary hands-free device was designed by Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, and Ralph J. Panos, MD. As highlighted in a recent news article, the invention offers immense potential in alleviating respiratory challenges faced by the 12.5 million Americans living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With COPD, it takes longer for people to get inhaled air out of their lungs, causing "air stacking" and leading to decreased oxygen levels. Pep Buddy, which works like a whistle, helps reduce breathlessness, providing people with a renewed sense of ease and improved quality of life.
- Spiritus: Justin Benoit, MD, Jason McMullan, MD and Ephraim Gutmark, MD - along with Paul Bruggeman, PhD, a mentor in the Venture Lab program - were driven by a shared vision to improve rescue breathing during emergency situations. The research team created a device to measure airflow from a bag-valve mask; the self-inflating mask has been used for nearly 70 years, but currently there is no way for emergency professionals to know if they are giving the patient an optimal amount of oxygen. By providing accurate airflow measurements, the apparatus - when approved by the FDA - could empower medical professionals to deliver more precise and effective treatment.
- TeleSMART Health: This innovative platform was developed by Christopher Lewis, MD, to provide remote health care to underserved populations. With this revolutionary technology, physicians can conduct comprehensive physical examinations on patients, including vital tasks like listening to hearts and lungs. The customized kits include devices such as a stethoscope, glucose monitor and blood pressure monitor, along with a smart tablet. By bridging the gap between health care providers and underserved communities, TeleSMART Health empowers doctors to deliver high-quality care remotely, helping to ensure that no patient is left behind.
- Cell patch to repair hearts: Under the leadership of Yigang Wang, MD, a breakthrough in cardiac regeneration is unfolding. Driven by the urgent need to address muscle damage from heart attacks, Wang is developing a "cell patch." The laboratory-grown muscle patch is designed to be affixed to the damaged area of the heart, replacing impaired cells and paving the way for a self-repair process. The advancement offers hope for millions worldwide affected by heart conditions, presenting a path toward enhanced cardiac recovery and improved quality of life. If further research bears out, the technology could be a significant milestone in the treatment of heart attacks.
From novel treatments to game-changing medical devices, UC's physician-led innovations continue revolutionizing the way we understand, diagnose and treat diseases.
Featured image at top: University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand.
