CIMIT Signature Initiatives

CIMIT is the first — and only — organization focused solely on bringing clinicians, engineers and scientists together; encouraging them to collaborate and find innovative technological solutions to important healthcare problems; and supporting them at every step of the way, from concept through implementation.

Focused in the areas of greatest opportunity for technology to make transformational change in the current paradigm of patient care, CIMIT Science Programs offer an insider’s view of the future of medicine — where and how technology has the potential to transform healthcare in the not-too-distant future. Below are some innovative examples of the many initiatives that CIMIT is supporting.

NOTES: Natural Orifice Translumenal
Endoscopic Surgery
A transformational new diagnostic and therapeutic approach that utilizes the mouth, anus and vagina to enter the abdominal, pelvic and thoracic cavities, natural orifice surgery (NOTES) is becoming a viable option for minimally invasive procedures.  In early 2008, CIMIT awarded its $2.1 million Strategic Project to the NOTES initiative lead by Dr. David Rattner and Dr. Christopher Thompson. With this award, CIMIT’s investment in NOTES research will top $3 million overall, making CIMIT the largest financial sponsor of this technology worldwide.

» July 2010: NOTES Progress Report

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Inhalation Technology
CIMIT’s Inhalation Technology Program (ITP) explores using the respiratory tract to diagnose and treat both acute and chronic respiratory and non-respiratory ailments. Respiratory diseases, from infections to obstructive lung disease to cancer, are major public health problems, and acute respiratory infections are the third largest cause of death worldwide. This CIMIT program seeks to develop technologies to facilitate inhalation therapy that will help reduce human suffering and eventually health care costs.

» July 2010: Inhalation Technology Progress Report

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Of The Futures
In 2002, CIMIT launched a pioneering initiative — the MGH “Operating Room of the Future” (ORF) project, with the full support of the institution’s clinical and administrative leadership. The ORF is a “living laboratory” that explores new technology platforms and systems of care for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures, which has now treated over 4,000 patients. Today, CIMIT's Clinical Systems Innovation Program has expanded its Of The Futures project to develop the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Future, Emergency Department of the Future, and Ambulatory Practice of the Future.

 

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Medical Device Plug-and-Play
Medical Device "Plug-and-Play" Interoperability Program is leading the adoption of open standards and technology to interconnect medical devices for improving patient safety and healthcare efficiency. That means that all devices and electronic systems are linked, so that information is exchanged and mistakes are minimized. A national team of doctors and scientists who make up the Medical Device PnP Program are headed by Dr. Julian M. Goldman, CIMIT Director of Interoperability. At the 2007 CIMIT Innovation Congress, CIMIT awarded the team with the CIMIT Edward M. Kennedy Award for Healthcare Innovation.

 

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Simulation

CIMIT's Simulation Program is focused on creating realistic training tools so that doctors, medics and first responders can practice on mannequins in a simulated trauma setting. This dual use program — supporting both civilian and soldier medicine — received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Army to continue its efforts in developing tools that will be used for trauma training.