Cleveland Clinic: Top 10 Innovations of 2009`

Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2009 (reproduced from Cleveland Clinic)

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.