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 Programs and Strategic Initiatives 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.

Strategic Initiative Programs on
» Integrated Clinical Environments:
Clinical Systems Innovation
- Of The Futures
- Medical Device Plug-and-Play
Simulation

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

» October 2010: $10 Million NIH Quantum Grant Awarded to Interoperability Team
Led by Dr. Julian Goldman.

 

Simulation

CIMIT's Simulation Program is focused on creating effective, realistic training tools, deploying new models for simulation-aided learning and  using technology to create simulated environments where clinicians and others care providers can develop, test, and refine optimal approaches to clinical care. This dual use program — supporting both civilian and soldier medicine. Projects like COMETS, an interactive, full body trauma casualty system that reacts autonomously to an extensive range of situations, allow medics and first responders to access and practice treatments involving complex medical conditions in environments where care will be given.

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Strategic Initiative Programs on
» NeuroHealth:
Neurotechnology
Traumatic Brain Injury & Neurotrauma
Traumatic Stress Disorders

 

 

 

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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

VIDEO Q&A with David Rattner, MD:
» What is NOTES?
» NOTES vs. Endoscopy
» What is TEM?
» TEM Procedure and Collaboration
» What is the Boston-based NOTES Initiative?
» Is NOTES an Improvement over Traditional Laparoscopic Procedures
» What Procedures Might Benefit from the NOTES Approach?
» What is a Typical Minimally Invasive Thoracic Procedure?
» What is the Potential for NOTES?
» NOTES vs. Single-Port Surgery
» The Evolution of NOTES
» The Role of CIMIT
» When might Patients Benefit from NOTES?

 

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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