Oakland County Seeks 'INNO-VATOR of the Year' Nominees

Oakland County’s Medical Main Street is seeking nominations for its 2013 “INNO-VATOR of the Year” award that honors the creators of a medical device which demonstrates the most dramatic change in the medical device industry in Michigan. 

The award will be given on Nov. 7 during Medical Main Street’s INNO-VENTION 2013 Conference in Troy. The deadline to submit an entry is Sept. 17. Forms and conference registration information can be found at www.MedicalMainStreet.org.

“Some of the most advanced research and development in the medical device industry is happening in Michigan,” Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “Medical Main Street is looking to recognize and honor the individuals who are saving lives and improving the quality of life for countless patients with their Michigan-made innovations.” 

Medical devices are used in the diagnosis and cure of disease and other conditions. To be considered for the award, the device must have been developed in Michigan, achieved prototype development and validation, and incorporate a game-changing innovation. In 2012, two companies were named co-winners of the inaugural INNO-VATOR of the Year:

• Sentio, a Southfield company that created the SentioMMG, a neuro-diagnostic device that monitors and tests nerve function, alerting surgeons when nerves are at risk during surgery.
• Ablative Solutions Inc., a Kalamazoo company that created a catheter that damages nerve fibers that pass from the brain to the kidney. The damaged nerves send fewer signals to a sick patient, which lowers blood pressure and treats hypertension. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is less painful for the patient.

INNO-VENTION 2013, set for Nov. 6-8 at the Troy Marriott Hotel, focuses on how information technology is fueling changes in health care and its impact on the next generation of medical devices. The conference, with the Medical Main Street Network, builds valuable relationships and productive collaborations in the Southeast Michigan region and globally.

Source: Oakland County