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Cleveland Clinic's Top 10 Medical Inventions for 2021

Cleveland Clinic professionals continue to predict device, technology, theme, and therapy advances.

Cleveland Clinic's Top 10 Medical Inventions for 2021

1. Gene Therapy for Hemoglobinopathies

Latest research in the hemoglobinopathy space has brought an experimental gene therapy, giving those who suffer the potential to make functional hemoglobin molecules.

2. Novel Drug for Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

A new, FDA-approved therapeutic monoclonal antibody with a novel target is the first and only MS treatment for the primary-progressive population.

3. Smartphone-Connected Pacemaker Devices

Earning its place amid other new innovative medical technology are Bluetooth-enabled pacemaker devices to remedy this issue of disconnection between patients and their cardiac treatment.

4. New Medication for Cystic Fibrosis

A new combination drug, FDA approved in October 2019, is providing CF relief for patients with the most common CF gene mutation (F508 del) – estimated to represent 90 percent of individuals living with CF.

5. Universal Hepatitis C Treatment

A new, approved fixed-dose combination medication has vastly improved hepatitis C treatment. More than 90 percent effective for hepatitis C genotypes 1-6, the treatment represents an effective option.

6. Bubble CPAP for Increased Lung Function in Premature Babies

Unlike mechanical ventilation, b-CPAP is a non-invasive ventilation strategy—delivering continuous positive airway pressure to newborns to maintain lung volumes during exhalation.

7. Increased Access to Telemedicine through Novel Practice & Policy Changes

COVID-19 saw increased adoption of telemedical practices. An increasingly virtual care model and increased consumer adoption came by way of fundamental shifts in policy at government and provider levels.

8. Vacuum-Induced Uterine Tamponade Device for Postpartum Hemorrhage

The vacuum-induced device represents another minimally-invasive tool for clinicians to battle the complication and provides a low tech solution that is potentially translatable to developing countries.

9. PARP Inhibitors for Prostate Cancer

Known for their success in women’s cancers, two PARP inhibitors have been demonstrated to delay the progression of prostate cancer in men. Both were approved in May 2020 for prostate cancer.

10. Immunologics for Migraine Prophylaxis

Actively prescribed in 2020 with no signs of slowing adoption in 2021, this new FDA-approved class of medication for migraine sufferers is helping countless individuals reclaim their lives.

By Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 10.07.20

At Cleveland Clinic, a shared passion for the delivery of superior care and an embedded culture of innovation foster continuous healthcare improvement dialogue amongst its clinicians and researchers. As such, Cleveland Clinic’s experts always have their finger on the pulse of new technologies slated to change the face of healthcare. The Top 10 Medical Innovations program was launched to share their insight with the broader healthcare community, and year after year, Cleveland Clinic professionals continue to successfully predict device, technology, theme, and therapy advances. With the Top 10, it informs and inspires professionals from all domains to advance practices for the benefit of patients everywhere.

For a coveted spot on the Top 10 list, innovations undergo a rigorous selection process. Each year, the team interviews nearly 100 Cleveland Clinic thought leaders to elicit more than 150 nominations, which are compiled and vetted by an established committee.

To receive consideration, nominated technologies have to meet the following criteria:

The innovation must have a significant clinical impact and offer certain patient benefit in comparison to current practices (improved outcomes, lower costs, fulfillment of an unmet need, etc.).
The innovation must have a high probability of widespread health ecosystem adoption in the coming year.
If applicable, the innovation must be in or exiting clinical trials with published superior results and a high probability of approval/clearance in the coming year.
The innovation must have significant human interest in its application or benefits.

Find more information about the top 10 list, including videos covering each innovation, here!