Medical innovations spring from C. Mass. facilities
Medical technology is driving new ideas at area firms, from diagnostic devices to new health plan benefits.
Among recent successes, Fallon Community Health Plan recently launched new database services, offering comparison tools for its members. Sudbury-based Methods Machine Tools offers the RoboDrill E, a machine adapted for manufacturing medical devices. And WPI researchers have developed a new breast cancer coil for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), offering affordable scans and better imaging.Fallon’s website features online services that compare hospitals and physicians. Originally pioneered by Acton-based HealthShare Technology, LLC, the software is now powered by healthcare giant WebMD. By using data reported to federal and state agencies, the information hub can provide side-by-side breakdowns for local institutions based on price, mortality, length of stay and other criteria. Assistant VP of Quality and Health Services Ann Marie Sciammacco says technology like this is becoming the standard.
"Clients want these services," says Sciammacco. "Because of the higher costs associated with health care, they want to be able to compare costs."
In manufacturing, Methods Machine Tools, Inc., Sudbury is using its prowess in retrofitting and upgrading equipment to improve medical devices. A recent example is the company’s work with its RoboDrill E, a Japanese-built machine originally developed for the automotive industry. After a series of computer upgrades and robotic additions in Methods’ 68,000-sq.-ft. customization center, the device can now machine smooth finishes on medical devices like knee joints, tubular and solid needles, and dental tools.
"Doctors who use these devices are extremely fussy as to how the products look," says John Crean, RoboDrill product manager. "If they see blemishes on the devices, they won’t want it."
More on the horizon
WPI researchers have developed a new MRI coil that allows for more accurate breast cancer screenings by using two separate cups. The coils can home in on the desired area, offering bi-lateral imaging. The device also captures the underarm region where breast cancer cells can grow, an area missed by traditional scans.
Professor Reinhold Ludwig is overseeing the project, which will undergo continued experimental testing at Harvard’s McLean Hospital and Dartmouth’s Hitchcock Medical Center. To move closer to selling the device to a vendor, however, Ludwig needs more funding.
"Finding investors is one of our challenges," admits Ludwig. "From our perspective, we need enough financing for a one year program to test volunteers before we can begin to market it."
Jeffrey T. Lavery can be reached at jlavery@wbjournal.com
WBJ Web Partners
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