Our Technologies
Through the Spectrum Health Innovations process our team can identify those projects with the most potential for impact. Below are examples of those types of innovations and start ups. Contact us today if you have any questions or want more information.
Start Ups
The thermal bra was an idea brought to SHI from a Spectrum Health employee who had breast cancer. Working with a group of Central Michigan University students (now alumni) the team developed a prototype and they recently created a start-up company called Elemental.
The thermal bras are available in two designs and colors and can be reserved through Kickstarter.
Airway Innovations is a company formed to solve a problem with endotracheal tube (ETT) holders. ETT holders currently on the market do not prevent unplanned removal or extubation of a hospital patient’s breathing tube, which can cause significant airway trauma or death. To solve this problem the team re-thought how the endotracheal tube is held in place as well has how an ETT holder interacts with the patient’s face, increasing stability, strength, and comfort. In doing so, Airway Innovations’ life-saving device is able to reduce the occurrence of unplanned extubations, pressure sores, and skin breakdown.
This device provides full back and lateral support, allowing patients to work on their core strength for sooner, and for longer periods at a time, effectively decreasing time in the hospital.
On the Market
Pannus Support
Designed to hold the pannus during ultrasound, cath-lab, and other procedures, this innovative support was created to accommodate both patient and healthcare-professional needs with its comfortable fit and easy-to-use straps. The heavy-duty, seatbelt-style straps attach to beds and tables and are adjustable for a more comfortable, secure fit, while the elastic support stretches easily to fit patients. Antimicrobial, fluid-resistant Vestex material adds an extra layer of protection, while the machine washable support is easy to clean after use.
Available for purchase from MarketLab
Suction Supply Receptacle
The Suction Supply Receptacle is designed to better organize suction canisters and their lids. This device allows these items to be more neatly organized and conveniently accessed in a wall-mounted storage device.
Available for purchase from MarketLab
Isolation Gown Storage
The Isolation Gown Storage device is similar to an oversized “Kleenex” box and is designed to house the gowns and prevent several gowns from being pulled out at once.
Available for purchase from MarketLab
Stainless Steel Patient Specimen Drop Box
Designed with HIPAA compliance in mind, this innovative patient specimen drop box has two chutes to hold specimen containers while protecting them from patient interference or view.
Available for purchase from MarketLab:
White Drop Box
Stainless Steel Drop Box
In Use
Port Protector
The port protector was designed to prevent the damage the occurs from the downward force of repeated tugging and lines hanging from, or on, the vacuum or gas devices. Fixing or replacing the port can also lead to shutting down multiple rooms which creates larger scale issues, costs and risks.
3-D Printed Gel Holder
A 3-D printed gel holder for ultrasound carts that was designed to hold the ultrasound gel bottle and provide a place to wrap the electrical cord when going portable.
Probe Holder
The Probe holder is an external rubber grip that fits around the ultrasound probe holder that allows a whole-hand grasp with a power-grip posture the helps reduce hand fatigue. While still allowing the sonographer to make precise moments.
Epilepsy Monitoring Patient Video
Working with the Spectrum Health Epilepsy Monitoring Unit team and students of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, this video was designed to help patients and families understand what to expect when they are admitted. Watch the video.
In Development
Osteo Sheath Device
The osteo sheath device is a drywall anchor-like concept, that is used in rotator cuff repair surgeries. It incorporates flanges to ensure it sticks in the softer bone and reduces the need for additional surgeries.
External Urinary Device
The external urinary collection device for females was designed as an alternative to the use of indwelling catheters and briefs. The device helps reduce the occurence of catheter associated urinary infections.
Patient Auto Slider
The Patient Auto Slider is made to perform lateral patient transfers specifically, under the operation of just one clinician, without having to exert any force, or manipulate patients in any way. A qualitative study is currently underway.
Shoulder Brace
The should brace is designed to support people suffering with shoulder instability. It is fully functional, allowing full Range of Motion (ROM) while providing support for anterior, inferior, posterior, and multidirectional instabilities. Genesis Innovation Group.
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
The new design for the epilepsy monitoring unit room is meant to better support patient mobility, safety and satisfaction during diagnostic EEG and during seizures. Spectrum Health Foundation is currently fundraising for the construction of this room.
Do you have an idea that could solve a health care problem?
Spectrum Health Innovations is here to help Spectrum Health Employees bring novel ideas to life.
