Research News

To turn ideas into action, Cleveland Clinic Innovations and Cleveland Clinic Philanthropy host the annual Innovations Challenge Pitch Competition to connect inventors, donors and industry leaders. Sponsored by Jones Day, the event offers a behind-the-scenes look at prototypes, demonstrations and introductions to inventors and venture companies.  

The event culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where Cleveland Clinic's most promising new innovators make a case and hope to win a $100,000 grant funded by Jones Day. At this year's event, three Cleveland Clinic innovators competed for the grant to turn their concepts into real-world solutions. Nearly 150 attendees listened to their pitches and voted for the invention with the greatest potential to shape patient care. 

Winner - Restore the Flow: Thrombectomy Catheter, Ihab Haddadin, MD  

Dr. Haddadin developed his technology from his experience as an interventionalist treating pulmonary embolisms, which are the third leading cause of cardiovascular death. In the operating room, interventionalists use a catheter to dissolve a clot. The catheter is effective, but it is difficult to control and can take several minutes to position accurately. 

"The difference between a 5-minute procedure and a 20-minute procedure can be lifesaving," says Dr. Haddadin. "I searched for a solution on the market, but the available products don't align with the clinical need."  

He collaborated with Shengqiang Gao, PhD, Cleveland Clinic Polymer Core, to invent a solution that improves clot capture and aspiration, while allowing clinicians to quickly secure the right position. This can result in faster surgeries and better patient outcomes. The winnings from the competition will help Dr. Haddadin and his team validate and scale the invention so it can be available around the world.  

While reflecting on his experience, Dr. Haddadin said this invention would not be possible without the collaborative environment of Cleveland Clinic.  

"My biggest takeaway from this experience is the importance of collaboration," he says. "From the caregivers in the lab to the engineers to the team in the Innovations office – our team had access to invaluable expertise through every stage of invention. You can't get this type of support and collaboration anywhere else."  

Accelerating Innovation  

The Innovations Challenge Pitch Competition is just one example of how Philanthropy is accelerating innovation. Philanthropy's Venture Fund allows donors to advance new technologies and maintain a strong pipeline for transformative ideas. 

"Working with Philanthropy and connecting with donors helps us showcase transformational technologies and accelerate development," says Sarah Stamp, General Manager, Engagement for Cleveland Clinic Innovations. "Events like the Pitch Competition spotlight the work of Dr. Haddadin and others, showing that groundbreaking ideas originate all around us."