Innovation Projects
Over the years, VA has shown a commitment to innovation in the ever-changing health care landscape. The VHA Innovators Network (iNET) launched in 2015 to build and empower a community of VHA employees who actively move VA forward using Innovation to better serve Veterans and their families. iNET takes a ground-up approach by using the first-hand knowledge of frontline employees to identify some of VA’s greatest challenges and develop both Veteran and employee-centric solutions through the network’s Spark-Seed-Spread Innovation Investment Program.
The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System joined iNET in 2016. Since then, employees at our facility have developed a wide range of innovative solutions including new clinical programs, processes, and devices, all focused to improve the care and lives of our Veterans. Students and staff at the APT Center have also received support from iNET and our facility’s local innovation program to accelerate innovative solutions. Examples of these APT Center projects include the following:
- SCI Rowing Program
- Portable Eye Recording Goggles
- Soft Exoskeleton for Trunk Stability
- Portable Intubation Box
- Footplate Pressure and Positioning Sensor System (FoPPS)
- Hybrid Powered Knee with Electrical Stimulation
- SCI Cycling Program
- Self-Leveling Walker
- Smart Artificial Urinary Sphincter (SAUS)
- Vascular Access Screening
- Wearable Sensor for Blood Pressure Estimation
- Wearable Sensor for Body Position and Fall Detection
Frank Zitko
Technical Innovation Specialist
Frank Zitko, the Technical Innovation Specialist for the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System and APT Center, assists facility staff in the development of their solutions and progress through the iNET accelerator. If you have any questions regarding the program or how to get involved, please reach out to Frank at Frank.Zitko@va.gov.
William Rasper
Research Biomedical Engineer
William Rasper assists facility staff with their innovation projects by providing mechanical, electrical, and software support. He is available to assist on the design, prototyping and fabrication of innovation projects in conjunction with Frank Zitko.
