The Department of Veterans Affairs “Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Research and Development” houses the “Advanced Platform Technology” (APT) Center. The APT Center located at the Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center operates in partnership with Case Western Reserve University, and collaborates with clinicians and researchers at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
In general, The APT Center is creating cross cutting assistive and restorative technologies within a structured framework facilitating regulatory compliance, disseminating information within the rehabilitation community, and providing commercialization possibilities to outside manufacturers.
Projects have concentrated primarily on developing new materials and microsystems for interfacing with the nervous system, repairing orthopedic trauma, accelerating wound healing, replacing or restoring natural limbs, sensory and organ system function, and finding new ways to monitor health issues.
One research project is addressing the need for the first portable biocompatible artificial lung capable of both long and short term respiratory support to improve the daily functioning of individuals with chronic lung disease.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects about 16 percent of veterans which makes COPD the fourth most prevalent disease in the VA. Some veterans returning from the battlefield have been exposed to chemicals. As a result, respiratory conditions have been reported by over 2.3 million veterans.
The technology pioneered by the APT Center has the potential to serve as a bridge for patients with chronic lung disease and lung cancer so that the research could eventually lead to the development of the first implantable artificial lung for semi-permanent support.
Go to www.aptcenter.reseach.va.gov for more information.