Technologies and Devices
Dr. Hill first began research in the arena of medical and surgical innovation 30 years ago. After serving as an advisor to numerous healthcare related startups in the Silicon Valley, he founded VasoNova, a bio-tech start-up based on catheter guidance technology for placing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and other central venous catheters (CVCs).
As the principal innovator, Dr. Hill collaborated with engineers to develop the technology which utilizes ECG and Doppler ultrasound data and computer algorithms to determine when a catheter tip is in the lower 1/3 of the superior vena cava. With accuracy approaching 100%, the technology was approved by the FDA in 2011 as an alternative to x-ray confirmation of CVC line placement.
In 2011, the company was acquired by Teleflex, Inc. and the VasoNova technology is now marketed under the Arrow brand. The technology, now called the Vascular Positioning System (VPS), is commercially available in the U.S and abroad and has been used in place of x-ray confirmation in many thousands of patient cases.
Dr. Hill’s work with VasoNova progressed through all stages of the company: original concept to company acquisition to market acceptance, engineering and intellectual property development, defining the clinical utility and value proposition, angel and venture capital fund raising, Board of Director experience, extensive bench and animal study work, clinical trial design, FDA and CE mark regulatory approval process, and translation of new technology to broad clinical practice.
Through the overall process, Dr. Hill learned several critical requirements for startup company success: the importance of innovative thinking, having a clear vision for broad-scale positive change, collaboration and team building, strategic planning and setting achievable goals at all phases of development, and effective ways to provide the necessary education for marketplace acceptance and company success.
Today, Dr. Hill continues innovating with his new Silicon Valley start-up, Venovation.
