Innovation is a family tradition for Robert Fischell, the inventor of the first implantable insulin pump. Between him and his three sons, David, Tim, and Scott Fischell, they have more than 300 U.S. and international patents in the biomedical, medical device, and other fields.
It is a great pleasure to be surrounded by sons who are extremely smart, Fischell says. I bounce ideas off them and they bounce ideas off me. There is a synergy created.
One of the latest results of this synergy is a pacemaker-size implantable computer used for detecting ischemia from a gradually narrowing coronary artery, and for the earliest possible detection of a heart attack. Fischell founded Angel Medical Systems Inc., where his son David is CEO, to bring this technology into clinical use. Angel is one of more than half a dozen companies, including Pacesetter Systems, IsoStent, NeuroPace, and NeuraLieve, that Fischell has founded since 1969 to develop his inventions. Although he can look back on a lifetime of achievement, at 75 he is still in pursuitof the next innovation.
As an inventor, you must look at something very difficult and in your mind, say, A-ha, why dont I do it this way? he says. If something didnt work, you have to say, Heres a chance to make it better.
Fischells contributions to the field of biomedical technology have earned him numerous honors, including the NASA Exceptional Engineering Award in 1980, the NASA Space Act Award in 1984, and Inventor of the Year for 1984. He was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 1988. Comments about this article?
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