Ann Arbor Times

Two faculty members from the University of Michigan have been recognized by the National Academy of Inventors, receiving one of the highest professional distinctions for inventors. Robert Bartlett, professor emeritus of surgery at the Medical School, and Zhen Xu, a professor in both biomedical engineering and radiology and neurosurgery at the Medical School, were elected to the academy this month.

Bartlett and Xu were nominated due to their innovative research efforts that have translated discoveries into new products and technologies addressing significant global challenges. Kelly Sexton, U-M associate vice president for research, innovation partnerships, and economic impact stated, “This recognition is a testament to the profound impact Dr. Bartlett and Dr. Xu have had on improving health care and transforming patient lives.”

Bartlett is credited with developing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a technology providing cardiac and respiratory support for patients whose heart and lungs are unable to sustain life. His contributions extend to critical care physiology, acute kidney injury, and continuous hemofiltration.

Xu's work led to histotripsy invention—a cancer treatment technique using sound waves to break down tumors—which has grown into a field studied globally. Her team’s efforts resulted in HistoSonics' formation—a U-M startup which gained FDA clearance last year for its Edison device aimed at treating liver tumors. The technology is currently being tested for other treatments. Both Xu and the University of Michigan hold financial interests in HistoSonics.

In 2023, Xu's team received the Distinguished University Innovator of the Year Award from the Office of the Vice President for Research.

The NAI Fellows Program honors academic inventors demonstrating prolific innovation spirit impacting quality of life, economic development, and societal welfare. Nominees must be named inventors on patents issued by the U.S. Patent Office affiliated with academic entities.

Paul Sanberg, president of NAI remarked on this year's class saying: “This year’s class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors...making significant contributions to science...and growing the economy.”

Since 2013, 15 University of Michigan faculty members have been named NAI Fellows. In 2013, U-M President Santa J. Ono was honored through his association with the University of British Columbia.