Innovation is at the heart of modern healthcare, and few leaders embody this better than Dr. Albert Chin. As Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Orare Medsystems Inc., Dr. Chin has spent over four decades advancing medical technology to improve patient outcomes.
With more than 230 patents and multiple successful startups, he is a leading figure in medical device innovation, focused on developing practical, scalable solutions for critical healthcare challenges.
Building a Strong Foundation: Education and Early Career
Dr. Albert Chin’s success is rooted in a world-class educational background. He earned:
- A Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- A Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University
- A Doctor of Medicine from University of California, San Francisco
He also completed surgical training at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Early in his career, Dr. Chin focused on cardiovascular research and collaborated with renowned surgeon and inventor Dr. Thomas J. Fogarty, leading to his first patented medical device.
From Surgeon to Entrepreneur: A Career Defining Shift
Although initially pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery, Dr. Chin shifted toward innovation and entrepreneurship. This decision led him to co-found Origin Medsystems, which was later acquired by Eli Lilly and Company and became part of Boston Scientific.
He went on to hold leadership roles such as:
- Vice President of Research at Guidant Cardiac Surgery
- Chief Innovation Officer at Boston Scientific
- Chief Innovation Officer at Maquet Cardiovascular
He also contributed to medical incubators like Pavilion Medical Innovations LLC, helping launch multiple successful startups.
A Prolific Inventor: 230+ Patents in Medical Technology
Dr. Chin has established himself as one of the most prolific inventors in the medical device industry, with over 230 patents.
His unique combination of:
- Mechanical engineering expertise
- Surgical experience
- Clinical insight
allows him to design innovative solutions for complex medical challenges.
His mission is clear:
to improve the lives of millions of patients through practical, effective medical technologies.
Breakthrough Innovation: Endoscopic Vein Harvesting (EVH)
One of Dr. Chin’s most significant contributions to modern medicine is the development of tools for endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH).
Impact of EVH Innovation:
- Reduced surgical incision size from long cuts to ~1 inch
- Lowered infection rates significantly
- Improved patient recovery and comfort
Today, EVH is used in over 90% of coronary bypass surgeries in the United States, benefiting millions of patients worldwide.
Leading Multiple Healthcare Startups
Dr. Chin currently leads and co-founded several innovative medical device companies, including:
- TAS Medical Inc.
- PercAssist Inc.
- FemDx Medsystems Inc.
- Orare Medsystems Inc.
Each company focuses on solving high-impact clinical problems, particularly in cardiovascular health, cancer, and obesity-related conditions.
PercAssist: Advancing Heart Failure Treatment
One of Dr. Chin’s most promising innovations is through PercAssist Inc..
Key Innovation:
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) designed to support patients with:
- Cardiogenic shock
- Advanced heart failure
This device uses a balloon mechanism synchronized with the heart’s ECG signal to improve cardiac function.
Key Features:
- Minimally invasive implantation
- High durability (up to 60 million cycles tested)
- Potential for long-term use
The technology was presented at the ASAIO Annual Meeting 2024, marking a major milestone toward clinical adoption.
Overcoming Challenges: Driving Adoption of New Technology
One of the biggest challenges in medical innovation is adoption by healthcare professionals.
Dr. Chin addresses this by focusing on:
- Simplicity in device design
- Ease of use for clinicians
- Minimizing training complexity
He believes innovation is only valuable if it can be widely adopted and effectively used in real-world settings.
Integrating AI and Advanced Technologies
Dr. Chin’s design philosophy embraces future-ready technologies, including:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Advanced materials and manufacturing
- Sensors and real-time data systems
These technologies enable:
- Improved device performance
- Personalized patient care
- Continuous product evolution
Strategic Partnerships and Growth
To scale innovation, Dr. Chin actively pursues partnerships with established medical device companies.
Key Strategies:
- Collaborating during clinical trials
- Preparing for regulatory approvals (e.g., 510(k))
- Positioning startups for acquisition
This approach ensures faster commercialization and broader global impact.
The Future of Healthcare: From Reactive to Preventive Care
Dr. Chin envisions a shift in healthcare from treatment to prevention.
Future Trends:
- Genetic-based disease prevention
- Advances in biological engineering
- Early intervention through innovative technologies
This proactive approach has the potential to significantly reduce disease burden and improve global health outcomes.
Leadership Philosophy: Innovation Through Action
Dr. Chin leads by example, actively participating in:
- Prototype development
- Clinical testing
- Team collaboration
He fosters a culture of:
- Open communication
- Continuous improvement
- Creative problem-solving
Key Challenges for Medical Device Leaders
Dr. Chin identifies three major challenges in the industry:
1. Selecting High-Impact Clinical Problems
Focus on conditions with high unmet needs.
2. Ensuring Economic Viability
Develop solutions that are cost-effective and scalable.
3. Accelerating Adoption
Overcome resistance and simplify implementation.
Advice for Future Healthcare Innovators
Dr. Chin encourages emerging leaders to:
- Focus on critical health challenges
- Develop practical, scalable solutions
- Prioritize patient outcomes
His advice emphasizes impact-driven innovation.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Global Impact
Dr. Albert Chin’s work continues to shape the future of healthcare. Through his leadership at Orare Medsystems Inc. and other ventures, he is driving advancements that improve patient care worldwide.
His vision is clear:
to create medical technologies that become the global standard of care.
With decades of experience, groundbreaking inventions, and a commitment to innovation, Dr. Chin remains a powerful force in transforming healthcare for generations to come.