Dr. Thomas Milner, the Marion E. Forsman Centennial Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Dr. Marc D. Feldman Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and an Adjunct Professor in the Biomedical Engineering Department of the University of Texas at Austin were recently awarded the 2010 Chancellor’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award from The University of Texas System (UT System).

Dr. Thomas Milner, the Marion E. Forsman Centennial Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Dr. Marc D. Feldman Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and an Adjunct Professor in the Biomedical Engineering Department of the University of Texas at Austin were recently awarded the 2010 Chancellor’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award from The University of Texas System (UT System).

The two colleagues were recognized for their work to develop a novel imaging approach applied to cardiovascular imaging. This approach, called optical coherence tomography (OCT), will ultimately help cardiologists better treat patients suffering from coronary disease by identifying diseased regions of coronary arteries that can be targeted for therapy using treatments such as stents.

To market this technology, Milner and Feldman co-founded spin-off company CardioSpectra, raising $5 million, including a $1 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund grant. Volcano Corp. acquired CardioSpectra in 2007, resulting in a 500 percent return on the team’s investment. A return of 1,200 percent is expected with the completion of future milestones.

Professors Milner and Feldman were among 22 nominees from 12 UT System institutions vying for this year’s awards. UT System Regent James D. Dannenbaum and Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology Transfer Keith McDowell presented the award in Arlington, Texas during a special ceremony on March 16.

The Chancellor’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards Program recognizes researchers who exemplify ingenuity, creativity, and innovation in translating research into useful products that have a profound impact on the citizens of Texas and on all society.


Read coverage from the San Antonio Business Journal.