NIHON Kohden Corporation senior manager Dr. Takuo Aoyagi has recently been awarded the 2015 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology.
Dr. Takuyo Aoyagi (second from left), senior manager at Nihon Kohden, is the recipient of the 2015 IEEE ‘Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology’ for changing the face of modern surgery with the invention of pulse oximetry
Dr. Aoyagi won the award for his pioneering contributions to pulse oximetry, which have had a profound impact on healthcare. He formally received the medal from IEEE president Howard Michel and president-elect Barry Shoop last June 20 at the IEEE Honors Ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria, New York.
Dr. Aoyagi’s invention, which was first published in 1974, paved the way for a new era of patient safety during anesthesia. It is recognized as the standard of care for the assessment of oxygenation and spans virtually every domain of medical practice.
Pulse oximetry was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007 as the most important lifesaving practice during surgery. WHO has since then initiated the “Global Pulse Oximetry Project” to ensure monitoring of every patient undergoing surgery using pulse oximetry.
Kazuo Ogino, Nihon Kohden chairman of the Board, said: “Dr. Aoyagi invented one of the most important technologies for patient safety. All of us at Nihon Kohden congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. We continue to develop innovative technologies that lead to improvements in health care quality.”
Dr. Aoyagi, who joined Tokyo-based Nihon Kohden in 1971 as a manager of the development department, continues to explore oxygen-monitoring technologies for the advancement of diagnosis, treatment, and improved patient safety. He was promoted to general manager in 1985 and since 1991 has served as senior manager of his namesake, the Aoyagi Research Laboratory.
Wilson Constantine, Nihon Kohden America chief executive officer, stated: “With the brightest minds in medical technology, Nihon Kohden has helped shape the face of the medical device market, and continues to do so. Dr. Aoyagi’s accomplishment is but one example of Nihon Kohden’s legacy of innovation and the positive impact we have on healthcare delivery worldwide.”
The IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Each year, it recognizes an individual, a team of individuals, or multiple recipients for outstanding contributions or innovations in engineering in the fields of medicine, biology, and healthcare technology.
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