Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
synthesizing biomaterials; and/or determination of the mechanical, transport
(discussed in Chapter 2), and biocompatibility properties of implantable ar-
tificial materials.
Biomechanics
(discussed in Chapter 5) deals with the application of tradi-
tional mechanics to biological or medical problems. Better understanding of
the forces and their effects on the human body is essential to get more insight
into the functioning of various body parts, the effect of load and overload on
specific structures, and the mechanics of biomaterial that could be utilized in
prosthetic development. One example is the biomechanical analyses during
the impact of automobiles, which can be utilized to develop safety devices
such as airbags, seatbelts, and helmets. Other applications of biomechanics
include designing prosthetic components, improving athletic performance
and rehabilitation engineering, and developing tools for individuals with
physical disabilities.
Cellular engineering
(discussed in Chapter 7) involves solving biomedical
problems at the cellular and subcellular levels utilizing the molecular nature
of building blocks of the body such as cells, proteins, carbohydrates, fatty
acids, and nucleic acids. Cells can be cultured in large quantities outside
the body, which can be utilized to relate function and disease occurrence,
regenerate an artificial tissue, detect a biological signal, test the toxicity of
a chemical, or collect cell-derived products for use as therapeutic molecules.
One example of successful cellular engineering is development of devices that
help reduce risk in bone marrow transplantation and other cellular therapies
to treat various diseases. Cellular engineering can play a significant role in
the production of new vaccines from cloned cells and the development of
other therapeutic proteins from monoclonal antibodies.
Clinical engineering
is the application of technology to healthcare in hospitals
or in the industry. The clinical engineer is a member of the healthcare team
in a hospital along with physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff. Clinical
engineers are responsible for testing, repairing, and maintaining proper and
safety operating conditions with the hospital's diagnostic and therapeutic
equipment. Sometimes clinical engineers provide prepurchase evaluations of
new technology and equipment, research equipment issues for physicians
and administrative staff, and assist clinical departments with service contract
analysis, negotiations, and management. Clinical engineers also work in the
medical product development industry, contributing to product design or
sales and support. Primarily their job is to ensure that new products meet the
demands of the medical practice.
Medical imaging
(Chapter 8) involves the development of various imaging
techniques that can be utilized in a clinical setting, and basic physiology
and biology research. Noninvasive imaging modalities provide information
regarding functional processes or anatomy of some of the internal organs.
Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray com-
puted tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) have be-
come important tools for the early detection of disease, the understanding of
basic molecular aspects of living organisms, and the evaluation of medical
