Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(a) (b)
Figure 1.1
Magnetic resonance imaging. (a) MAGNETOM Symphony whole body imaging system.
(b) MAGNETOM C!, an Open MRI. (Courtesy of Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, Pennsylvania.)
Other techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single pho-
ton emission computed tomography (SPECT) have also been developed for use
in biomedical imaging. Further, substantial improvements in optics hardware and
the development of increasingly sensitive electronic imaging sensors have paved
the way for the use of light microscopy-based techniques in biomedical imaging.
Combined with time-lapse imaging, novel developments have provided powerful
tools in unraveling the complex processes underlying the basic building blocks of
life. Although there is no perfect imaging method through which everything in the
body can be visualized, various medical imaging techniques provide complemen-
tary windows through which many tissues and organs can be visualized. The new
imaging techniques can produce information about anatomical structures that is
linked to functional data.
There has also been significant developments in sophisticated algorithms for
extracting structural and functional volumetric information from raw measure-
ments (computed imaging), and for processing, visualizing, and analyzing the im-
age data. Novel imaging methods can provide comprehensive views of the human
body in greater depth and detail, while becoming less expensive, faster, and less
invasive. For example, innovations in the performance of the computer system
used to control data acquisition and image processing are increasing the speed of
MRI data acquisition and opening up new possibilities in real-time imaging. Most
of the images are constructed using computers from a collection of digital data; im-
age quality depends on the power of the computer and the caliber of its software,
and there is significant opportunity for improvement in both. A bioengineer may
spend his or her day designing electrical circuits and computer software for medical
instrumentation ranging.
1.3.2 Development of Dialysis
The kidneys are vital organs in maintaining the balance of several key electrolytes
in the body (including common salt, sodium chloride), eliminating liquid wastes
