Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 1.12
Dean Kamen's Luke Arm, the most advanced neural prosthetic to date, which uses myoelectric
signals. Clinical trials are presently underway.
Courtesy of http://medgadget.com.
undergraduate program in prosthetics or a graduate program specializing in the field with
an appropriate undergraduate degree. Neural prosthetic development involves a team of
members from various backgrounds, including biomechanics, electronics, and mathemati-
cal modeling.
While prosthetics provide a strong example of the evolution of assistive technology and
present a number of interesting design innovations, in recent years the field of biomedical
engineering has shifted from a focus on mechanical systems to biological and organic solu-
tions. Whereas decades ago the primary objectives of the biomedical engineer consisted of
device design, modern feats are more likely to involve biochemistry and gene therapy than
screws, nuts, and bolts. Two prime examples of this shift in focus are tissue engineering and
stem cell research.
1.5.2 Tissue Engineering
Tissue engineering, a relatively new field in biomedical engineering, consists of the man-
ufacture of biological tissue either ex vivo or in vitro (outside the body), or the incorpora-
tion of new advancements to aid in the repair and growth of existing tissues in vivo
(inside the body). In ex vivo applications, bioartificial tissues (those composed of both
synthetic and natural materials) are used as an alternative to organ transplant or developed
to study tissue behavior in vitro. Some important issues within the field include cell
isolation, control of cell organization and function, upscaling to full bioartificial tissues,
and biomaterial fabrication.
While the most well-known tissue engineering feats have been in epithelial tissues, clini-
cal trials are also currently under way for reconstruction of cartilage, bone, neural, and liver
tissues. Grafts are used for treatment of every type of skin damage, including burns, pres-
sure sores, venous stasis ulcers, and diabetic ulcers. Polymeric tubes are implanted to assist
in nerve regeneration due to central and peripheral nervous system damage or disorders.
