Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 9.36
One
-
string musical instrument.
FIGURE 9.37
Data gloves with embedded IPMNC sensor elements
.
active everywhere and can be used as a flat keyboard, data attire, and gloves and
boots (fig. 9.37) with continuity of movement for Braille (dot) alphabet applications
by blind people. For Braille alphabet applications, a common electrode is placed on
top of the alphabet reading surface. An interdigitated electrode network in the back
of the reading surface crates a combination of dots in the form of miniflexing of the
IPMNC sheet to enable a blind person to read in a dynamic fashion.
9.3
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
The softness and flexibility of polyelectrolytes are definite advantages that can be
used in biomedical applications. Here, we identify a number of potential biomedical
applications that have been or are currently being developed.
9.3.1
A
RTIFICIAL
V
ENTRICULAR
OR
C
ARDIAC
-A
SSIST
M
USCLES
Artificial ventricular assist types of muscles can be made for patients with heart
abnormalities associated with cardiac muscle functions. We present the broad category
of heart compression and assist and arrhythmia control devices—in particular,
IPMNC biomimetic sensors, actuators, and artificial muscles integrated as a heart
