What one must understand about BME, is that the skills and applications learned and aquired through this area can be used in different applications. These applications include but are not limited to; Biomechanics, Biomaterials , Biomedical Imaging, Celular engineering and Neuroengineering.
Biomechanics applies mechanics for understanding biological processes and for solving medical problems. It applies the mechanics of cartilage, ligaments, orthopedic devices and artificial organs, such as the Jarvik. Biomechanics can also be utilized to study the mechanic of injurys and healing.
Biomaterials can be viewed also as a form of biomechanics in that it applies in the replacement and improvment of human physiology. They are synthetic materials that can be used for permanent replacement or organs or tissues. They include artificial blood vessels, mechanical heart valves, breast implants, orthopedic joints, dental filling, as well as devices such as catheters that can be used in the medical process for surgery,diagnosis or repair.
Another application of BME, regards the usage of imaging such as MRI,PET and X-RAY. Biomedical imaging designs and improves systems for measuring responses to physical " phenomena" , or for diagnosis.
Cellular engineering is where engineering principles merge with biology and the study of cells. Cellular engineering regenreate biological "substitutes" to create, preserve and restoreorgan functioning with cellular technologies. One example includes stem cell engineering, where cellular engineering is a key component. Finally, another area that can be studied by using the knoweldge and applying BME skills, is Neuroengineering. In fact, Neuroengineering consists of various disciplines taht involve the use of engineering technology to study the functioning of neural systems.
"Research Areas in Biomedical Engineering." Biomedical Engineering. University of Wisconsin-Madison, 02 Mar. 1999. Web. 18 Dec. 2011. <http://www.engr.wisc.edu/bme/research/>.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Current Improvements in Artificial Joints
In China, researchers have revealed that gamma radiation could toughen the current plastic prosthetic joints to make them more resilient in order to last for years. The current joint replacements such as hip and knee replacement always have used materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloys and ceramics to replace damaged or diseased bones. Several materials such as non-stick polymer or nylon are usually used to mimic the cartilage used to coat the artificial joint. The problem with these materials though, as research suggests, is that that they produce debris within the body which will eventually lead to inflammation of the joint, pain and other malfunctions concerning the joints.
Researcher of the Cangzhou Istiute of Light Industry Technology, has sudied the effects of suplementing ceramic particles to two experimental materials for coating prosthetic joints. These two materials are UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-waight polyethylene) and PEEK ( Polyether Ether Ketone). Xue has revealed that by adding ceramic particles to the polymers and then eventually adding a short burst of gamma-radiation in order to improve its strength. The resultin material is much tougher and will not produce the debris within the body, thus preventing inflammation and pain. Xue has also found that the materials might also be more biocompatible and less likely to be rejected by the immune system. Xue also suggests that the structure of the composite materials can be "receptive" to the addition of bone-generating cells that could eventually help a prosthetic joint become naturally incorporated into the body.
"Radiation boost for artificial joints." Space Daily 5 Oct. 2011. General OneFile. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.
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Development of a new Imaging Technology
One major aspect of BME is the development and usage of imaging technology in the medical field to diagnose certain diseases. This is one way how Biomedical engineering can benefit society. New imaging technologis and improvements on modern ones are constantly occuring in the BME world, as is the case with the Purdue University. Biomedical Engineering professor Ji-Xin Cheng indicates that this new imaging technology can take precise 3-D images of plaques lining arteries, which is essential in diagnosing certain heart failures. This new Imaging technology measues ultrasound signals from molecules that are exposed to a " fast-pulsing" laser.
The effects of this new technology is that it reveals Carbon-hydrogen bond presence in arterial plaques, the very same plaques that cause heart disease. This technology is not only limited in heart cindutions, it might also be used to detect fat molecules in muscles, in order for the diagnois of diabetes as well as other disorders relating lipids, such as nuerological conditions and brain traumas,
With the usage of a " nanosecond laser", it generates molecular vibrations or wavelengths that are not absorbed bythe blood.The laser causes tissue to heat and expad, creating pressure waves, thus detecting lipis and fatty plaques clogged in the arteries.
The effects of this new technology is that it reveals Carbon-hydrogen bond presence in arterial plaques, the very same plaques that cause heart disease. This technology is not only limited in heart cindutions, it might also be used to detect fat molecules in muscles, in order for the diagnois of diabetes as well as other disorders relating lipids, such as nuerological conditions and brain traumas,
With the usage of a " nanosecond laser", it generates molecular vibrations or wavelengths that are not absorbed bythe blood.The laser causes tissue to heat and expad, creating pressure waves, thus detecting lipis and fatty plaques clogged in the arteries.
"Finding cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc." USA Today [Magazine] Oct. 2011: 4+. General OneFile. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.
Document URL
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Saturday, December 3, 2011
Benefits of the Artificial Heart and Heart Valve
Several heart failures and diseases can be prevented by implanting an artificial heart, and at times can be less risky than heart surgery. The heart itself, composes of several different valve, arteries and veins recieving deoxygenatd blood oxygenated blood. The Heart Muscle also composes of a system of valves and failure in these valves can eventually lead to pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Replacement of a valve by an artificial valve or heart can be solution to restore proper heart function.
Many times due to these heart failures, it is often necessary to replace the valve with a man made one. The earliest known tended to "fracture" after years of use. A " one-way" valve is simple when constructed to function ouside the boy, but when placed inside the body, it is dificult for it to work. One modern design of an artificial valve is the ball and cage model. The ball and cage model has a three pronged cage within which is a ball. . The ball lifts to allow blood to pass through and is pressed down into an opening to seal it and prevent backflow of blood.
Artificial heart usage beagn in 1953. The use of a heart-lung machine designed by a physician John Gibbons, later proved that an artificial heart could replace the real heart. Finally in 1966, William DeVries created the Jarvik 7, which eventually led to the 2000 inovation and improvemnt of the modern Jarvik. This beacme the first completely artificial heart to be installed. The first artificial heart to ever be implanted was the AbioCor, which was implanted on Robert Tools in 2001.
Many times due to these heart failures, it is often necessary to replace the valve with a man made one. The earliest known tended to "fracture" after years of use. A " one-way" valve is simple when constructed to function ouside the boy, but when placed inside the body, it is dificult for it to work. One modern design of an artificial valve is the ball and cage model. The ball and cage model has a three pronged cage within which is a ball. . The ball lifts to allow blood to pass through and is pressed down into an opening to seal it and prevent backflow of blood.
Artificial heart usage beagn in 1953. The use of a heart-lung machine designed by a physician John Gibbons, later proved that an artificial heart could replace the real heart. Finally in 1966, William DeVries created the Jarvik 7, which eventually led to the 2000 inovation and improvemnt of the modern Jarvik. This beacme the first completely artificial heart to be installed. The first artificial heart to ever be implanted was the AbioCor, which was implanted on Robert Tools in 2001.
Hoyle, Brian. "Artificial Heart and Heart Valve." The Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 301-302. General OneFile. Web. 3 Dec. 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Application of BME in modern society EX: I Phone APP
Since BME is such a broad and diverse industry, it can utilize various areas of engineering and medical science to benefit society.
In modern times, BME has touched all area of technology and materials to benefit society in health care, one example is the use of I-Phone applications. According to the journal by EE- Evaluation Engineering, an I-Phone app measures the heart rate. This is an example of how technology and health care merge into one benefiting and preventing heart diseases and failures. This idea of phone applications has sparked ideas for a WPI ( Worcester Polytechnic Institute) researcher.
Biomedical Engineer, Ki Chon and his teams of WPI Biomedical Engineering students have recently developed an application available in smart phones that is advanced and more reliable than recent applications that measure the heart beat. This application not only measures the heart rate, but also takes into account the heart rhythm, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation. This app is first of many, of the application of BME in modern times using modern technologies such as the I-phone. The new application introduced by Ki Chon and his collegues, yields " vital signs as accurate as standard medical monitors now in clinical use".
In modern times, BME has touched all area of technology and materials to benefit society in health care, one example is the use of I-Phone applications. According to the journal by EE- Evaluation Engineering, an I-Phone app measures the heart rate. This is an example of how technology and health care merge into one benefiting and preventing heart diseases and failures. This idea of phone applications has sparked ideas for a WPI ( Worcester Polytechnic Institute) researcher.
Biomedical Engineer, Ki Chon and his teams of WPI Biomedical Engineering students have recently developed an application available in smart phones that is advanced and more reliable than recent applications that measure the heart beat. This application not only measures the heart rate, but also takes into account the heart rhythm, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation. This app is first of many, of the application of BME in modern times using modern technologies such as the I-phone. The new application introduced by Ki Chon and his collegues, yields " vital signs as accurate as standard medical monitors now in clinical use".
"Hold the phone for vital signs." EE-Evaluation Engineering Nov. 2011: 6. General OneFile. Web. 27 Nov. 2011.
Document URL
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Introduction to Bioengineering course MIT Session #1
The introduction of the Online Course by MIT consisted of discussions concerning the components of engineering, science and technology as well as career paths and industries fr Biomedical Engineers. The instructor providing the lessons is Professor Douglas A. Lauffenburger, which is the co-director of the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Health.
As Professor Lauffenburger states, engineering consists of 3 main components, which are: analysis, synthesis and design. Analysis is the act of studying systems in order to understand their function. While synthesis is the practical building of these systems under the process of analysis. When contributed together, both of these processes cooperate to the main goal of engineering. Lauffenburger later gives a lucid explanation on the interaction of several branches of science and their role on the several disciplines of Engineering. Lauffenburger states that all engineering paths are based on a specific area of science, further explained by the various examples given, such as; Physics serving as a basis for civil,Mechanical and Electrical engineering or Chemistry as the basis for nuclear and chemical engineering.
Lauffenburger states that the discipline of Biological and biomedical engineering is so broad that several of the engineering disciplines can focus on improving health and biological materials. At one end is biotechnology where it applies to diverse industries and to the development of health-related devices and pharmaceuticals. While another industry includes biomedical engineering, generally used in the health care setting.
Another important aspect regarding the evolution of Biomedical engineering is mentioned in the first session of the MIT course. Biomedial engineering emerged around 50 years ago, at that time BM Engineers did not require much knowledge on biology due to the fact that Biology was not able to reach the means of analysis ans ynthesis aproach of engineering. Untill recently though, the the production of several imaging technologies for diagnosis requires mostly on physics and the design of of replacement organs and limbs require knowledge on mechanics and material sciences.
As Professor Lauffenburger states, engineering consists of 3 main components, which are: analysis, synthesis and design. Analysis is the act of studying systems in order to understand their function. While synthesis is the practical building of these systems under the process of analysis. When contributed together, both of these processes cooperate to the main goal of engineering. Lauffenburger later gives a lucid explanation on the interaction of several branches of science and their role on the several disciplines of Engineering. Lauffenburger states that all engineering paths are based on a specific area of science, further explained by the various examples given, such as; Physics serving as a basis for civil,Mechanical and Electrical engineering or Chemistry as the basis for nuclear and chemical engineering.
Lauffenburger states that the discipline of Biological and biomedical engineering is so broad that several of the engineering disciplines can focus on improving health and biological materials. At one end is biotechnology where it applies to diverse industries and to the development of health-related devices and pharmaceuticals. While another industry includes biomedical engineering, generally used in the health care setting.
Another important aspect regarding the evolution of Biomedical engineering is mentioned in the first session of the MIT course. Biomedial engineering emerged around 50 years ago, at that time BM Engineers did not require much knowledge on biology due to the fact that Biology was not able to reach the means of analysis ans ynthesis aproach of engineering. Untill recently though, the the production of several imaging technologies for diagnosis requires mostly on physics and the design of of replacement organs and limbs require knowledge on mechanics and material sciences.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
History of how BME has benefit society ( artificial heart )
To further understand the essential question of how Biomedical Engineering can benefit the society of the world, it is critical for one to comprehend how biomedical engineering has benefited the past in History to juxtapose how it benefits society in today’s time.
One major key part of Biomedical Engineering is the idea of having a replacement organ, a well-known component of Biomedical engineering that has benefited society. I will use the example of the artificial heart, to assess the idea of how in history, biomedical engineering ( not considered BME back then) has benefited that society. Thanks to a research paper conducted by a MIT student, I was able to conduct this research.
The MIT research conducted provides the historical background of heart replacement and the artificial heart, a key example of how BME can help society. According to this research, the early form of this transplant procedure was conducted during Ancient Egypt. Egyptian healers attached removed human skin to the faces of wounded Egyptian Warriors in order to improve the physical appearance. Since then though, the process of attaching an organ of the body has greatly evolved through history, One problem though, as time goes by, further demand of heart transplants increased and was greatly recognized throughout the medical community. Due to this recognition, increased demand, and not to mention vast increased in technology, more and more engineers have become interested to sort of “meddle” with medicine and attempt to create suitable organ replacements.
The earliest form of an artificial heart is known to be the work of Dr. William Kolff, from the University Of Utah Medical School. In the late fifties, Dr. Kolff transplanted an early form of an artificial heart to his dog, the canine died after only an hour and a half after the procedure. During the early 70s, Robert K. Jarvik managed to create the first human artificial heart. The Jarvik 7, an improved version of his original work was crated four years later and approved by the Medical community for Human Transplant. To this day, further advancements are currently being done.
This information presented, accurately helps me understand how historically, early forms of BME have benefited society and influenced the modern and striving discipline of BME today. As stated by the MIT journal,
“Today estimates Suggest that although 35, 000 Americans could benefit from a heart transplant, less than 4,000 actually place themselves on the waiting list. Given that 2,2oo hearts are donated per year, many Americans spend months, years and even die before replacement organs are made available to them. Although patients who do receive replacement hearts consider themselves fortunate, they can not escape the many problems that are linked to the use of donor organs, such as tissue rejection, inflection, and long time compatibility” ( Wang).
Wang , Jiao. "A Suitable replacement Citation." MIT. (2006): n. page. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. <http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/biological-engineering/20-010j-introduction-to-bioengineering-be-010j-spring-2006/assignments/wang_paper_final.pdf>.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
MIT Open University Bioengineering Course
To further indulge myself and educate myself on Biomedical engineering, I would begin to participate on open courses courtesy of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology via online. This course will greatly edify my knowledge and will be used as an essential step in further applying the knowledge and research into the final work. The MIT open University course is a thirteen session lesson with an assignment of a 5 page research paper due at the end of the curriculum.
Lauffenburger, Douglas, Paul T. Matsudaira, Biological Engineering Faculty, and Angela M. Belcher. 20.010J Introduction to Bioengineering (BE.010J), Spring 2006. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare), http://ocw.mit.edu (Accessed 19 Nov, 2011). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Lauffenburger, Douglas, Paul T. Matsudaira, Biological Engineering Faculty, and Angela M. Belcher. 20.010J Introduction to Bioengineering (BE.010J), Spring 2006. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare), http://ocw.mit.edu (Accessed 19 Nov, 2011). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Evolution of BME as its own discipline
BME is a very unique career in the sense that it applies more than one academic field to solve one objective, the improvemnet of healthcare and human lifestyle. Biomedical engineering has recently evolved as its own discipline in the 21st century. In fact, according to bmecentral.com, researchers have only recently started to name the combination of engineering applications and health science as BME. In fact, the Biomedical Engineering Society was founded in Illinois on Febuary 1, 1968 (BMES).
According to bmecentral.com, BME has evolved into one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of medical employment. Throughout the years, BME has evolved into several subbranches in order to fulfill several different needs. Several of these divisions of BME are; orthopaedic Bioengineering, bionanotechnology, tissue engineering, neural engineering and many more. These speacilization within BME, have all been a consequence due to the many applications that BME has to offer.
According to bmecentral.com, BME has evolved into one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of medical employment. Throughout the years, BME has evolved into several subbranches in order to fulfill several different needs. Several of these divisions of BME are; orthopaedic Bioengineering, bionanotechnology, tissue engineering, neural engineering and many more. These speacilization within BME, have all been a consequence due to the many applications that BME has to offer.
What is exactly BME?
This is the very question I had to answer myself and in order to fully acknowledge it as the path I want to take and the Career I want take part in. In fact, this very research is done as a passion and a way for me to further understand BME.
Simply, BME is the application of implementing medical and health science knowledge into technology an engineering in order to acees new ways technology can benefit the human health. Biomedical engineering combines the mathematical critical thinking as well as the computational and engineering skills to improve health care, monitoring and diagnoses of illneses and diseases.
Through the several upcoming posts, one will be able to have a vivd knowledge and understanding of what exactly BME consists of, skills and further information.
Simply, BME is the application of implementing medical and health science knowledge into technology an engineering in order to acees new ways technology can benefit the human health. Biomedical engineering combines the mathematical critical thinking as well as the computational and engineering skills to improve health care, monitoring and diagnoses of illneses and diseases.
Through the several upcoming posts, one will be able to have a vivd knowledge and understanding of what exactly BME consists of, skills and further information.
BME (Biomedical Engineering)
Engineering and Medicine have been dominating careers as the essential areas needed to succeed. What happens though, when these two fields intertwine into one?
Medicine,as we are all aware of is at the top right now as the one with the top salary. Engineering Career paths are also next on the list as the most employed. As different options and needs arise, new ideas and chances occur. Biomedical engineering is one career which offers the creative idea of merging these two areas into one. As well of benefiting the lifestyle of humanity as we know it. Biomedical Engineering recently has become its own discipline, offering opportunities to everyone in these two paths.
This blog will go over all the different subdivisions of biomedical engineering, touch over the history of biomedical engineering and answer one very essential question. The question going over the benefits that biomedical engineering has to offer to the world and society. This topic is one that interests me as well as all those who are interested in a career similar to this. This to me is very important, in that it is a path I want to take and study, hopefully my research answers some very important questions to those willing to dedicate their academic career to BME.
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