Mathematical modelling of variable porosity coatings for controlled drug release
The topic of drug delivery is a truly multi-disciplinary research area and has been attracting the interest of engineers, mathematicians, chemists and life scientists for decades. In particular, controlled drug delivery has received much attention, particularly concerning the design of tablets [1 –3] and local drug delivery devices such as stents [4], transdermal patches [5], contact lenses [6] and orthopaedic implants [7] (Fig. 1). Controlled release of drug from each of these vehicles can in principle be obtained by varying system design parameters. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - April 29, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Sean McGinty, David King, Giuseppe Pontrelli Source Type: research
A review of cutting mechanics and modeling techniques for biological materials
Tissue cutting broadly refers to machining of biological materials inside the human body, which could be soft and elastic (e.g., skin, muscle, organs) or hard and brittle (e.g., bone, calcified plague). Tissue cutting is a common but, sometimes, a critical process in surgical operations. For example, surgeons use a scalpel to access lesions and a power drill to create burr holes and screw holes in bone. The injury caused by these cutting tools to surrounding living tissues or neurovascular system could lead to catastrophic outcomes. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - April 27, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Behrouz Takabi, Bruce L. Tai Source Type: research
Notched K-wire for low thermal damage bone drilling
Kirschner wires or K-wires, introduced in 1909 by Martin Kirschner, are sharpened stainless steel pins widely used in orthopedics and other medical and veterinary surgical procedures [1,2]. K-wires come in different sizes and a variety of tip geometries, among which the most frequently used are the diamond (four-plane) and trocar (three-plane) tips with diameters ranging from 1mm to 3.5mm. The main functions of a K-wire is to penetrate and hold bone fragments together (pin fixation), to provide an anchor for skeletal traction and temporary joint immobilization, or for definitive fixation in cases of small fracture fragment...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - April 24, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Yao Liu, Barry Belmont, Yiwen Wang, Bruce Tai, James Holmes, Albert Shih Source Type: research
Characterization of human cancellous and subchondral bone with respect to electro physical properties and bone mineral density by means of impedance spectroscopy
Electromagnetic stimulation is clinically used to support bone healing and regeneration [1 –4], particularly in case of non-unions and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Based on the approach of Kraus–Lechner [3], a bipolar induction screw system (BISS) for treatment of avascular head necrosis was proposed [1]. The Kraus–Lechner method applies an electrical field between 5 and 70V/m, a voltage of 0.7V and a frequency of 20Hz on the bone lesions [1,3,5]. Thereby, the patient-individual electric field distribution, especially in the human femoral head, is unknown. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - April 24, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Yvonne Haba, Andreas Wurm, Martin K öckerling, Christoph Schick, Wolfram Mittelmeier, Rainer Bader Source Type: research
Simulation and performance analysis of a novel high-accuracy sheathless microfluidic impedance cytometer with coplanar electrode layout
In medicine, life science and quality control there is a pressing need to develop simple yet accurate tools for single-cell analysis, which is the new frontier in omics [1]. Electrical phenotyping offers a non-invasive method for the analysis and characterization of particles and cells on the basis of dielectric properties [2]. Besides conventional techniques like dielectrophoresis and electrorotation (e.g., [3 –6]), the advent of microfluidic technology enabled the development of high-throughput microfluidic impedance cytometers (MICs). (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - April 24, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Federica Caselli, Paolo Bisegna Source Type: research
