Title: Research implantable devices and biocompatibility.
Course: Biomedical Engineering (21049) > Section: Exploring Medical Devices and Imaging

Research should include

•    types of implantable devices

o    orthopedics (e.g., hip replacement, knee replacement)
o    bioelectronic devices (e.g., pacemakers, neural interfaces, brain-machine interfaces)
o    stents and grafts

•    types of biological materials and manufactured materials
•    the selection process for manufactured materials

o    mechanical
o    physical
o    chemical.

Process/Skill Questions:

•    What are examples of biomaterials used for implantable devices?
•    How are the appropriate biomaterials for implantable devices selected?
•    What strategies are used to prevent infection with implantable devices?
•    Why is it important to match the properties of a biological material and a device?
•    What are causes of implant rejection?
•    How do material properties affect longevity in a device?
•    What are the negative implications of biomedical product failure?
•    Why should materials that are being used with living tissue be inert (nonreactive), surface active (able to bond with tissue), or resorbable (able to be dissolved and assimilated)?
•    What are examples of biocompatibility considerations?
•    What are examples of material properties which can be tested for implant consideration?