Lecture 1

Introduction
0. Class Introduction
A. Syllabus: intro to Dr. Cook, book, office hours, class courtesy, assignments and grades
B. Reading, homework, exams
C. Term paper
D. How to earn an A

I. What is Biomedical Engineering?

A. Application of Engineering Principles to Medical Systems/Problems
1. Diagnosis
2. Treatment
3. Prevention

Bioengineering

Biomedical Engineering Biochemical Engineering

4 Principle dimensions Fermentation for
chemicals
ECE, ME, ChE, Biol/Physi/Med Biochemical seperation
Genetic engineering
These are applied to various subspecialties in:
Bioinstrumentation
Biomaterials
Biomechanics
Cellular Engineering
Clinical Engineering
Medical Imaging
Rehabilitation Engineering
Physiology Modeling

B. Encompasses All Available Engineering Principles (transport,

thermo, kinetics, . . .)

1. Not a narrowly-defined field

2. We will not go deeply into many areas (Undergraduate level
problems in many cases.)

C. Diverse (many topics)

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II. Physiology and Engineering have always been connected.
A. Poiseuille was a French Physiologist (1800's)

B. Adolf Fick was a German Physiologist (1800's)

C. Santorio Sanctorius did mass balances (1561-1636, Univ. of Padua)

measurements to discover weight loss "insensible perspiration".

D. Diagnosis and treatment often rely heavily on engineering principles.

1. Sphygmomanometer (blood-pressure device)
2. Thermometer
3. Blood-pressure catheter
4. X-rays
5. Artificial organs, implants
6. Computer-assisted imaging

E. Reason: The body is a miraculous and ingenious engineering system.

1. The designer was an expert.
2. It was no accident!
3. The subject is exciting, the possibilities are unlimited.
--Do more than calculate! Appreciate! Ponder!

III. Engineering Design Example

A. Divide into teams. Make a plan to develop one of the following. Figure what
information you need to obtain. Make a simple Gantt chart. Consider: materials;
physical connection; control; feedback to body.

B. Briefly report to class the sequence and most difficult hurdle.

1. Artificial heart
2. Artificial lungs (for use in heart lung bypass)
3. Artificial kidney
4. Prosthetic eye
5. Prosthetic hand

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