VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING

BMET 332
BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION II
COURSE OUTLINE

SECOND SEMESTER: 2022 / 2023

LECTURER: MR. EMMANUEL PRAH

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 VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
BMET 332 – BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION II
SECOND SEMESTER 2022 / 2023

Lecture: Mr. Emmanuel Prah (BSc, MSc)

Office: Andrew Clark (AC) – 304
e-mal: ekaprah@engineer.com, eprah@vvu.edu.gh
Tel: 024 0103900
Office Hrs: By appointment

Credit Hours: 3
Class: 2:00pm – 4:30pm, Mondays Room: MET 101
Lab: TBA Room: MET 101

Course Description

This course is the second part of a two-semester course in the comprehensive

treatment of the engineering principles, theory of operation and hardware of selected
medical equipment and systems. The objective of the course is to enable students gain
an understanding of the relevant physiology, function, clinical application / use,
principles (or theory) of operation, design and construction, functional building blocks (or
system diagram), circuit analysis, installation / acceptance testing, general inspection
and preventive maintenance (IPM) procedures, and common problems / troubleshooting
of selected medical equipment. Students will become familiar with the clinical use and
principles of operation of these equipment, participate in their inspection and preventive
maintenance (IPM), and troubleshooting using the appropriate test equipment. The
course emphasizes hands on experience in installation, set-up, operation, functional
verification testing and calibration, inspection and preventive maintenance (IPM)
procedures, troubleshooting and repair of these equipment. Topics covered include but
not limited to Electrosurgical Unit, Cardiac Defibrillator, Infusion Device, Dialysis
Machine, Mechanical Ventilator, Anesthesia Machine, Baby Incubator, Radiant Warmer,
Phototherapy Unit, Shortwave Diathermy Unit, Microwave Diathermy Unit, and
Ultrasound Diathermy Unit.

Prerequisites: BMET 231, BMET 232, BMET 241, BMET 242, BMET 278

Corequisite: BIOL 322

Textbooks:

1) C. R. Rao and S. K. Guha. (2004). Principles of Medical Electronics and

Biomedical Instrumentation. Chennai: Universities Press.

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 2) John G. Webster. (2009). Medical Instrumentation: Application and Design.
New York: Wiley.
3) John G. Webster. (2003). Bioinstrumentation. New York: Wiley.
4) Richard Norman. (1988). Principles of Bioinstrumentation. New York: Wiley.
5) R.S. Khandpur. (2004). Biomedical Instrumentation: Technology and
Applications. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
6) R.S. Khandpur. (2003). Handbook of Biomedical Instrumentation. New York:
McGraw-Hill Professional.
7) Joseph J. Carr and John M. Brown. (2000). Introduction to Biomedical
Equipment Technology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
8) Richard Aston. (1990). Principles of Biomedical Instrumentation and
Measurements. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
9) David Prutchi and Michael Norris. (2004). Design and Development of Medical
Electronic Instrumentation. New Jersey: Wiley-Interscience.
10)Leslie Cromwell, Fred W. Cromwell and Erich P. Cromwell. (2001). Biomedical
Instrumentation and Measurements. New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

 Describe tissue response to electrosurgical current in terms of desiccation,

cutting and coagulation
 Identify the characteristics of cutting, coagulation and blended waveforms
 Explain the construction and function of active and bipolar electrodes, and
the return electrode
 Draw the functional block diagram of a typical electrosurgical unit and
explain the function of each block
 Explain the principles of operation of an electrosurgical unit
 Perform quality assurance testing on an electrosurgical unit
 Identify the potential hazards of electrosurgery and safety precautions
during electrosurgical procedures
 List the basic IPM procedures for electrosurgical units
 State the clinical applications of cardiac defibrillators
 Sketch the monophasic damped sinusoidal, monophasic truncated
exponential, and biphasic truncated exponential defibrillation waveforms
 Analyze the basic circuits to generate damped sinusoidal, truncated
exponential, and biphasic defibrillation waveforms
 Draw a block diagram of a cardiac defibrillator and explain the function of
each block
 Explain the principles of operation of a cardiac defibrillator
 Describe built-in safety features of cardiac defibrillators
 Identify common problems of cardiac defibrillators
 State the clinical applications of a Cardioverter and explain cardioversion

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 Draw a block diagram of a Cardioverter and explain the function of each
block
 List the basic IPM procedures for cardiac defibrillators
 Describe the setup and identify the components of a typical gravity flow
manual infusion system
 List the common problems encountered in manual gravity flow infusion
 Differentiate between infusion pumps and infusion controllers
 Analyze the pumping mechanisms of common infusion pumps
 Draw a functional block diagram of an infusion pump
 Describe the operation of an infusion pump
 Review the performance verification procedures of infusion pumps
 Evaluate the safety and convenient features of modern infusion pumps
 Identify the factors that affect the accuracy of infusion pumps
 List the basic IPM procedures for infusion pumps
 Explain the mechanism of breathing
 Define common respiration parameters
 Explain the principle of operation and construction of a spirometer
 Explain the principles of respiration monitoring using the impedance
pneumographic and thermistor methods
 Draw the block diagram of a respiration monitor using the method of
impedance pneumography and explain the function of each block
 List the factors that affect signal quality, accuracy and patient safety in
respiration monitoring
 State clinical applications of mechanical ventilators
 Differentiate between positive and negative pressure ventilators
 Classify ventilators based on the methods used to terminate inspiration
 Define ventilation parameters
 Explain modes of mechanical ventilation
 List common operator controls and alarm settings
 Draw a block diagram of a positive pressure ventilator and explain the
function of each block
 Analyze the pneumatic diagram of a positive pressure ventilator
 List the basic IPM procedures for mechanical ventilators
 State the clinical applications of oxygen concentrators
 Draw a functional block diagram of an oxygen concentrator and explain the
function of each block
 Explain the principles of operation of an oxygen concentrator
 List the advantages and disadvantages of oxygen concentrators
 List the hazards associated with oxygen concentrators
 List the basic IPM procedures for oxygen concentrators
 State the purpose of medical gas pipeline systems
 List the components of a medical gas distribution system
 Describe the functional block diagram of a central supply for medical air
 Describe the functional block diagram of a typical medical gas piped
distribution system

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  Describe the functional block diagram of a hospital oxygen concentrator
system
 List the basic IPM procedures for medical gas piped distribution systems
 State the functions of an anesthesia delivery system
 Draw a functional block diagram of an anesthesia delivery system and
explain the function of each block
 Analyze the pneumatic or piping diagram of an anesthesia machine
 List potential hazards associated with anesthesia delivery system and the
built-in features in anesthesia systems to minimize such risks
 List the basic IPM procedures for anesthesia delivery systems
 List the basic functions of the kidney
 Describe the principles of diffusion, osmosis and ultrafiltration
 Analyze the construction of the hemodialyzer or artificial kidney
 State the properties of the membrane in a hemodialyzer and evaluate the
mechanisms of molecular and fluid transport across the membrane
 Define ion / molecular clearance in a hemodialyzer
 Explain the different methods of dialysate preparation and delivery in
Hemodialysis
 Draw line diagrams and identify the basic functional components in the
extracorporeal blood and dialysate delivery circuits
 Differentiate between peritoneal dialysis and Hemodialysis
 Explain the need and describe methods of water treatment in dialysis
 List the basic IPM procedures for Hemodialysis machines
 State the clinical functions of infant incubators and warmers (or radiant
warmers)
 List typical features of an infant incubator
 Draw a functional block diagram of a typical infant incubator
 Explain the construction and major components of an infant incubator
 Identify potential hazards associated with infant incubators
 List the basic IPM procedures for infant incubators
 Describe the mechanism of phototherapy and its clinical functions
 Identify the light spectrum and intensity for effective phototherapy
 State functional features and parameters of phototherapy light source
 Analyze the factors that affect the output of phototherapy light
 List the basic IPM procedures of phototherapy units

Course Content

1) Electrosurgical Unit

i. Electrosurgery
ii. Modes of electrosurgery
iii. Active electrodes and return electrodes
iv. Functional building blocks
v. Principles of operation

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 vi. Quality assurance
vii. Common problems

2) Cardiac Defibrillator

i. Fibrillation and types

ii. Principles of defibrillation
iii. Defibrillator waveforms and waveform-shaping circuits
iv. Functional building blocks of a defibrillator
v. Quality assurance
vi. Common problems
vii. Cardioversion
viii. Functional building blocks of a Cardioverter
ix. Principles of cardioversion

3) Infusion Devices

i. Purpose of infusion
ii. Manual gravity flow infusion
iii. Infusion controllers
iv. Infusion pumps and pumping mechanisms
v. Common features of infusion pumps
vi. Functional block diagram of a volumetric infusion pump
vii. Performance evaluation
viii. Factors that affect flow accuracy

4) Infant Incubators, Warmers and Phototherapy Units

i. Purpose
ii. Principles of operation
iii. Potential safety hazards
iv. Functional components and safety features

5) Mechanical Ventilators and Respiration Monitors

i. Overview of anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system (mechanics

of breathing, parameters of respiration)
ii. Spirometer
iii. Respiration monitors
iv. Types of ventilators
v. Modes of ventilation
vi. Ventilation parameters and controls
vii. Basic functional building blocks (power supply, gas mixer, pressure
generator, breathing system, humidifier, expiratory valve, operating and
display unit, alarm system, patient monitoring)

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 viii. Pneumatic system diagram
ix. Safety features

6) Anesthesia Delivery System

i. Medical Gases
ii. Anesthesia and types of anesthesia
iii. Principles of operation
iv. Functional building blocks
v. Anesthesia machine and pneumatic piping system
vi. Vaporizer
vii. Breathing system
viii. Scavenger system
ix. Anesthesia ventilator
x. Safety features

7) Dialysis Machine

i. Overview of the anatomy and physiology of the renal system

ii. Basic physical principles
iii. Mechanism of dialysis
iv. Hemodialysis
v. Construction of dialyzer
vi. Functional building blocks
vii. Common problems and safety features

8) Oxygen Concentrators

i. Principles of operation
ii. Functional building blocks
iii. Potential safety hazards

9) Medical Gas Systems

Mode of Delivery

i. Lectures
ii. Discussions
iii. Presentations
iv. Practicals

Course Requirements

1) Class Attendance, Participation, and Classroom Misconduct Policy

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 i. Attendance at each lecture session and participation is expected.
Students are expected to be on-time for all lectures. If for any unforeseen
circumstances a lecture will be missed, the student must contact the
lecturer prior to the lecture being missed. If a lecture is cancelled for any
reason, students will be informed through the course representative. As a
courtesy to classmates and faculty, phones should be turned off during
lecture sessions.

ii. The lecturer has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of order in
the classroom, and can order temporary removal from the classroom of
any student engage in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the
general rules and regulations of the University pertaining to classroom
manners.

iii. For the avoidance of doubt, disruptive behaviour in the classroom may be
defined as, but not limited to behaviours that obstruct or disrupt the
learning environment (e.g. offensive language, harassment of students
and faculty, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum etc),
text messaging, and continued use of any electronic device which disturbs
others.

2) Deadlines and Late Policy

i. Late submission of assignments, presentation reports, lab reports and late

presentations will not be accepted. Don’t wait until the last minute to
submit your work.

3) Group Presentations / Assignments

i. There will be two group presentations. Below are the presentation topics.
Two persons from each group will present each topic; everyone will
present by the end of the semester.

a. Shortwave Diathermy Unit

b. Microwave Diathermy Unit
c. Ultrasound Diathermy Unit
d. Direct Ophthalmoscope
e. Indirect Ophthalmoscope
f. Slit Lamp
g. Keratometer
h. Autorefractor

ii. Each group will submit a typed report to accompany each presentation.

4) Laboratory / Practical Work

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 i. Each student will work on six lab work during the semester on the
following medical devices.

a. Electrocardiograph
b. Multiparameter Patient Monitor
c. NIBP Monitor
d. Pulse Oximeter
e. Defibrillator
f. Electrosurgical Unit

ii. Each lab work will be accompanied by a type report. A handout on report
format will be provided.

5) Project

i. Each student will undertake one project during the semester and submit a
written report to accompany the project.

6) Examinations

i. There will be two examinations: a Mid Semester Examination and an End

of Semester Examination.

Course Evaluation
Item Percentage (%)

Practical Work 20
Mid Semester Examination 20
End of Semester Examination 60

Course Grading

Marks (%) Grade

80 – 100 A
75 – 79 A-
70 – 74 B+
65 – 69 B
61 – 64 B-
56 – 60 C+
50 – 55 C
45 – 49 C-
40 – 44 D
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Class Policies and Procedures

All students are required to note the following class policies:

1. The Head of the Department reserves the right to change the class schedule if
there are time table clashes.

2. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off during class hours.

3. Academic Integrity: Valley View University believes in high standards of

academic excellence. In all matters of intellectual pursuit, VVU faculty, staff and
students must strive to achieve the best. In the classroom and in all other
academic activities, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of
academic integrity. Any form of scholastic dishonesty is a hindrance in the pursuit
of knowledge and jeopardizes the quality of education. Any student who commits
an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action. Scholastic
dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to
another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the
attempt to commit such acts. Proven violations of these guidelines may result in
sanctions ranging from disciplinary probation, to failing grades on the work in
question, to failing grades in the course, to suspension or dismissal, among
others.

4. Exam/Assignments/Projects: All students are expected to arrive in class

prepared, i.e., assigned readings completed and homework ready to turn in for
grading. If there is a problem taking an exam at the assigned time, students
MUST contact the instructor PRIOR to the day of the exam or NO make-up test
will be allowed and the student will receive a zero for the missed exam. NO
projects or homework will be accepted after the due date and time. Project or
homework material left with the instructor at the end of the semester will be
retained only for two (2) weeks into the next semester, after which they will be
destroyed.

5. Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on

time. Grade will be awarded for active participation in the classes. Only
exceptional reasons for absence (e.g., illness, death of a family member) will be
excused. If a student must miss a class, he/she must inform the instructor before
the class period. Students must take full responsibility when they miss class or
come to class late. If a student misses a class with permission, it is the
responsibility of the student to obtain class notes, announcements, handouts,
exercises and assignments from classmates and assistance from the instructor.

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6. Sickness: If a student is sick and he/she misses the class, then the student must
inform the Head of Department and the class instructor in writing immediately.
Letters that are obtained from the doctors after the sickness without prior
information to the Head of Department will not be accepted.

7. Dress Code: Demonstrating professionalism is very important for students,

especially for future career development. Therefore, students are expected to
dress properly as executives when they are in class. Shorts, t-shirts, tight jeans,
sleeve-less tops, sandals, etc, are not acceptable attire while attending classes.

8. Quizzes: To ensure that students stay current with the assigned readings, the
instructor will give several short unannounced quizzes during the semester.
There will be no make-ups for missed quizzes.

9. Group Work: Students may be assigned to work in a group and submit group
work and therefore they are responsible for organizing themselves, dividing up
the work, and deciding how relative contributions should be measured. It is
responsibility of the student to promptly inform the instructor of any dysfunctional
group member and to solicit help. All group members must:

a) Participate in all group activities,

b) Participate in class discussions,
c) Strive to maintain positive working relationships with their group members,
d) Complete all assignments,
e) Freely express their ideas, thoughts, comments, and constructive
criticisms to their group members, the instructor, and the class.
f) Ensure that all members understand all concepts related to the completed
projects and presentations. The instructor may ask questions about any
completed project or presentation to any group member and any
incomplete or unsatisfactory answers will affect the group grade.

10. Quality of Work: The submitted work must be of professional quality both in terms
of content and presentation:

a) Spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity of expression, and presentation will

count in every piece of work students do for during course. If students
have trouble with spelling, grammar or punctuation, they arrange for
someone to proof-read the material before submission.
b) Student grade will be based on what they say or write and how they
present it. A superior job may not be recognized as such if the
presentation is poor.
c) Good ideas poorly expressed will receive poor grades, as will flashy
presentations that lack content.
d) Students must read carefully all assignments. Students are responsible to
turn in ALL required assignments/projects/ exercises.

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 e) All work submitted for evaluation must be neat and clearly marked
indicating the question/case to which it relates. Students work should
clearly state the title of the work, student’s name (or the names of all the
group members, if it is group work), and the date of submission.

11. Grade Appeals: If a student believes that the grade he/she received on an
assignment, exam or other graded course component was an error or unfair, the
student can appeal within three weeks after the declaration of results by filling the
Grades Re-Checking Form that is obtained from the Head of the Department. Fill
the form and submit it to the Head of Department for processing. Grades Re-
Checking form submitted after three weeks will not be considered. After
confirmation of the grades through the Grades Re-Checking process and the
student still believe that the grade he/she received on an assignment, exam or
other graded course component was an unfair and student is interested in re-
marking of the paper, then the student must obtain the Re-Marking Form from
the Head of Department, fill it and submit to the Head of Department for
processing. A student is allowed to apply for Re-Marking within three weeks after
the declaration of Grades Re-Checking results. Re-Marking forms submitted after
three weeks will not be considered.

12. Sexual Harassment: If a student encounters unlawful sexual harassment or any

form of discrimination from instructors or students, please contact the Office of
Dean of Students Affairs, Valley View University, P.O. Box AF 595, Adentan.
Accra. Telephone Number: 0307011833/0244715373.

Students with Special Needs

Valley View University is committed to providing a conducive learning environment,

which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If a student has any
disability that may impair his/her ability to study successfully, the student should contact
the instructor and the Head of the Department immediately for assistance. If the student
with disability feel that he/she has been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of
disability, he/she should contact the: Office of Dean of Students Affairs, Valley View
University, P.O. Box AF 595, Adentan. Accra. Telephone Number: 0307011833 /
0244715373.

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