DALMINE
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide the student with knowledge of the theoretical and applicative aspects of the technologies used for clinical activities relating to patients requiring organ assistance.
In the field of artificial systems for the replacement of the function of organs and tissues, the objective is to convey to the student the design criteria of these systems, their production and their clinical use in their respective application areas. The objective is also to transmit knowledge relating to the limits of artificial systems and development prospects. Theoretical knowledge, even that acquired in other courses, constitutes the basis for addressing quantitative problems relating to the functioning of active medical devices.
At the end of the course the candidate will be able to know the theoretical aspects, the functioning and regulation mechanisms of artificial systems for replacing the function of organs and tissues. He will also know the manufacturing techniques of such devices. It will be able to solve quantitative problems related to the operation of these artificial systems, their functional evaluation and monitoring.
Course Prerequisites
The student must possess knowledge of basic scientific and fundamental engineering subjects. In particular, knowledge of mathematical analysis, general chemistry and organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics are essential prerequisites. Knowledge of cell biology, anatomy, physiology and pathology is also required. As regards knowledge in the field of engineering, basic knowledge of mechanics, biomaterials and electronics is necessary. All the necessary knowledge is provided to students in the courses of previous years of the same CdS.
Teaching Methods
The teaching activity consists of a part carried out through frontal lessons, which is accompanied by exercises based on the solution of quantitative numerical problems. The exercises are also carried out with the formation of working groups that independently carry out the assigned work and report it to the class. Interventions by experts in the clinical use of artificial systems for the replacement of organ function are foreseen to illustrate the clinical problems and a constructive discussion with the students.
Assessment Methods
The final learning assessment is based on a written test consisting of a series of theoretical questions with multiple answers and some quantitative problems to solve. For students who achieve a frankly sufficient rating in the written test (assessed with a score > 24/30) the oral interview is optional and allows the overall score of the assessment to be increased. For other students the oral test is mandatory.
Contents
Introduction: Developments of modern medicine, therapeutic approaches and use of technologies.
Biocompatibility: Definition of the problem, the coagulation system, the complement system; Interaction of blood with artificial materials; Interaction of materials with plasma proteins; Quantitative methods of protein adhesion to biomaterials.
Replacement of renal function: Pathophysiological mechanisms of end-stage renal failure; Hemodialysis treatment; The organization of the hemodialysis machine; Vascular accesses, types and problems; Peristaltic pumps; Dialyzer filter; Transport phenomena across dialysis membranes; Permeability, ultrafiltration, selectivity of membranes; Reverse osmosis for the preparation of dialysis fluid; Evaluation of the effectiveness of hemodialysis treatment; Hemodiafiltration techniques; Peritoneal dialysis; Membrane transport in peritoneal dialysis; Future developments of dialysis treatment.
Blood treatment systems: Plasmapheresis, apheresis, adsorption systems; systems for the perfusion of organs for transplantation.
Replacement/assistance of cardiac function: Pathophysiology of heart failure; Extracorporeal circulation for cardio-pulmonary bypass; Ventricular assistance systems; Positive displacement pumps; Rotary pumps (axial, centrifugal); Regulation systems; Energy transmission through the skin; Device implantation and monitoring; The total artificial heart; Clinical results and future perspectives.
Lung function replacement/assistance: Extracorporeal oxygenation (ECMO), circuit, function and regulation.
Online Resources
More information
Other information about the course can be provided by the teacher.