The main objective of the course is to learn the theoretical and applicative aspects of medical devices and equipment used for diagnostic purposes. The objective of the teaching activities is to convey knowledge relating to the design and use of technologies that are the basis of the medical devices mainly in use and their evaluation and monitoring criteria. As regards diagnostic devices, the objective is knowledge of the technologies used for the construction of the devices, their operation and the generation of data/images, as well as their processing. The main issues relating to the certification and safety of medical and diagnostic devices are also addressed.
Prerequisites for the course are knowledge of basic subjects and in particular of mathematical analysis, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics, both general and medical physics. Knowledge of cell biology, anatomy and physiology is also necessary. Finally, basic knowledge of mechanical and electronic engineering is necessary.
The teaching activities consist of a part carried out through lectures, which are accompanied by exercises based on the solution of applicative exercises and related quantifications. Group work is planned to solve the proposed problems and feedback of the results of the work groups to the entire class. Interventions by experts in the clinical use of medical and diagnostic devices are planned.
The final assessment of learning is based on a written test (which represents 50% of the grade) based on the solution of quantitative problems and an oral test (remaining 50%). The written test is intended to assess the students' ability to perform simple reasoning and calculations for problems related to this sector of biomedical engineering. Students who have obtained at least 18/30 in the written test assessment are admitted to the oral test. The oral test assesses the student's ability to describe the problems related to the design, construction and use of the devices illustrated during the course.
The topics that represent the contents of the course are the following.
Vascular prostheses; Artificial and biological heart valves; Systems for angioplasty and stenting.
Joint prostheses; Design and verification criteria; Systems for bone synthesis; Resistance verification; Drug delivery systems; Fundamentals of pharmacokinetics; Pacemakers.
Vital parameter monitoring systems; Radiological and angiographic equipment; Computerized axial tomography; Nuclear magnetic resonance (basic principles, acquisition protocols, data and image generation). Nuclear medicine (PET and SPECT); Systems for ultrasound investigations; Systems for archiving and transmission of clinical data; Image processing; Devices for measuring blood pressure, blood flow and oximetry systems.
Further information about the course can be requested from the reference teacher, also by email or during consultation hours.
