The design, development, and use of instrumentation and equipment for medical applications, including diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy.
Anatomy and Physiology: The study of the structure and function of the human body is crucial when it comes to understanding medical instrumentation, as it provides essential knowledge about the workings of the human systems.
Biomedical Instrumentation: Biomedical instrumentation refers to the devices and tools used in medical diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. It covers areas such as electrocardiography, ultrasound, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Medical Imaging: Medical imaging involves the use of various techniques to create visual images of the human body's internal structures. Some commonly used medical imaging techniques include X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), and MRI.
Biomechanics: The study of the mechanical properties of biological tissues and systems is essential when it comes to developing medical instruments such as prostheses, implants, and rehabilitation equipment.
Biosensors: A biosensor is a device that can detect and measure biological, chemical, or physical processes within a living organism. Examples of biosensors include blood glucose monitors and cardiac monitors.
Medical Signal Processing: Medical signal processing involves the analysis and manipulation of biological signals such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals to extract useful information for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
Medical Device Regulation: Medical instrumentation is subject to stringent regulations to ensure patient safety. Understanding these regulations and standards is essential when developing and manufacturing medical devices.
Medical Device Design: Medical device design is the process of creating medical instruments that meet the needs of healthcare professionals and patients while considering factors such as ease of use, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Medical Instrumentation Testing and Validation: Testing and validation of medical instruments are essential to ensure that they perform their intended functions accurately and reliably.
Medical Ethics: Medical instrumentation is an essential part of modern healthcare, and ethical considerations play a significant role in its development, use, and regulation. Understanding medical ethics is essential when working in this field.
X-ray machines: These instruments use ionizing radiation to create images of internal structures.
Computed tomography (CT) scanners: These instruments use X-rays to create detailed, three-dimensional images of internal structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners: These instruments use a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of internal structures.
Ultrasonography: These instruments use high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal structures.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines: These instruments record the electrical activity of the heart.
Blood pressure monitors: These instruments are used to measure the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries.
Glucose meters: These instruments are used to measure the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Pulse oximeters: These instruments are used to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood.
Endoscopes: These instruments are used to view internal structures of the body, such as the digestive tract or lungs.
Surgical robots: These instruments are used to assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures.
Pacemakers: These instruments are implanted in the chest to regulate the heartbeat.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs): These instruments are implanted in the chest to regulate the heartbeat and deliver an electrical shock if needed.
Prosthetics: These instruments replace missing body parts, such as limbs or joints.
Hearing aids: These instruments assist individuals with hearing loss.
Cochlear implants: These instruments are surgically implanted to aid individuals with severe hearing loss.
Cardiac catheters: These instruments are used to access the heart for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Hemodialysis machines: These instruments are used to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so.
Respirators: These instruments are used to mechanically assist breathing in patients who are unable to do so on their own.
Infusion pumps: These instruments are used to deliver medications, fluids or nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scanners: These instruments use radioactive isotopes to create detailed images of internal structures.