There are a variety of well grounded speciality areas in the field of biomedical engineering. Such varieties include: (1) bioinstrumentation; (2) biomechanics; (3) biomaterials; (4) systems physiology; (5) clinical engineering; and (6) rehabilitation engineering.
Bioinstrumentation
This makes use of the best measurement principles as well coupled with electronics, and techniques that are used for developing gadgets for monitoring, treating, and diagnosing diseases. Computers are used to monitor the state of the patient during serious surgeries, or even while they rest in the intensive care unit. Computers have also been used to keep track of certain individual’s health in uncommon environments i.e. astronauts in space. Many biomedical engineers have created specific lasers and other creations to help cure certain disorders. These lasers make powerful, narrow beams of light, that enable surgery on blood vessels, retinas, as well nerve fibres.
Biomechanics
These engineers will typically apply mechanics to biological or medical issues. This particular speciality area, works to identify the effects of a variable of forces on the human body. These forces (stresses) are applied to the skeleton by gravity and the human’s muscles. Such medical breakthroughs directly innovated through advancements in biomechanics has lead to the inception of the replacement heart valve, artificial hips, as well artificial kidneys.
Biomaterials
This area is concerned largely with the development and selection of appropriately necessary materials to be placed inside a human’s body. These engineers have a good understanding of the physical and chemical substances of the living tissue that a material will replace or assist throughout its development. For example, they look at artificial materials that are placed within human bodies to treat certain diseases or fallacies, and how these materials placed within have a negative or positive effect on the entire person, while in use.
Systems Physiology
This best employs engineering strategies, tools, and techniques to gain a better, well understanding of the body’s functions in living organisms. Aided by experimental results, these systems physiologists look and measure the basic physiological events present in humans, such as our metabolism, and how we control our limbs moving.
Clinical Engineering
These engineers employ technology to health care development within hospitals. These engineers are often cited with the roles of developing and controlling computer databases, as well medical equipment used within hospitals used for storing patient information. Their responsibilities go far beyond this, as they are also continuously looking to develop new computerized analyzers for inspecting and breaking down blood samples, or developing machines that will aid in care management provided to burn victims.
Rehabilitation Engineering
These engineers will often create new devices, as well maintain those in current use, that provide capabilities for development of people with disabilities, as well to develop their quality of life. For example, these engineers may provide new technologies in seating support for those who are committed to wheelchairs.
Source
Reynolds, David B. (1994). Speciality areas of biomedical engineering. World Book.
