Advances in Biomechanics and Telemetry

Biomechanics

Biomechanics has been defined as the study of the movement of living things using the science of mechanics (Hatze, 1974). In this sense, biomechanics represents the broad interplay between mechanics and biological systems. The application of mechanics to living organisms involves the principles of anatomy and physics in movement descriptions and analyses. However, the study of biological structures, processes and functions by applying the methods and principles of mechanics is also required.

A biomaterial is a non-viable material used in a medical device, intended to interact with biological systems.

In the following figure you can observe the different types of biomaterials as well as some of their applications:

Metals resist high impacts, but corrode easily in physiological environments. Ceramics in turn are biomaterials with low chemical reactivity conferring them good biocompatibility. Polymers, however, are the most versatile and variable materials, as they have predetermined physicochemical characteristics and are also easily manageable. For these reasons they are the most frequently used biomaterials in medical biomechanics.

Biomaterials constructed of metals, ceramics, and polymers have many medical applications. (Image from Prof. Anne Mayes and OCW).

The need for biomaterials stems from the inability to treat many diseases, injuries and conditions with other therapies or procedures. Some examples are given below:

• Replacement of body parts that have lost function (total hip, heart).
• Correct structural abnormalities (spinal rod).
• Improve function (pacemaker, stent).
• Assist in healing (structural, pharmaceutical effects: sutures, drug release).

The requirements of biomaterials are:

• Biocompatibility: not react with any tissue in the body (noncarcinogenic, nonpyrogenic, nontoxic, nonallergenic, blood compatible and non-inflammatory).
• Resistant to typical sterilizing techniques such as autoclaving, dry heat or radiation.
• Specific physical characteristics: strength, elasticity, durability.
• Easy to manufacture.

Examples of biomaterial applications are: heart valves, artificial tissues, dental implants, intraocular lenses, vascular grafts or hip replacements.

What are some of the challenges?

• To more closely replicate complex tissue architecture and arrangement in vitro.
• To better understand extracellular and intracellular modulators of cell function.
• To develop novel materials and processing techniques that are compatible with biological interfaces.
• To find better strategies for immune acceptance. 

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the remote delivery of healthcare services and clinical information using telecommunications technology. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) treats "telemedicine" and "telehealth" as synonyms and uses the terms interchangeably. Telemedicine is a significant and rapidly growing component of healthcare in the United States. Around the world, millions of patients use telemedicine to monitor their vital signs out of hospitals and emergency rooms. The following video reviews the concept and usefulness of telemedicine:

Telemedicine allows to:

• Make an early diagnosis.
• Monitor the patient without displacement.
• Share the information with professionals all over the world.
• Decrease the number of patients admitted to hospital.
• Improve the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases. 

However, the high initial investment or informatics problems, such as failures in the net or accessibility, may decrease the spread of these technologies.

In this video, a University of California, Los Angeles dermatologist, describes how telehealth technologies are tools to improve access to care, improve patient outcomes, and control health care costs.

Guidelines are critical for the deployment of telemedicine services. Standards form the basis for uniform, quality patient care and safety, grounded in empirical research and clinical experience.

mHealth, also known as mobile health, is a form of telemedicine using wireless devices and cell phone technologies. It may be considered as a tool through which telemedicine can be practiced.

1. Familiarize yourself with the concept of biomechanics.
2. Study the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the different biomaterials.
3. Know the applications of biomechanics in medicine.
4. Be able to identify the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine.