Lecturer: Daniela Zambarbieri  

Course name: Biomedical Instrumentation LM
Course code: 501674
Degree course: Bioingegneria
Disciplinary field of science: ING-INF/06
University credits: CFU 6
Course website: http://aim.labmedinfo.org/

Specific course objectives

The purpose of the course is to examine medical imaging systems and therapeutic devices. Attention is focused on the general concepts, design criteria and contraints, state of the art and expected evolution, taking always into account problems related to human body and medical device interaction and to electrical safety.

Course programme

Radiography
Production of X-rays. Interaction of X-ray with matter. Detection of X-ray. Image intensifier. Contrast agents

Computed tomography
Different generations of CT scanners. Major components of the CT scanner. The X-ray detectors. Helical CT. Multislice CT. Electron Beam Tomography

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Principles of magnetic resonance. Precession and Larmor relation. Free Induction Decay FID. T1 and T2 relaxation. Pulse sequences. Major components of the MRI scanner. Spatial localization: magnetic field gradients. Open field MRI and dedicated systems. Magnetic resonance patient safety. Functional MRI

Pacemakers
Synchronous and asynchronous cardiac pacemakers. Rate responsive pacing. Pacing leads. Dual sensors and sensor blending. Programmability. Eectromagnetic interference. Biventricular pacing

Defibrillator
AC defibrillator. Capacitive-discharge DC defibrillators. Defibrillator electrodes. Cardioverters. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Artificial heart valves
Functional requirements of heart valve prostheses. Mechanical valves: caged-ball, tilting disk, bileaflet. Biological valves. Durability. Percutaneous Heart Valve.

Extracorporeal circulation
Priming volume. Hemolysis. Roller pump. Membrane oxygenator. Connecting the patient to the device.

Hemodialysis
Dialyzer. Dialysis solution. Vascular access.

Cardiac assist devices
Ventricular assist device. Total artificial heart. Extracorporeal devices. Intracorporeal devices. State of the art and future development. Continuous flow.

Course entry requirements

Basic knowledge on human physiology. General concepts of interfacing human body and electrical devices. Principles of electrical safety.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 45
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

Testing and exams

Final test consists of a written exam