25. Biomedical Engineers and Artificial Organs

Frontiers of Biomedical Engineering (BENG 100)

In this final lecture, Professor Saltzman talks about artificial organs, with a stress on synthetic biomaterials. First, the body's responses (immunological and scar healing responses) to foreign materials are introduced. This leads to discussion of different types of polymer/plastic materials (i.e., Dacron and GORE-TEX) and their properties. Next, Professor Saltzman talks about the design and function of some artificial organs, such as lens implants, heart valves and vessels, hip, dialyzer, heart/lung bypass machine, and the artificial heart. Lastly, challenges and areas for improvement in the field are presented.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Introduction to Biomaterials
03:15 - Chapter 2. Polymers
15:50 - Chapter 3. Threat of Coagulation and Clotting
22:22 - Chapter 4. Physical Responses to Biomaterials
27:41 - Chapter 5. Joint Replacement Using Biomaterials
38:01 - Chapter 6. Dialysis
43:51 - Chapter 7. Artificial Organs and Conclusion

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Spring 2008.