This module is aimed at senior engineering students. The module is intended to give an overview of
Biomechanics. This involves analysing the human body from a mechanical perspective. This will involve
quantifying the loads and forces present in bones, joints and muscles. It will also involve looking at the building
blocks of the body from the perspective of its mechanical function. How do the bones, joints and muscles carry
out their function. We will look at how these structures are so formed to carry out their function. We will also
look at the body’s cardiovascular system. How its constituent parts such as arteries and veins regulate blood
flow. We will then look at the design of joint replacements and devices introduced into the body’s cardiovascular
system. The course will also show how the unique conditions of the human body drive the design of
these devices. The course will cover areas of knowledge such as suitable materials for medical devices. Brief
coverage of the regulation of medical devices, the classes of devices I, II, & III, the types of devices and why
the regulatory burden is justified, will be included. The course will also aim to give insight into why the medical
device industry represents an important industry in terms of Ireland’s economy and the healthcare industry
globally.
Preliminaries:
Overview of human anatomy
Mechanics of materials review
Bone and Joint Mechanics
Analysis of muscle and joint loads. Examples: Elbow, & Knee.
Mechanics of hard and soft tissue, muscles, tendons, bone, cartilage, ligaments and development of material
models of these tissues.
Failure mechanisms in bone.
Mechanics of cells, a discussion of how mechanical loads and other factors influence tissue growth, adaptation
and degeneration.
Cardiovascular Biomechanics:
Biorheology and mechanics of blood flow.
Discussion of material models of arteries and other cardiovascular structures.
Biomaterials
What are the requirements of materials which are to be placed inside the human body? Discussion of examples
such as cobalt chromium, stainless steel and plastics.
Regulation of Medical Devices:
Categorisation of medical devices (Class I, II, III)
Quality assurance: (Motivation why it’s so important) ISO 13485:2003, CE Mark, FDA requirements QSR 820
Appreciation for regulatory affairs (Class I, II, III) devices link to risk management: low, medium, high risk
devices.
Case Studies
Design of hip and knee replacements.
Design of fracture fixation systems
Design of cardiovascular stents.
Lectures, discussion, case study, problem-solving exercises, readings, project work, self-directed learning,
computer-based learning, ODL, correspondence, laboratory experiments.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |