ECTS - University of Pisa
The course is composed of two separate modules: "Biomaterials" and "Prothesic Implants". The student who completes the course successfully will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the main issues related to Biomaterials Science with particular attention to the biocompatibility issues and the properties of materials in ralation to biomedical applications. Moreover, student will have an understanding of the basic equations to design, realise and test different types of prostheses. The student will acquire knowledge on the mechanical and physiological laws that allow to design and optimise the principal parameters of orthopaedics, acoustic, visual, abdominal and cardio-vascular prostheses.
Biomaterials module: In the written exam (3 hours), the student must demonstrate his/her knowledge of the course topics through the solution of numerical problems and answers to written questions. Prothesis Implants module: The student should demonstrate the ability to desing and optimise the prostheses described during the class on the basis of different physiological and pathological conditions of a patient.
Methods:
Further information:
Biomaterials module: The final exam consists of six written exercises for a total score of 30. The minimun score is 18. Protesic Implants: Final written exam 50% and final oral exam 50%. The final written exam is composed by 5 exercises on the design and sizing of prosthesis.
Delivery: face to face
Learning activities:
Attendance: Mandatory
Teaching methods:
The course is composed of two distinct modules: "Biomaterials" and "Prothesic Implants". The main topics of the Biomaterials module are: general background; definition of Biocompatibility; biocompatibility tests; inflammation and healing process; blood coagulation and fibrinolysis; the design of biomedical devices; reliability; polymeric biomaterials; biodegradable polymers; metallic biomaterials; the corrosion; ceramic biomaterials: bioinert and bioactive ceramic materials; biomaterials of natural origin. The second module is called Prothesic Implants module are: analysis of forces and deformations on bone tissue and definition of parameters necessary for prosthesis design and realisation; optics and design of visual implant (from glasses to visual cortical prosthesis); acoustics and design of acoustic implants; design and realisation of artificial heart; FEM analysis.
Biomaterials module: Handouts provided by the teacher. Recommended reading includes the following: R. Pietrabissa, Biomateriali per protesi e organi artificiali, Pàtron Ed., 1996. C. Di Bello, Biomateriali, Pàtron Ed., 2004. Prothesic Implants module: Stephen C. Cowin, Bone mechanics handbook, Informa Healthcare, 2001 Papers and slides furnished by teacher
