376-1308-00L  Biocompatibility and Development of Medical Implants

SemesterSpring Semester 2013
LecturersJ. Mayer-Spetzler, S. Hofmann Boss, D. J. Webster
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman
CommentMaximum of 25-30 participants. Assignments will be considered chronological.


AbstractIntroduction to the basics of biocompatibility; discussion of the state of the art and actual trends in implant development in orthopedics, sports medicine, traumatology and cardio-vascular surgery; introduction to tissue engineering. Additionally, the opportunity to see a live surgery.
Learning objectiveIntroduction to biomaterials and to the methodolgy of implant development
ContentIntroduction to bionics; bionic design principles based on the mechanics of trees; biocompatibility as bionic guide line for the development of medical implants; implant and implantation related tissue reactions, biocompatible materials and material processing technologies; implant testing and regulatory procedures; discussion of the state of the art and actual trends in implant development in orthopedics, sports medicine, traumatology, spinal and cardio-vascular surgery; introduction to tissue engineering. Selected topics will be further illustrated by commented movies from surgeries.

Seminar: Group seminars on selected topics in implant development. Results will be presented in the group. Participation is mandatory to receive the testat.

Planned excursions (limited availability, not mandatory, to be confirmed):
1. Participation (as visitor) on a life surgery (travel at own expense)
Lecture notesScribt (electronically available):
- presented slides
- selected scientific papers for further reading
LiteratureTextbooks on selected topics will be introduced during the lectures
Prerequisites / Notice1. Students will be exposed to surgical movies which may expose the student to personal emotional reactions. The viewing of the surgical movies is voluntary and is on the student's own responsability.

2. The number of participants in the course is limited to 25-30 students in total.