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Bioengineering
Special Issues
Using Existing Medical Technologies to Solve and Improve Medical Challenges
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Using Existing Medical Technologies to Solve and Improve Medical Challenges

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 6897

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Arnon Blum

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 15208, Israel
Interests: endothelial progenitor stem cell research; endothelial function and vascular biology; heart failure and preventive cardiology; stem cell transplantation for cardiovascular disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are taught that novel technologies will overcome challenging medical issues. However, during this "run towards the future" we forget that existing technologies could offer some solutions if used in a novel approach. For example, could we use blood cell data (that is a basic factor in every medical evaluation) for other purposes like predicting the outcome of patients with malignancy.

The purpose of this issue is to expose novel approaches to existing technologies. Maybe we could benefit more from existing data and technologies if we could know to use them more efficiently and this approach could be another way of innovation in medicine.

Dr. Arnon Blum
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • innovation
  • technology
  • big data
  • novel approaches
  • existing technologies

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1584 KiB  
Article
Tuning Microelectrodes’ Impedance to Improve Fast Ripples Recording
by Hajar Mousavi, Gautier Dauly, Gabriel Dieuset, Amira El Merhie, Esma Ismailova, Fabrice Wendling and Mariam Al Harrach
Bioengineering 2024, 11(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11010102 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal hyperexcitability. In the case of pharmacoresistant epilepsy requiring resection surgery, the identification of the Epileptogenic Zone (EZ) is critical. Fast Ripples (FRs; 200–600 Hz) are one of the promising [...] Read more.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal hyperexcitability. In the case of pharmacoresistant epilepsy requiring resection surgery, the identification of the Epileptogenic Zone (EZ) is critical. Fast Ripples (FRs; 200–600 Hz) are one of the promising biomarkers that can aid in EZ delineation. However, recording FRs requires physically small electrodes. These microelectrodes suffer from high impedance, which significantly impacts FRs’ observability and detection. In this study, we investigated the potential of a conductive polymer coating to enhance FR observability. We employed biophysical modeling to compare two types of microelectrodes: Gold (Au) and Au coated with the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) (Au/PEDOT:PSS). These electrodes were then implanted into the CA1 hippocampal neural network of epileptic mice to record FRs during epileptogenesis. The results showed that the polymer-coated electrodes had a two-order lower impedance as well as a higher transfer function amplitude and cut-off frequency. Consequently, FRs recorded with the PEDOT:PSS-coated microelectrode yielded significantly higher signal energy compared to the uncoated one. The PEDOT:PSS coating improved the observability of the recorded FRs and thus their detection. This work paves the way for the development of signal-specific microelectrode designs that allow for better targeting of pathological biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Existing Medical Technologies to Solve and Improve Medical Challenges)
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13 pages, 6394 KiB  
Article
Flow Diverter Performance Comparison of Different Wire Materials for Effective Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment
by Yeo Jin Jun, Doo Kyung Hwang, Hee Sun Lee, Byung Moon Kim and Ki Dong Park
Bioengineering 2024, 11(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11010076 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 992
Abstract
A flow diverter (FD) is an effective method for treating wide-necked intracranial aneurysms by inducing hemodynamic changes in aneurysms. However, the procedural technique remains challenging, and it is often not performed properly in many cases of deployment or placements. In this study, three [...] Read more.
A flow diverter (FD) is an effective method for treating wide-necked intracranial aneurysms by inducing hemodynamic changes in aneurysms. However, the procedural technique remains challenging, and it is often not performed properly in many cases of deployment or placements. In this study, three types of FDs that changed the material of the wire were prepared within the same structure. Differences in physical properties, such as before and after delivery loading stent size, radial force, and radiopacity, were evaluated. The performances in terms of deployment and trackability force were also evaluated in a simulated model using these FDs. Furthermore, changes of deployment patterns when these FDs were applied to a 3D-printed aneurysm model were determined. The NiTi FD using only nitinol (NiTi) wire showed 100% size recovery and 42% to 45% metal coverage after loading. The low trackability force (10.9 to 22.9 gf) allows smooth movement within the delivery system. However, NiTi FD cannot be used in actual surgeries due to difficulties in X-ray identification. NiTi-Pt/W FD, a combination of NiTi wire and platinum/tungsten (Pt/W) wire, had the highest radiopacity and compression force (6.03 ± 0.29 gf) among the three FDs. However, it suffered from high trackability force (22.4 to 39.9 gf) and the end part braiding mesh tended to loosen easily, so the procedure became more challenging. The NiTi(Pt) FD using a platinum core nitinol (NiTi(Pt)) wire had similar trackability force (11.3 to 22.1 gf) to NiTi FD and uniform deployment, enhancing procedural convenience. However, concerns about low expansion force (1.79 ± 0.30 gf) and the potential for migration remained. This comparative analysis contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how different wire materials influence the performance of FDs. While this study is still in its early stages and requires further research, its development has the potential to guide clinicians and researchers in optimizing the selection and development of FDs for the effective treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Existing Medical Technologies to Solve and Improve Medical Challenges)
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Graphical abstract

9 pages, 1841 KiB  
Article
Fiber-Optic Pedicle Probes to Advance Spine Surgery through Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
by Merle S. Losch, Justin D. Heintz, Erik Edström, Adrian Elmi-Terander, Jenny Dankelman and Benno H. W. Hendriks
Bioengineering 2024, 11(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11010061 - 08 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 925
Abstract
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) can provide tissue feedback for pedicle screw placement in spine surgery, yet the integration of fiber optics into the tip of the pedicle probe, a device used to pierce through bone, is challenging, since the optical probing depth and [...] Read more.
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) can provide tissue feedback for pedicle screw placement in spine surgery, yet the integration of fiber optics into the tip of the pedicle probe, a device used to pierce through bone, is challenging, since the optical probing depth and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are affected negatively compared to those of a blunt DRS probe. Through Monte Carlo simulations and optical phantom experiments, we show how differences in the shape of the instrument tip influence the acquired spectrum. Our findings demonstrate that a single bevel with an angle of 30∘ offers a solution to anticipate cortical breaches during pedicle screw placement. Compared to a blunt probe, the optical probing depth and SNR of a cone tip are reduced by 50%. The single bevel tip excels with 75% of the optical probing depth and a SNR remaining at approximately ⅔, facilitating the construction of a surgical instrument with integrated DRS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Existing Medical Technologies to Solve and Improve Medical Challenges)
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13 pages, 1800 KiB  
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease and Carotid Artery Disease Are Associated with Decreased Bile Acid Excretion
by Lior Charach, Gideon Charach, Eli Karniel, Leonid Galin, Dorin Bar Ziv, Lior Grossman, Irit Kaye and Itamar Grosskopf
Bioengineering 2023, 10(8), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10080935 - 07 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 786
Abstract
Low bile acid excretion (BAE) is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke). This study investigated BAE in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and carotid artery disease (CA) and those without these diseases, compared to [...] Read more.
Low bile acid excretion (BAE) is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke). This study investigated BAE in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and carotid artery disease (CA) and those without these diseases, compared to patients with CAD, stroke, or no evidence of atherosclerosis. Patients with complaints of chest pain-suspected CAD, syncope, stroke/TIA, severe headache, intermittent claudication, or falls were enrolled. All received a 4-day standard diet with 490 mg of cholesterol and internal standard copper thiocyanate. Fecal BAE was measured using gas–liquid chromatography. One hundred and three patients, sixty-eight (66%) men and thirty-five women (34%), mean age range 60.9 ± 8.9 years, were enrolled in this prospective, 22-year follow-up study. Regression analysis showed that advanced age, total BAE, and excretion of the main fractions were the only significant independent factors that predicted prolonged survival (p < 0.001). Twenty-two years’ follow-up revealed only 15% of those with BAE <262.4 mg/24 h survived, compared to >60% of participants without atherosclerosis and a mean BAE of 676 mg/24 h. BAE was lower in patients with polyvascular atherosclerosis than in those with involvement of 1–3 vascular beds. Pearson correlations were found between total BAE and various fractions of BA, as well as HDL cholesterol. BAE and short-term survival were decreased among patients with PVD compared to those with CAD or stroke. Low BAE should be considered a valuable and independent risk factor for PVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Existing Medical Technologies to Solve and Improve Medical Challenges)
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11 pages, 2771 KiB  
Article
Exerting Forces and Wall Load during Duodenoscopy for ERCP: An Experimental Measurement in an Artificial Model
by Julian Schneider, Benedikt Duckworth-Mothes, Ulrich Schweizer, Alfred Königsrainer, Jakob Fisch and Dörte Wichmann
Bioengineering 2023, 10(5), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10050523 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2766
Abstract
Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is crucial to the treatment of biliopancreatic diseases with iatrogenic perforation as a potential complication. As of yet, the wall load during ERCP is unknown, as it is not directly measurable during an ERCP in patients. Methods: In [...] Read more.
Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is crucial to the treatment of biliopancreatic diseases with iatrogenic perforation as a potential complication. As of yet, the wall load during ERCP is unknown, as it is not directly measurable during an ERCP in patients. Methods: In a life-like, animal-free model, a sensor system consisting of five load cells was attached to the artificial intestines (sensors 1 + 2: pyloric canal–pyloric antrum, sensor 3: duodenal bulb, sensor 4: descending part of the duodenum, sensor 5: distal to the papilla). Measurements were made with five duodenoscopes (n = 4 reusable and n = 1 single use). Results: Fifteen standardized duodenoscopies were performed. Peak stresses were found at the antrum during the gastrointestinal transit (sensor 1 max. 8.95 N, sensor 2 max. 2.79 N). The load reduced from the proximal to the distal duodenum and the greatest load in the duodenum was discovered at the level of the papilla in 80.0% (sensor 3 max. 2.06 N). Conclusions: For the first time, intraprocedural load measurements and exerting forces obtained during a duodenoscopy for ERCP in an artificial model were recorded. None of the tested duodenoscopes were classified as dangerous for patient safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Existing Medical Technologies to Solve and Improve Medical Challenges)
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