FORCE Biomedical Biomedical Topics

Short Learning Topics

Biomedical Equipments

Author
Ms Heer Thosani

October 2020

Heer Thosani 1
FORCE Biomedical Biomedical Topics

Section – I
Biomedical Equipments
Angiography ........................................................................................................................................ 4

Angioplasty and Stents ...................................................................................................................... 5

Artificial Lung ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ....................................................................................... 7

Bronchoscope ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Capsule Endoscopy............................................................................................................................. 9

Cardiac Ablation System ................................................................................................................. 10

Cardiac Mapping System ................................................................................................................ 11

Cardiac Stress Test ............................................................................................................................ 12

Cardiovascular Information System (CVIS) ................................................................................ 13

Colonoscope ....................................................................................................................................... 14

Cystoscope .......................................................................................................................................... 15

Dilation and curettage...................................................................................................................... 16

Electrocardiogram (ECG) ................................................................................................................. 17

ECG Holter Monitor ......................................................................................................................... 18

Echocardiogram ................................................................................................................................. 19

Electroencephalography (EEG)....................................................................................................... 20

Electromyography (EMG)................................................................................................................ 21

Gastroscope ........................................................................................................................................ 22

Heart-Lung Machine ........................................................................................................................ 23

High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) ................................................................... 24

Oxygen concentrator......................................................................................................................... 25

Pacemaker........................................................................................................................................... 26

Polysomnography ............................................................................................................................. 27

Positive Expiratory Pressure Device.............................................................................................. 28

Prosthetic heart valves ..................................................................................................................... 29

Pulmonary function test (PFT) ....................................................................................................... 30

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Resectoscope ...................................................................................................................................... 31

Respiratory Monitor ......................................................................................................................... 32

Resuscitator ........................................................................................................................................ 33

Ureteroscope ...................................................................................................................................... 34

Ventilator ............................................................................................................................................ 35

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) ................................................................................................... 36

Cranioplasty ....................................................................................................................................... 37

Neuronavigation system .................................................................................................................. 38

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ........................................................................................................... 39

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) ..................................................................................... 40

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) .................................................................................. 41

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)................................................................. 42

Section – II
Notable Biomedical Personalities
Forrest Bird ......................................................................................................................................... 44

René Laennec ..................................................................................................................................... 45

Robert Jarvik ...................................................................................................................................... 46

Willem Einthoven ............................................................................................................................. 47

Wilson Greatbatch ............................................................................................................................ 48

Section – III
Biomedical Companies
Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Ltd. (HMD) ................................................................ 50

Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd. ....................................................................................... 51

Polymed Medical Devices ............................................................................................................... 52

Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd............................................................................................................. 53

Trivitron Healthcare ......................................................................................................................... 54

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Angiography

Angiography is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to visualize the inside
of blood vessels and organs of the body. A coronary angiogram or an arteriogram is
an X-ray of the arteries in the heart. This shows the extent and severity of any heart
disease and can help figure out how well the heart is working.

To create the X-ray images, a contrast liquid dye will be injected through a thin,
flexible tube, called a catheter. The catheter is threaded into the desired artery from
an access point (usually in your arm). The dye makes the blood flowing inside the
blood vessels visible on an X-ray and shows any narrowed or blocked area in the
blood vessel. The dye is later eliminated from your body through your kidneys and
your urine.

Angiograms aren't usually

done until after non-invasive
heart tests have been
performed (ECG, an
echocardiogram or a stress
test etc.) due to risk factors.
Minor risks include,
 Injury to the
catheterized artery
 Bruising or bleeding
at the access point
 Irregular heartbeat
 Chest pain

If a blockage is found, angioplasty (with stent) /percutaneous coronary intervention

(PCI) may be performed to open the blockage.

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Angioplasty and Stents

Angioplasty, also known as balloon angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal

angioplasty (PTA), is a procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or
veins and restore blood flow.

A thin tube is threaded through a blood vessel in the arm or groin up to the involved
site in the artery. The tube has a tiny balloon on the end. When the tube is in place,
the balloon is inflated to push the plaque outward against the wall of the artery. This
widens the artery and restores blood flow. Sometimes you may need one or more
stents to keep the artery from re-narrowing.

A stent is a tiny coil of wire mesh, which is collapsed around a balloon at the tip of
the catheter. It is guided through the artery to the blockage. There, the balloon is
inflated, and the spring-like stent expands and locks into place inside the artery. The
stent stays in the artery permanently to hold it open and improve blood flow to your
heart. Once the stent is in place, the balloon catheter is deflated and removed.

Risks may include:

 Blood clots
and
bleeding
 Heart attack
or stroke
 Coronary
artery
damage
 Kidney
problems
 Abnormal heart rhythms

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Artificial Lung

An artificial lung (AL) is a prosthetic device that provides oxygenation of blood and
removal of carbon dioxide from the
blood. It's intended to take over the
functionality of biological lungs for
long periods of time. AL would be a
better alternative compared to heart-
lung machine, Extracorporeal
Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
and Mechanical Ventilation (MV) as
these can be used on a temporary
basis only.

ALs could provide a stopgap for

people recovering from severe lung
infections or waiting for a lung
transplant – although a transplant would still be a better long-term solution for those
with permanent lung damage. Currently, lung transplantation remains the definitive
curative treatment for end-stage lung disease, but many patients die before finding
an appropriate donor organ. ALs could overcome the donor organ shortage and the
need for immunosuppression (suppression of immune response after surgery). It
would provide physiologic functions through bioengineered conducting airways,
vasculature and gas exchange tissue.

ALs are still undergoing human clinical trials and are not yet open to the market but
have had successful animal trials.

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Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An automated external defibrillator is a lightweight, portable electronic device that

automatically diagnoses life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). It
is able to treat them through defibrillation (delivery of electricity shock to stop
arrhythmia) allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

This is usually used during or after a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), in which the heart
stops functioning abruptly. Most SCAs result from ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF is
a rapid and unsynchronized heart rhythm that originates in the heart’s lower
chambers (the ventricles).

A built-in computer checks

heart rhythm through
adhesive electrodes. The
computer calculates whether
defibrillation is needed. If it
is, a shock button is to be
pressed on the AED. This
shock momentarily stuns the
heart and stops all activity.
AEDs advise a shock only
for VF or pulseless
ventricular tachycardia (increased heart rate without a pulse originating in the
ventricles).

AEDs are safe to use by anyone. Studies show that 90% of the time AEDs cab detect
arrhythmias and decide whether to deliver a shock or not.

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Bronchoscope

Bronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It can be used
during the treatment of some lung conditions. A bronchoscope is a thin tube passed
through nose or mouth, down the throat and into the lungs to see the inside of the
airways and lungs. Bronchoscopy is most commonly performed using a flexible
bronchoscope. However, sometimes, a rigid bronchoscope may be needed.

Reasons for doing bronchoscopy

include:
 Diagnosis of a lung problem
 Identification of a lung
infection
 Biopsy of tissue from the lung
 Removal of mucus, a foreign
body, or other obstruction in
the airways of lungs, such as a
tumour
 Placement of a small tube to
hold open an airway (stent)
 Treatment of a lung problem
(interventional bronchoscopy), such as bleeding, an abnormal narrowing of
the airway (stricture) or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

During some procedures, special devices are passed through the bronchoscope, such
as a tool to obtain a biopsy, a probe to control bleeding, a laser to reduce the size of
an airway tumour or a bronchoscope with a built-in ultrasound probe.

Risks may include:

 Bleeding
 Collapsed lung
 Fever

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Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of
the digestive tract. A capsule endoscopy camera sits inside a vitamin-size capsule
that's to be swallowed. As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, the camera
takes pictures that are transmitted to a recorder, worn on a belt around the waist.
This procedure helps see the inside of the small intestine (which isn't easily reached
with traditional endoscopy).

The capsule camera takes thousands of

colour photos as it passes through your
digestive tract. The images saved on the
recorder are transferred to a computer
with a special software that strings the
images together to create a video. This
video shows abnormalities within the
digestive tract.

Reasons for a capsule endoscopy:

 To find the cause of
gastrointestinal bleeding
 Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, celiac disease etc.
 Oesophagus examination
 Screen for polyps
 Follow-up testing after imaging tests

Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure. However, it's possible for a capsule to

become lodged in your digestive tract rather than leaving your body in a bowel
movement.

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Cardiac Ablation System

Cardiac ablation is a procedure that can correct heart rhythm problems

(arrhythmias). When the heart beats, the electrical impulses that cause it to contract
must follow a precise pathway through the heart. Any interruption in these impulses
can cause an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia).

This process includes scarring or destroying the tissue that triggers or sustains an
abnormal heart rhythm. This process uses long, flexible tubes (catheters) inserted
through a vein or artery (in your groin or arm) and threaded to your heart to deliver
energy in the form of heat (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryoablation)
to modify the tissues in your heart that cause an arrhythmia. It is sometimes done
through open-heart surgery.

Cardiac Ablation has a 95%

success rate, but risks may
include:
 Bleeding or infection at
the site of insertion
 Blood clots and damage to
the blood vessels
 Heart damage like
puncture or damaged
valves
 Arrhythmias
 Stroke or heart attack
 Narrowing of veins that
carry blood between your
lungs and heart
(pulmonary vein stenosis)
 Kidney damage (from dye used)
 Death (rare cases)

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Cardiac Mapping System

Cardiac mapping is an electrophysiology (EP) study that tests the electrical activity
of your heart. Electrical signals usually travel through the heart in a regular pattern.
Arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat) occur when these electrical impulses don't work
properly. Cardiac mapping helps find exactly where an arrhythmia is coming from.

More commonly, cardiac

mapping is performed with
catheters. A small incision
is made in your thigh or
neck. Then, one or more
thin, flexible tubes called
catheters are inserted into
the incision and guided
through blood vessels and
to the heart. The ends of
these catheters have tiny
electrodes that help gather
data about the electrical
signals and pinpoint the cause of the problem.

Various medications can then be tested to identify the best-suited one. In some cases,
ablations can also be performed. Ablations can often cure an arrhythmia by
painlessly targeting a small region of abnormal tissue inside the heart.

Risks may include:

 Arrhythmia
 Blood clots can form at the tip of the catheter, break off and block a blood
vessel.
 Infection, bleeding or bruising at the site of incision.

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Cardiac Stress Test

A cardiac stress test (also referred to as a cardiac diagnostic test, cardiopulmonary

exercise test, or CPX test) is a cardiological test that measures the heart's ability to
respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment. The stress response is
induced by exercise or by intravenous pharmacological stimulation and the level is
progressively increased by raising the difficulty and speed. Cardiac stress tests
compare the coronary circulation while the patient is at rest with the same patient's
circulation during maximum cardiac exertion, showing any abnormal blood flow to
the myocardium (heart muscle tissue).

Sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on the patient's chest, legs and arms. The
electrodes have wires connected to an ECG, which records the electrical signals that
trigger heartbeats. A cuff on the arm checks blood pressure during the test. The test
administrator or attending physician then examines the symptoms and blood
pressure response. To measure the heart's response to the stress, the patient may be
connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (for ultrasonic imaging of
the heart), or a gamma camera to image radioisotopes injected into the bloodstream
(called a nuclear stress test).

The results can be interpreted as a

reflection on the general physical
condition of the test patient. This test
can be used to diagnose coronary
artery disease and assess patient
prognosis after a heart attack.

The stress test has certain limitations:

 It does not detect Atheroma and
vulnerable plaques.
 It also has relatively high rates of false positives and false negatives compared
to other clinical tests.

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Cardiovascular Information System (CVIS)

CVIS (Cardiovascular Information Management System) is a unique software

solution that improves the
clinical and financial
performance of the
cardiology department. It
connects to the overall
patient electronic medical
record (EMR), cardiac
imaging, echo reporting,
diagnostic test (ECG)
reporting, and other
components to aggregate all
cardiac patient data, imaging and waveforms into one location.

In cardiac care, immediate access to complete patient information is key to

improving both patientcare and workflow. CVIS is becoming an integral part of all
multi-speciality hospitals. These systems have significant benefits including:
 Image/Cardiology Asset Accessibility (Immediate access to current and
historical images and reports)
 Increased performance and workflow (simplified, speedy, structured and
 consistent reporting)
 Streamlined patient care
 Data mining to facilitate clinical trials and drug eligibility notification
 Virtual cardiac care (view images and data in multiple locations)
 Reduced costs

Some famous cardiovascular information systems include MUSE, Xcelera, Physiolog

etc.

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Colonoscope

A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large

intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube
(colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube
allows to view the inside of the entire colon.

A colonoscope is inserted into your rectum. The scope, which can reach the entire
length of your colon,
contains a light and a tube
(channel) that allows to
pump air or carbon dioxide
into the colon. The air or
carbon dioxide inflates the
colon, which provides a
better view of the lining of
the colon. The colonoscope
also contains a tiny video
camera at its tip. The camera
sends images to an external
monitor. Instruments can
also be inserted through the
channel to take tissue
samples (biopsies) or remove polyps or other areas of abnormal tissue. A
colonoscopy typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

A colonoscopy is considered negative if there are no abnormalities in the colon and

positive if any polyps or abnormal tissues are found in the colon.

Complications of a colonoscopy may include:

 Internal bleeding
 A tear in the colon or rectum wall (perforation)

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Cystoscope

Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows examination of the lining of the bladder and
the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). A hollow tube (cystoscope)
equipped with a lens is inserted into your urethra and slowly advanced into your
bladder.
It can be done to:
 Diagnose and treat bladder
diseases and conditions.
 Diagnose an enlarged
prostate.

A cystoscopy can take 5 to 30

minutes. The bladder should be
empty for the procedure to take
place. The cystoscope is then
pushed into your urethra, using
the smallest scope possible.
Larger scopes might be needed to
take tissue samples or pass surgical tools into the bladder. The cystoscope has a lens
on the end that works like a telescope to magnify the inner surfaces of the urethra
and bladder. A special video camera might be placed over the lens to project the
images onto a video screen. Your bladder will be filled with a sterile solution, which
inflates the bladder and allows a better look inside. Tissue samples might be taken
for lab testing or to perform other procedures.

Complications of cystoscopy can include:

 Infection
 Bleeding and blood clots
 Abdominal pain
 Fever

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Dilation and curettage

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus.
It is performed to diagnose and treat certain uterine conditions, such as heavy
bleeding, or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion. In a D&C,
small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix. A surgical
instrument called a curette is then used to remove uterine tissue.
A D&C might be required to diagnose and treat diseases like
 Endometrial hyperplasia (a precancerous condition in which the uterine
lining becomes too thick)
 Uterine polyps
 Uterine cancer etc.

During the procedure, the person lies on their back on an exam table while the heels
rest in supports (stirrups). An instrument called speculum, is then inserted into the
vagina, in order to view the cervix. A series of thicker rods are inserted into the
cervix to slowly dilate it until it's adequately open. The dilation rods are then
removed and a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge or a suction device is
inserted to remove uterine tissue.

Risks include:
 Perforation of uterus
 Damage to cervix
 Scar tissue on uterine wall
 Infection

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Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a medical test that measures the electrical

activity of the heartbeat. With each beat, an electrical impulse (or ‚wave‛) travels
through the heart which causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood
from the heart.

The atria (upper chambers) make the first wave called a ‚P wave" following a flat
line when the electrical impulse goes to the bottom chambers. The ventricles (bottom
chambers) make the next wave called a ‚QRS complex." The ‚T wave‛ represents
electrical recovery (return to a resting state) for the ventricles.

ECG can determine

problems including:
 Heart rate
 Structural
abnormalities
 Heart rhythm
 Inadequate blood and
oxygen supply to the
heart
 Heart attack history

ECG is a safe non-invasive

procedure. During an ECG, up to 12 sticky pads (electrodes) will be attached to your
chest and limbs. These are connected to a monitor that records the electrical signals
that make your heartbeat.

Changes in the normal ECG pattern occur in numerous cardiac abnormalities,

including cardiac rhythm disturbances, inadequate coronary artery blood flow, and
electrolyte (sodium, potassium, calcium etc.) disturbances.

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ECG Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is portable electrocardiography device for cardiac monitoring

(monitoring of the electrical activity of the cardiovascular system) for at least 24 to 72
hours. It is also, sometimes, called ambulatory electrocardiography.

This test is usually performed after an electrocardiogram (ECG). If you have signs or
symptoms of a heart problem, such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or
unexplained fainting, an ECG may be suggested. ECG is a brief, non-invasive test
that uses electrodes
taped to your chest
to check your heart's
rhythm. However,
sometimes it doesn't
detect any
irregularities in your
heart rhythm. These
can be detected by a
Holter monitor since
it's a continuous test
to record your
heart’s rate and
rhythm for 24 hours. It can be worn while performing your normal daily routine.

This device has electrodes and electrical leads exactly like a regular ECG. A typical
Holter monitor has 3 to 8 electrodes attached to your body. A 12 lead Holter system
is also available when precise ECG signal information is required to analyse the
exact nature and origin of the rhythm signal. It has no significant risks.

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Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram or echo is an
ultrasound of the heart. It is one of the
most widely used test in the diagnosis,
management, and follow-up of patients
with any suspected or known heart
diseases. It uses standard 2-D, 3-D, and
Doppler ultrasound (used to visualize
abnormal communication in the heart,
leaking of blood through valves (valvular
regurgitation), and estimate how well the
valves open) to create images of the heart.

It provides helpful information including:

 Size and shape of the heart
 Location and extent of tissue
damage
 Calculation of cardiac output
(volume of blood being pumped by
the heart per unit time)
 Ejection fraction (volumetric fraction of blood ejected from the heart with each
contraction)
 Diastolic function (how well the heart relaxes).

Echocardiography helps in detecting cardiomyopathies (chronic disease of the heart

muscle), assessing wall motion abnormality in patients with suspected cardiac
disease and reaching an early diagnosis of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Its biggest advantage is that it is not invasive (does not involve breaking the skin or
entering body cavities) and has no known risks or side effects.

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Electroencephalography (EEG)

An EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs
(electrodes) attached to the scalp. Brain cells communicate via electrical impulses
and are active all the time, even in sleep. This activity can be seen as wavy lines on
an EEG recording.

An EEG can determine

changes in brain activity
that are used in
diagnosing and treating:
 Epilepsy
 Seizure disorder
 Brain tumour
 Brain damage
from head injury
 Brain dysfunction (encephalopathy)
 Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
 Stroke
 Sleep disorders
 Brain death in a persistent coma

During the procedure, electrodes are attached to the scalp. The electrodes are
connected with wires to an instrument that amplifies the brain waves and records
them on a computer equipment. The patient is asked to relax, but at various times,
they might be asked to perform simple tasks like reading, calculating etc. Body
motions are captured by a video camera, in a routine video recording, while the EEG
records the brain waves. This combined recording helps diagnose and treat any
condition. An EEG typically takes up to 60 minutes.

EEGs are safe and painless.

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Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography (EMG) is a
diagnostic procedure to assess the
health of muscles and the nerve
cells that control them (motor
neurons). Motor neurons transmit
electrical signals that cause muscles
to contract. An EMG uses tiny
devices called electrodes to
translate these signals into graphs,
sounds or numerical values
that are then interpreted by a
specialist.

A nerve conduction study, part of an EMG, uses electrode stickers (surface

electrodes) to measure the speed and strength of signals traveling between two or
more points.
When the study is underway, the surface electrodes will at times transmit a tiny
electrical current that may feel as a twinge or spasm.

During a needle EMG, a needle electrode, inserted directly into a muscle records the
electrical activity in that muscle. During this process, assessment of spontaneous
electrical activity takes place, when the muscle is at rest (activity that isn't present in
healthy muscle tissue) and the degree of activity when the muscle is slightly
contracted.

EMG is a low-risk procedure. However, there's a small risk of:

 Bleeding
 Infection
 Nerve injury
 Lung collapse (pneumothorax)

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Gastroscope

A gastroscope is a flexible tube that has a

small light and a video camera attached
to the end of it. The images from the
video camera are sent to a screen. The
tube can be used to take tissue samples by
inserting instruments such as small
pincers. It can also be used to suck out air
and fluids. Gastroscopy may be done
because of ulcers, stomach-ache,
vomiting, recent stomach surgery etc.

The procedure generally lasts for about 5-

10 minutes. A small tube or a protective
ring is put between the teeth so that the mouth stays open. The gastroscope is first
swallowed so that it can enter into the oesophagus (food pipe). Then it is slowly
pushed into your stomach and down to the entrance of your duodenum.

Using the video images, the food pipe and stomach lining is examined to determine
the problem. If necessary, a tissue sample is taken. Bleeding, unusually narrow
passages, and certain medical conditions can be treated directly during the
procedure.

Risks include:
 Sore/numb throat
 Bleeding and injury to organs
 Reaction to sedative causing breathing and cardiovascular problems
 Perforation (tearing) of lining of oesophagus, stomach etc.

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Heart-Lung Machine

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a technique in which a machine temporarily takes

over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery, maintaining the circulation
of blood and the oxygen content of the patient's body. It is also known as a heart-
lung machine. Its components include pumps, oxygenators, temperature regulators,
and filters.

It's commonly used in operations involving the heart. In many operations, the heart
is arrested (stopped) because of the difficulty of operating on a beating heart. CPB is
required to provide a bloodless field to increase visibility. The machine pumps blood
and an oxygenator allows RBCs to pick up oxygen, and release carbon dioxide.

The surgeon places a cannula (a tube that is inserted into the body for delivery or
removal of fluid) in a major vein to withdraw blood from the body, which is then
filtered, and oxygenated before it is returned to the body by a mechanical pump. A
cannula is also used to return oxygenated blood and is inserted in a major artery.

The risks of heart and

lung bypass include:
 Blood clots and
bleeding
 Nerve injury
 Kidney injury
 Decreased lung
and/or heart
function.

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High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation

(HFCWO)

High-frequency chest wall oscillation (also called The Vest) involves an inflatable
vest, to be worn around the chest, that is attached to a machine. The machine
mechanically performs chest physical therapy by vibrating at a high frequency. The
vest vibrates the chest to loosen and thin mucus. Every five minutes, the machine is
stopped to cough or huff.

The machine is made up of 2

pieces, an air-pulse generator and
an inflatable vest that is
connected to the generator by
hoses. The generator sends air
through the hoses, which causes
the vest to inflate and deflate
rapidly, as much as 20 times per
second. This creates pressure on
the chest. The vibrations separate
mucus from the airway walls and
help move it up into the large
airways. Sessions last for about
20 to 30 minutes.

HFCWO devices are often used as a treatment for cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.
Studies show that HFCWO improved pulmonary function and quality of life in
patients. Despite this, several other clinical trials of the Vest are currently ongoing.

HFCWO is a safe treatment, especially for trauma patients with lung and chest wall
injuries.

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Oxygen concentrator

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that

concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply by
selectively removing nitrogen to supply an
oxygen-enriched gas stream.

Oxygen concentrators filter surrounding air,

compressing it to the required density and then
delivering purified oxygen into a pulse-dose
delivery system or continuous stream system to
the patient. Compressing air as the cooling
mechanism also keeps the concentrator from
becoming overheated. It’s also equipped with
special filters and sieve beds which help remove
nitrogen from the air to ensure delivery of
completely purified oxygen. The levels of oxygen
concentration and delivery settings can be adjusted using the electronic user
interface. The oxygen is inhaled through the nasal cannula or a mask.

An oxygen concentrator may be required in:

 Acute respiratory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, Respiratory Distress
Syndrome (RDS) etc.
 Chronic respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD), Cystic Fibrosis, Sleep Apnoea etc.

Risks include:
 Air trapped in oesophagus
 Auditory hallucinations
 Dry mouth
 Fatigue
 Rhinitis (nasal inflammation)

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Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest to help control/treat
arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). It uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart
to beat at a normal rate.

Types of pacemakers:
 Single chamber pacemaker usually carries electrical impulses to the right
ventricle (lower chamber of the heart).
 Dual chamber pacemaker carries electrical impulses to the right ventricle and
the right atrium (upper chamber of the heart).
 Biventricular pacemaker stimulates both the ventricles to make the heart beat
more efficiently for people with heart failure.

An implanted electronic pacemaker mimics the action of a natural electrical system

and comprises two parts:
 Pulse generator: It is a small metal container that houses a battery and the
electrical circuitry that regulates the rate of electrical pulses sent to your heart.
 Leads (electrodes): These are one to three flexible, insulated wires that are
each placed in chambers of your heart and deliver the electrical pulses to
adjust your heart rate.

Risks include:
 Infection
 Allergic reaction
 Swelling, bruising or bleeding
 Damage to blood vessels
 Collapsed lung

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Polysomnography

Polysomnography (sleep study) is a test used to diagnose sleep disorders. It records

brain waves, oxygen level in blood, heart rate and breathing patterns, snoring and
other noises as well as eye and body movements and position.

Polysomnography may be done to

check:
 Sleep apnoea or sleep-related
breathing disorder (fitful
breathing during sleep)
 Periodic limb movement disorder
(involuntary flexing and
extending of legs while sleeping)
 Narcolepsy (daytime drowsiness
and sudden attacks of sleep)
 REM sleep behaviour
 disorder (acting out of dreams)
 Unusual behaviours during sleep
 Unexplained chronic insomnia
(consistent trouble falling or
staying asleep)

For a polysomnography, patient arrives at the sleep center in the evening and stays
overnight. The sleeping area has a low-light video camera and audio system for
patient monitoring. Sensors are placed on the scalp, temples, chest and legs. These
are connected by (long) wires to a computer. A clip is placed to monitor blood
oxygen level. Positive airway pressure (PAP) machine may be tried to deliver a
stream of air to enhance breathing.

Polysomnography is a non-invasive, safe test.

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Positive Expiratory Pressure Device

Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) is

breathing against resistance. It
consists of cycles of breathing through
a mask or a mouthpiece device,
followed by the forced expiration
technique and coughing. For low
pressure PEP therapy, optimal
pressure is 10-20cm H2O, whereas
high pressure PEP ranges from 26-
102cm H2O.

In PEP, a person breathes through a

mask or a handheld mouthpiece. PEP
devices allow air to flow freely when
breathed in, but not when breathed
out. Air must be breathed out (almost
4 times) harder against the resistance.
This helps air get behind the mucus
and move it from lung and airway
walls. It also holds the airways open, keeping them from closing and helps maintain
a homogenous expiratory airflow. It promotes collateral ventilation (when alveoli
are ventilated through channels that bypass normal airways) allowing pressure to
build up. It also increases the tidal volume and functional residual capacity (FRC)
temporarily.

PEP therapy may be applied through:

 Face mask with a one-way valve to which expiratory resistors are attached.
 Mouthpiece with holes of different diameters that act as resistors.

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Prosthetic heart valves

An artificial heart valve is a one-way

valve implanted into the heart of a
patient to replace a dysfunctional
valve. Valves are actual flaps that are
located on each end of the two
ventricles (lower chambers of heart).
Their main purpose is to keep blood
flowing in one direction
through the heart, and from the heart
into the major blood vessels.

Heart valves can malfunction for a

variety of reasons, which can impede
the flow of blood through the valve
(stenosis) and/or let blood
flow backwards through the valve
(regurgitation). Both processes put
strain on the heart and may lead to
serious problems, including heart
failure and thus, require valve replacement.

Although some dysfunctional valves can be treated with drugs or repaired, others
need to be replaced with an artificial valve. A valve-replacement (open-heart)
surgery has to be performed to replace native heart valves. The main types of
artificial heart valves are mechanical, bioprosthetic/tissue valves. Tissue valves are
usually made from animal tissue. Artificial valves usually last from 10-20 years.
Mechanical valves last longer than others (up to 30 years).

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Pulmonary function test (PFT)

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs
are working.

PFTs may be needed:

 To detect allergies, infections, chronic lung conditions, such as asthma,
bronchiectasis etc.
 If symptoms of lung problems are seen
 To assess how well the lungs are working before a surgery

Different types of PFTs include:

 Spirometry measures the amount of air a person breathes in and out. The
patient is fitted with a mouthpiece and a nose clip is worn to prevent
breathing air out through the nose and then asked to breathe into the
machine.
 Plethysmography test measures the volume of gas in the lungs (lung volume).
The patient sits/stands in a small booth and breathes into a mouthpiece. The
pressure in the booth is then measured to check lung volume.
 Diffusion capacity test evaluates
how well the small air sacks inside
the lungs (alveoli) work. Certain
gases such as oxygen or carbon
dioxide are breathed in. The
machine detects when this gas is
breathed out. This tests how well
the lungs are able to transfer gases.

Risks may include:

 Dizziness
 Shortness of breath
 Coughing
 Asthma attack

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Resectoscope

A resectoscope is a type of
endoscope used in surgeries of
the uterus, prostate, bladder, or
urethra. The device is used to
extract tissue for biopsy, remove
growths, or destroy diseased or
damaged tissue. It includes a
wide-angle microscope to allow
complete visualization of the
surgical site and an attached
wire loop can be activated to
cauterize (burn) tissue, limiting
bleeding and eliminating the
need for stitches.

It is mainly used in Transurethral Resection of the prostate (TURP) or sometimes, in

hysteroscopy.

TURP is a surgery used to treat urinary problems that are caused by an enlarged
prostate. A resectoscope is inserted through the tip of the penis and into the urethra.
This helps view and trim away excess prostate tissue that's blocking the urine flow.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that helps look inside the uterus in order to diagnose
and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. This process usually uses a hysteroscope (a
thin, flexible, lightweight telescope) but a resectoscope can also be used. The
hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to view its
inside.

A resectoscope usually poses no risks.

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Respiratory Monitor

A respiratory monitor is a device which can be used in a hospital or in the home to

monitor respiration rate. Patches placed on the body measure respiration and heart
rate, transmitting real-time data along leads to a monitor which displays and logs
values for various time points.

The rate is usually measured

when a person is at rest and
simply involves counting the
number of breaths for one minute
by counting how many times the
chest rises. Respiration rates may
increase with fever, illness, and
other medical conditions. The monitor also has an alarm which indicates when
values are dangerously low.

Respiratory monitoring can give us a lot of data such as:

 Gas exchange
 Respiratory Mechanics (measure of lung function through pressure, flow,
volume etc.)
 Lung Volumes
 Cardiopulmonary interactions (communication between heart and lungs) 5.
Lung inflammation

Normal respiration rates for an adult person at rest range from 12 to 20 breaths per
minute. A respiration rate under 12 or over 25 breaths per minute while resting is
considered abnormal. Respiratory monitoring is non-invasive and has no significant
risks.

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Resuscitator
A resuscitator is a device using
pressure to inflate the lungs of an
unconscious person who is not
breathing, in order to keep them
alive and oxygenated. The bag
can also be used to give large
breaths after suctioning, a trach
change or when a ventilator
circuit is being changed.

There are three basic types:

 A manual version (bag
valve mask) consisting of a mask and a hand-squeezed plastic bulb using
supplemental oxygen from a high-pressure tank (if needed).
 Expired Air or breath powered resuscitator.
 Oxygen powered resuscitator is driven by pressurized gas, delivered by a
regulator. It can be automatic or manual.

Steps to use a resuscitator:

 Tubing from the bag is attached to the oxygen source (if needed).
 The bag (and optional flex tube) is attached to the trach tube.
 Breaths are given at a particular rate by gently squeezing the bag as the chest
rises.
 The bag is then removed from the trach tube.
 The flow meter is then turned off if oxygen is used.

Possible complications include:

 Air inflating the stomach
 Lung injuries from over-stretching or over pressurization • Gastric inflation
that can lead to pneumonia

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Ureteroscope

Ureteroscopy is a procedure to
address kidney stones, and
involves the passage of a small
flexible telescope, called a
ureteroscope, through the urethra
and bladder and up the ureter to
the point where the stone is
located. The procedure usually
lasts from 1-3 hours.

Ureteroscopy is done:
 If kidney stones are detected
 If polyp, tumour or abnormal tissue is suspected in urinary tract
 To remove a stone, polyp or tissue for testing (biopsy)

If the stone is small, it may be snared with a basket device (tiny wire basket that
grabs the stone and pulls it free from the ureter). If the stone is relatively large to the
ureter, the stone will need to be fragmented, which is usually accomplished with a
laser. Once the stone is broken into tiny pieces, these pieces are removed.

The passage of the ureteroscope may result in swelling in the ureter. Therefore, it
may be necessary to temporarily leave a small tube, (ureteral stent) inside the ureter
to ensure the drainage of urine.

Risks for this procedure include:

 Breathing problems
 Bleeding and blood clots
 Infection
 Injury of the ureter or kidney
 Narrowing or scarring of the ureter

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Ventilator

A ventilator (or respirator) is a machine that moves breathable air in and out of the
lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe or breathing
insufficiently (respiratory failure), or during surgery.

A mask or helmet is fitted to get air from the ventilator into the lungs. Sometimes, a
breathing tube may be needed. The endotracheal tube is inserted into the windpipe
through the mouth or nose (intubation). Rarely, a tube may need to be placed
through an opening in the neck (tracheostomy). The breathing tube connects the
body to the ventilator machine which uses pressure to blow oxygenated air into the
lungs.

Being on a ventilator while being conscious can be very uncomfortable since a

person can’t talk, eat, or move around while they’re connected to the ventilator
machine.

A ventilator can be
lifesaving. However, it
can sometimes cause side
effects like:
 Pneumonia or sinus
infection
 Blood clots
 Lung damage
 Fluid build-up
(pulmonary
oedema)
 Muscle weakness
 Pneumothorax (air leaks out of the lungs)
 Vocal cord damage
 Atelectasis (lungs don't expand fully causing air sacs to collapse)

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Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

A ventricular assist device (VAD)

is a mechanical pump that's used
to support heart function and
blood flow in people who have
weakened hearts. The device
takes blood from a ventricle
(lower chamber of the heart) and
helps pump it to the body and
vital organs.

A VAD includes a small tube that

carries blood out of your heart
into a pump; another tube that carries blood from the pump to your blood vessels,
and a power source. The power source is connected to a control unit that monitors
the VAD's functions. The control unit gives warnings if the power is low or if it
senses that the device isn't working right.

The two basic types of VADs are a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a right
ventricular assist device (RVAD). If both types are used at the same time, they are
called a biventricular assist device (BIVAD). LVAD is the most frequently used type.

The procedure to implant a VAD often requires an open-heart surgery. Implanting

and using a VAD involves risks including:
 Bleeding and clotting
 Infection
 Device malfunction
 Heart failure

However, a VAD can be lifesaving if you have severe heart failure.

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Cranioplasty
Cranioplasty is the surgical repair of a bone defect in the skull. Most cranioplasties
involve lifting the scalp and restoring the contour of the skull with the original skull
piece or a custom graft.

It might be performed for:

 Protection: A cranial defect can
leave the brain vulnerable to
damage.
 Function: Cranioplasty may
improve neurological function.
 Aesthetics: A noticeable skull
defect can affect a patient’s
appearance and confidence.
 Headaches: Cranioplasty can
reduce headaches due to
previous surgery or injury.

Skin of the scalp is carefully cut and

separated into layers, protecting the dura, which covers the brain. The edges of
surrounding bone are cleaned and the surface is prepared, so the bone or implant
can be positioned. It is then secured to the cranial bones with screws, plates or both.
With the bone or implant in place, bleeding is controlled, the scalp is moved back to
its original position and the incision id closed with nylon suture. A small suction
drain may be left in place to help remove any excess fluid. The drain is removed in a
few days.

Risks include:
 Infection
 Post-operative blood clot requiring drainage
 Stroke
 Seizure

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Neuronavigation system

Neuronavigation is a set of computer-assisted technologies used to guide or navigate

within the confines of the skull or vertebral column during surgery, and to
accurately target rTMS. The set of hardware used is referred to as a neuronavigator.

Neuronavigation provides orientation during the operation, helps in planning a

precise surgical approach to the targeted lesion and defines the surrounding
neurovascular structures. Incorporation of the data provided by functional MRI
helps avoid the eloquent areas of the brain during surgery.

Neuronavigation utilizes the principle of stereotaxis. The brain is considered as a

geometric volume which can be divided by three imaginary intersecting spatial
planes. Any point within the brain can be specified by measuring its distance along
these planes. Neuronavigation references this coordinate system of the brain with a
parallel coordinate
system of the three-
dimensional image
data of the patient,
displayed on the
console of the
computer-
workstation,
creating point-to-
point maps of the
corresponding
locations within the
brain.

Disadvantages include time-consuming calculation and registration, restriction of

space and view inside the operating field etc.

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Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

TCD is a non-invasive, painless ultrasound technique that uses echoes of high-

frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to measure the rate and direction of blood flow
inside brain's blood vessels. Transcranial doppler (TCD) and transcranial colour
Doppler (TCCD) are types of Doppler ultrasonography.

The test examines and records

the speed of the blood flow in
arteries known as the Circle of
Willis (located at the base of
the brain) to facilitate
diagnosis of:
• Subarachnoid haemorrhage
(SAH)
• Transient Ischemic Attack
(TIA)
• Sickle Cell Anaemia
• Embolism
• Cerebrovascular Accident
(CVA)
• Cerebral Circulatory Arrest

One or more small devices called transducers are placed directly on the temples,
base of the skull or closed eyelids, with a small amount of gel facilitating the
ultrasound. The transducer’s position is changed to direct the ultrasound waves
toward the blood vessels being examined. These transducers are connected to a
computer, which provides data about the blood flow. The noise of blood flowing
through the arteries is audible. A TCD can take 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

TCDs and TCCDs are safe tests with no risks.

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Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES)

Transcranial
electrical
stimulation (tES) is
a non-invasive
brain stimulation
technique that
passes an electrical
current through the
cortex of the brain
to alter brain
function. It is
usually used on patients with brain injuries or psychiatric conditions like major
depressive disorder.

Electrodes are stuck to the head and connected to a machine by wires. The electrical
current is applied to the scalp via two or more electrodes, and whilst a large amount
of the current is conducted between electrodes through soft tissue and skull, a
portion of the current penetrates the scalp and is conducted through the brain,
where it can alter neuronal excitability.

tES comprises a number of different techniques, including:

• transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
• transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)
• transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)

The current delivered in tES techniques is not powerful enough to elicit an action
potential and is maintained at subthreshold levels to effect cortical excitability only.
tES is a safe procedure but its long-term effects are unknown yet.

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in
the brain to improve symptoms of depression.

The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in
the region of the brain involved in mood control and depression. It activates regions
of the brain that have decreased activity in depression. This improves working of
brain and eases depression symptoms and improves mood.

An electromagnetic coil is placed against the head and switched off and on
repeatedly to produce stimulating pulses. A tapping sensation is felt on the
forehead. This part of the process is called mapping. The amount of magnetic energy
needed is determined by
increasing the magnetic dose until
fingers or hands twitch. Known as
the motor threshold, this is used as
a reference point in determining
the right dose. The procedure will
last about 40 minutes.

rTMS is safe and well-tolerated.

However, it can cause some side
effects:
• Headache
• Scalp discomfort
• Tingling, spasms or twitching of
facial muscles
• Light-headedness
• Rare side effects include,
seizures, mania and hearing loss.

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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

(TENS)
TENS is a therapy that uses low voltage electrical current to provide pain relief. TENS
therapy helps relieve both chronic (long lasting) and acute (short-term) pain.

A TENS unit consists of a battery-powered device that delivers electrical impulses

through electrodes (sticky pads) placed on the skin surface. The electrodes are
placed near nerves where the pain is located or at trigger points. Leads are
connected to sticky pads, which are directly attached to the skin. When the machine
is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of
your body and a tingling sensation is felt.

The exact reason for working of TENS is not yet known but the most likely theories
are:
• The electric current
stimulates nerve cells that
block the transmission of
pain signals, modifying
your perception of pain.
• Nerve stimulation raises
the level of endorphins, (the
body’s natural pain-killing
chemical). The endorphins
then block the perception of
pain.

TENS therapy is, usually, a safe process. Some risks include:

• Burns at sites where electrodes are placed
• Red, irritated skin or rashes

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Section – II

Notable Biomedical Personalities

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Forrest Bird

Forrest Morton Bird was an American

aviator, inventor, and biomedical engineer.
He is best- known for creation of the first
reliable mass-produced mechanical
ventilators.

Bird was born on June 9, 1921 in Stoughton,

Massachusetts. He became a pilot at an early
age and joined the U.S Army Air Corps. He
discovered that an oxygen regulator, in a
crashed German bomber, contained
a pressure breathing circuit. He took it
home, studied it, and made it more functional. This marked the beginning of a
revolutionizing medical equipment - the ventilator.

Bird created a car unit which was tested on seriously ill patients with limited
success. Further revision resulted in the "Bird Universal Medical Respirator" (1955),
which was further improvised by adding capabilities of Negative End Expiratory
Pressure (NEEP). He subsequently made a ventilator for infants, the "Babybird".
These devices reduced the rate of breathing-related infant mortality from 70% to
10%. He continued to contribute to the field of pulmonary science by participating in
the development of the VDR, a ventilator that permits management of the most
challenging patients. The Bird Mark 7 Respirator is still in use around the world.

Bird died at 94 of natural causes at Sagle, Idaho on August 2, 2015.

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René Laennec

René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec was a French physician and musician. He was

born on 17 February 1781 in Quimper, Brittany. Laennec studied medicine at the
University of Paris. There he was
trained to use sound as a
diagnostic aid. He became a
lecturer at the Collège de
France in 1822 and professor of
medicine in 1823.

His skill of carving his own

wooden flutes led him to invent
the stethoscope in 1816, while
working at the Hôpital Necker.
Laennec discovered the
new stethoscope to be a superior
method, particularly if the
patient was overweight. He
pioneered its usage in
diagnosing various chest conditions.

He built his first instrument as a 25 cm by 2.5 cm hollow wooden cylinder, which he

later refined to comprise three detachable parts. The refined design featured a
funnel-shaped cavity to augment the sound, separable from the body of the
stethoscope. Laennec coined the phrase mediate auscultation (indirect listening). He
named his instrument, the stethoscope, from the Greek words στήθος *stethos+
(chest), and σκοπός *skopos+ (examination).

Laennec often referred to the stethoscope as "the cylinder" and believed it to be the
greatest legacy of his life. He died of TB in 1826 at the age of 45.

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Robert Jarvik

Robert Koffler Jarvik, is an American scientist, researcher and entrepreneur, known

for his invention of the first permanently-implantable artificial heart. He was born in
Michigan on May 11, 1946 and had, already, invented surgical stapler and other
useful medical tools when he was a
teenager.

In 1964, Jarvik was a student at the

University of Utah, when his father
became ill with heart disease and had
to have an open-heart surgery. Jarvik,
then became very interested in
medicine and decided to go to
medical school. He graduated with
his MD from the University of Utah in
1976.

In 1982, Jarvik manufactured the first

permanent artificial heart, the Jarvik-
7. Made of dacron polyester, plastic,
and aluminium, the Jarvik-7 had an
internal power system that regulated
the pump through a system of compressed air hoses that entered the heart through
the chest. The air hoses were connected to the chambers. The heart’s power system
drove the pumps, which pumped blood through the patients’ body.

In 1982, the first patient, lived for 112 days after the implantation of Jarvik 7. It was
still beating when the he passed away. Several newer and better versions of artificial
heart have come into the markets since then.

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Willem Einthoven
Willem Einthoven was a Dutch physician and physiologist, who invented the first
practical electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) in 1895. He was born on May 21, 1860, in
Semarang, Indonesia. Einthoven received a medical degree from the University of
Utrecht in 1885.

In 1901, Einthoven completed a series of prototypes of a string galvanometer. This

device used a very thin filament of conductive wire passing between very strong
electromagnets. When a current passed through the filament, the magnetic field
created by the current would cause the string to move. Light shining on the string
would cast a shadow on a moving roll of photographic paper, forming a continuous
curve showing the movement of the
string.

Einthoven termed the letters P, Q, R, S

and T for various deflections in the
EKG. Einthoven's triangle (the
imaginary inverted equilateral triangle
with the heart in centre and the arms
and leg being the leads) is named after
him. He also described the
electrocardiographic features of
various cardiovascular disorders.

Einthoven was awarded the Nobel

Prize in Physiology or Medicine for
inventing the first practical system of
electrocardiography in 1924. He died on
29 September, 1927 in Leiden,
Netherlands.

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Wilson Greatbatch
Wilson Greatbatch was an American engineer, philanthropist and pioneering
inventor. He was born on September 6, 1919 in Buffalo, New York. He graduated
with a B.E in electrical engineering from Cornell University in 1950 and received a
master's degree from the University of Buffalo in 1957.

Greatbatch developed the first

implantable cardiac pacemaker, a
major medical breakthrough, that
saved millions of lives. In 1956, he
inadvertently fitted a wrong-size
resistor into an oscillator he was
building to record heartbeats, causing
the device to emit intermittent
electrical pulses that replicated
heartbeats. This incident sparked his
idea for the pacemaker, which he
patented in 1962.

His original pacemaker (with a battery

life of two years) was first implanted
in a human in 1960, but by 1972, he
had extended the battery life to 10+ years by using the lithium-iodide cell, that he
manufactured. It is now the standard cell for pacemakers, having the ideal features
needed.

He held more than 325 patents and was a member of the National Inventors Hall of
Fame and a recipient of the Lemelson–MIT Prize and the National Medal of
Technology and Innovation (1990). He died at the age of 92 on September 27, 2011.

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Section – III

Biomedical Companies

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Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Ltd.

(HMD)

HMD, founded in 1957 (officially

inaugurated on 4th Jan 1959) by
Narindra Nath, is one of the first
biomedical companies founded in
India. It also claims to be the first
company in the world to launch a
comprehensive range of sizes of
Auto-Disable Syringes for the
curative segment.

HMD started with manufacturing of

Glass Syringes in 1959 and
subsequently added other products
such as Surgical Blades in 1971 ,
Single Use Syringes in 1986, Single
use needle in 1987, Cannula manufacturing in 1989, Scalpvein Infusion Sets in 1991,
I.V Cannulas in 1992 , Auto Disable Syringes in 2001 , Vacuum Blood Collection
Tubes in 2007, Blood Collection Needles in 2008 and safety I.V Cannulas in 2014 to
its product range.

At Faridabad, HMD has a fully integrated plant spread over 2 sites of 12 acres and
5.5 acres. The plant has been set up with a capital investment of over $60 million
USD and enhanced for a production capacity of 4 billion plus units p.a. of
disposables. It has 7 plants and in different locations in South Asia and a strong
network of 4,500 dealers spread across India. Their markets include USA, Europe,
India, the Middle East, Africa and South-East Asia.

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Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd.

Panacea Medical, founded in 1999

by GV Subrahmanyam, is the only
radiotherapy equipment
manufacturer in Asia.
Headquartered in Bangalore, it is a
developer, manufacturer and
healthcare service provider of
radiotherapy and radiology
equipment for the diagnosis and
treatment of cancer.

Panacea's radiotherapy machines

are installed in 55+ Indian
hospitals. Their tele-cobalt
radiotherapy unit Bhabhatron II, developed in collaboration with Bhabha Atomic
Research Center was gifted by the Government of India to Malawi, Kyrgyzstan,
Kenya, Madagascar, which has helped the hospitals to treat over 100,000 cancer
patients.

It has received various awards including:

 Ujjwala Udyami Prashasti
 Best Innovation in Healthcare
 D L Shah National Commendation
 India SME Excellence etc.

Panacea has more than 100+ installations all over the world and its 70+ Radiotherapy
machines are commercialized in South & South- East Asia and East & West Africa.
This has helped their hospitals to treat over 200,000+ cancer patients. Their machines
can treat about 70-100 patients in a day and the machine's lifetime cost is 50-60%
lower than that of the foreign players.

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Polymed Medical Devices

Poly Medicure Ltd was

conceived and established
in 1995 by a group of
engineers and
technocrats and began
manufacturing in the year
1997. Mr. Jugal Kishore
Baid is the founder of
Polymed and Mr.
Himanshu Baid is the
CEO, MD, and Managing
Director of the company.

Polymed has 8
manufacturing facilities
across the world - 5
manufacturing facilities in India and 3 facilities overseas in Italy, China and Egypt.
The company offers more than 125 products in the range of infusion devices
anaesthesia devices, gastroenterology products, blood administration sets, oncology
products; urology products, catheters and dialysis products. Polymed has also
announced an Academic Initiative in collaboration with Infusion Nurses Society,
India on nursing practices for good nursing care.

It stands for its motto of Innovation, Safety and Quality and has been recognized as
the "Medical Devices Company of the Year 2018" by the Department of
Pharmaceuticals Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. It has
been also recognized as the Largest Exporter of Medical Devices from India for six
years in a row.

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Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd.

Established in 1979 by Suresh

Vazirani, as a small
marketing firm for few
imported diagnostic
equipments, Transasia Bio-
Medicals is now, India’s
largest In-vitro Diagnostic
(IVD) Company. Its motto is
to provide 'customer service
of the highest quality’. It is
recognized as India’s top
manufacturer and exporter of
diagnostic instruments and
reagents in over 100
countries. It is the first Indian
company to manufacture and
export blood analysers and reagents.

Suresh started Transasia with only Rs 1 lakh, which he borrowed from a friend. Over
the years, Transasia has grown into a Rs 1,000 crore company which offers products
and solutions in biochemistry, haematology, coagulation, ESR, immunology,
urinalysis, critical care, diabetes management, microbiology and molecular
diagnostics.

Transasia has over 45,000 installations across India and exports products to countries
like Italy, Germany, France, Australia, China, Turkey, USA, Latin America, Africa,
Russia, Middle East, SAARC & Asia. Their target audience is pathologists, clinicians,
lab technologists, and technicians. Transasia follows a simple strategy: AIM -
Affordable, Innovative and ‘Make in India’ products.

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FORCE Biomedical Biomedical Topics

Trivitron Healthcare

Trivitron, founded in 1997 by

Dr. GSK Velu, is the largest
wholesale distributor and
after-sales support provider
of medical equipment and
devices in India. It has
established tie-ups with
medical technology leaders,
thus, becoming the largest
medical technology company
of Indian origin catering over
20 medical specialties across
the globe.

The Trivitron Medical

Technology Park is South Asia's first state-of-the-art medical technology
manufacturing facility. With 13 USFDA, CE certified manufacturing facilities,
supported by several R&D tie-ups, Trivitron holds the record of 50,000+ installations
across the globe.

It is the largest Indian Medical Technology Company in the world with over 100
Years of combined manufacturing experience, 9 manufacturing facilities located in
India, Turkey and Finland. It has joint ventures with Japan's Hitachi-Aloka Medical
Ltd and Spain's Biosystems SA.

Trivitron leads innovation in the fields of New-born Screening, In-Vitro Diagnostics,

Imaging & Radiology, Radiation Protection, Critical Care and Operating Room
Solutions. It manufactures and distributes medical technology products to 180
countries.

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FORCE Biomedical Biomedical Topics

About Author:

Heer Thosani
Student
Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering
(DJSCE),
Mumbai, Maharashtra

Biography:

Ms. Heer Thosani was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra in 2002. She is currently
pursuing her Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) in Biomedical Engineering from
Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai and will graduate in the year
2023. She plans to pursue her Master’s degree from Germany.

She likes learning new things, especially related to technology. She developed an
interest in biomedical after learning about all the medical wonders that biomedical
engineers manufacture. She saw it as an opportunity to develop new technologies
and give back to the society. India’s healthcare sector has a long way to go and she
hopes that she can help improve it.

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Heer Thosani 55