• 057261 - BIOMEDICAL ELECTRONICS AND INSTRUMENTATION [1.1]

The aim of the course is to analyze and understand the physical and chemical fundamental principles of the sensors and technologies used in biomedical sensors and instrumentation. The characteristics and technical features of different families of sensors and the main methods for their conditioning are described. Clinical instrumentation is also analyzed and reviewed, with particular attention to clinical laboratory measurements, imaging systems and monitoring equipment.

The course will allow students to:

- be familiar with the basic components of medical instrumentation
- be familiar with the basic principles of the biomedical sensors
- analyze and understand the basic principles and techniques of biomedical instrumentation
- know the main uses and applications of biomedical instrumentation in the clinical settings
- understand the main limits of validity of biomedical instrumentation
- compare different possible available instruments for clinical measurements
- have a sense of the state of the art in the field of biomedical technology
- develop a critical appraisal and understand the limits of measurements

Basic Concepts of Medical Instrumentation - Classifications of Biomedical Instruments, Static and Dynamic Characteristics
Basic Sensors and Principles of detection- Displacement Measurements, Resistive Sensors, Bridge Circuits, Inductive Sensors, Phase-Sensitive,  Capacitive Sensors, Piezoelectric Sensors, Accelerometer, Temperature Measurements, Thermocouples, Thermistors, Radiation Thermometry,
Biopotential Electrodes and amplifiers-  Specific applications: ECG, EMG and EEG.

Non-electrical Measurements of the Cardiovascular System – Pulse-Oximeter. Measurement of Flow and Volume of Blood: - Indicator-Dilution Method Ultrasonic Flowmeters, Thermal-Convection Velocity Sensors, Chamber Plethysmography, Electrical-Impedance Plethysmography, Photoplethysmography
Measurements of the Respiratory System - Measurement of Pressure, Gas Flow, Lung Volume, Respiratory Plethysmography, Gas Concentration
Clinical Laboratory Instrumentation - Spectrophotometry, Automated Chemical Analyzers, Chromatology, Electrophoresis, Hematology

Student are required to have acquired the content of the following Courses:

- Fundamentals of Experimental Physics       
- Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
- Computer science
- Basics of Circuit theory
- Physiology, Anatomy and Biochemistry

The final exam is constituted by a written test (including numerical exercises and theoretical questions), followed (when the written test is sufficient) by a final oral discussion.

The number of questions on the different topics will be proportional to the hours delivered during the course.