1 - Introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of this book that takes a novel approach to the teaching of the multi-disciplinary subjects of biomaterials, artificial organs, and tissue engineering. The objective of this book and CD module is to provide a short summary of the use of man-made materials as medical implants in various clinical applications, including artificial organs and tissue engineering. The book is designed to be used in a one-term course at a third- or fourth-year undergraduate or first-year postgraduate level. There are five parts to the book and CD module. Part I summarizes the metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites used in medical applications. Part II focuses on clinical needs, and the concepts of repair and replacement of bones and joints, the cardiovascular system, and other physiological systems involving soft connective tissues. Part III describes the materials and methods used to repair bones, tendons and ligaments, the replacement of joints, the engineering principles of artificial organs, the mass transport processes in artificial organs, the artificial exchange systems for organ replacement, and the cardiovascular assist systems. Part IV provides an introduction to the newly emerging field of tissue engineering, the types of scaffolds that can be used as templates for tissue growth, the methods used to grow cells and tissues outside the body, and the methods for analyzing and optimizing cell behavior to obtain tissue growth. Part V discusses many of the societal issues involved in the development, commercialization, and clinical use of implants and transplants. The chapter further explains whether transplants are the solution to spare parts, implants, and prostheses as spare parts, and limitation of implants.