Development of an Upper Extremity Exoskeleton to Aid in Rehabilitation:
A team of students designed and built a robotic exoskeleton device to be worn over the arm and hand to assist in rehabilitation therapy for patients recovering from injuries such as strokes. The exoskeleton contained sensors to monitor the patient’s movements and provided assisted motions to help them regain range of motion and motor control abilities in a safe manner. It could be adjusted for different therapy exercises and tracked progress over time. The students had to research rehabilitation needs, design the mechanical components, implement control systems using motors and software, perform safety and usability testing, and develop manufacturing and assembly plans to demonstrate a potentially commercializable medical device.
Embedded Monitoring System for Neonatal Care:
Another group of students developed a non-invasive embedded monitoring system for use in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to continuously track vital signs of premature infants without needing frequent disruptions to attach wired sensors. They designed wearable multi-sensor modules containing temperature, heart rate, respiration rate and oxygen saturation sensors that wirelessly transmitted data to a central station. Software was programmed to sound alarms for any unstable readings. Prototypes were tested on newborn infant simulators and feedback was gathered from NICU nurses. Regulations for medical devices were researched to outline pathways for FDA approval.
3D Printed Implants for Craniofacial Reconstruction:
In this project, biomedical engineering students partnered with facial trauma surgeons to address the need for custom implants used in complex craniofacial reconstruction surgeries. They developed a workflow using computer aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing technology to create patient-specific implants based on CT scans. Material properties of polymers and metals were analyzed to select appropriate biomaterials. Surgical planning, sterile manufacturing and regulatory issues were considered. Working prototypes of mandible, orbital and calvaria implants were fabricated and their precision-fit was verified. Collaboration continued with surgeons to refine the process and pursue clinical studies.
Biosensor for Detecting Bed sores:
Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are a serious medical complication for patients confined to beds for extended periods. A team of students designed a flexible biosensor system that could be integrated into beds and mattresses to noninvasively monitor pressures at multiple surface points on a patient’s body in real-time. Different sensor technologies were tested and a capacitive sensor array was selected for its conformability. A microcontroller collected pressure maps which were analyzed using algorithms to detect pressures exceeding tolerance limits that pose risk of sores. Notifications were sent to caregivers’ mobile devices. Clinical feedback helped refine sensor placement and data visualization.
MRI-Compatible Robotic Biopsy Device:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent soft tissue contrast for diagnosing cancers, but current biopsy procedures require removing the patient from the scanner for needle placement. A group of students sought to address this limitation by designing a robotic biopsy device that could accurately insert biopsy needles under MRI guidance without interfering with the scanner’s magnet. They integrated non-ferrous actuators, piezoelectric motors and plastic gears into an MRI-safe mechanical design. Image processing and robot kinematics were used to precisely register needle positions from MRI images. Rigorous testing was performed to ensure no artifacts or distortions in images. Collaboration continued with radiologists to define clinical workflows and identify any remaining technical hurdles prior to pursuing FDA clearance.
This covers a sampling of some ambitious biomedical engineering capstone projects undertaken by students that involved developing real medical devices, technologies and solutions to address diverse clinical needs. The projects required integrating knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, materials selection, engineering design, manufacturing, regulations, and collaborating with medical experts. The level of innovation demonstrated in developing functional prototypes that advanced healthcare reflects the interdisciplinary training biomedical engineers receive to apply engineering principles for improving human health.