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Development Strategies for Medical Implants
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:56
Abstract
Introduction to development strategies for implantable devices considering the interdependencies of biocompatibility, clinical, regulatory, and economical requirements; discussion of state of the art and actual trends in orthopedics, sports medicine, cardiovascular surgery, and regenerative medicine (tissue engineering).
Objective
Understanding patient-centered implant development processes within the regulatory framework as a never-ending improvement cycle. Relevance of safety and efficacy in a risk-minimizing approach for a commercially successful implant development process. Importance of surface and structural biocompatibility and its relevance for implant design and surgical technique. Understanding key success factors, e.g., clinical and user needs, competitiveness, economics, and regulatory requirements. Tissue engineering concepts, their strengths, and weaknesses as current and future clinical solutions.
Content
Principles of biocompatibility and biofunctionality; implant and implantation-related tissue reactions, implant development process according to ISO 13485; biocompatible materials and material processing technologies; implant testing (bench, in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical); discussion of state-of-the-art and actual trends in implant development in sports medicine, spinal and cardio-vascular surgery; introduction to tissue engineering. Commented movies from surgeries will further illustrate selected topics. Seminar: - Group seminars on selected controversial topics in implant development. Participation is mandatory. - Guest lectures on innovation processes, risk management, and robotics (tbc) Planned excursions (limited availability, not mandatory, to be confirmed): Participation (as a visitor) in a life surgery (travel at own expense)
Resources
Lecture Notes
Script (electronically available):- presented slides- selected scientific papers for further reading
Literature
Reference to key papers will be provided during the lectures.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Registration & Places
- Signup End
- 05.02.2024
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Development Strategies for Medical Implants
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
Admission to the lecture is based on a letter of motivation to the lecturer J. Mayer (
). The number of participants in the course is limited to 30 students in total.
|
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Development Strategies for Medical Implants
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
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|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Robotics, Systems and Control (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor. .)
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Bioengineering (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Core Courses (376-1622-00L Practical Methods in Tissue Engineering (offered in the Autumn Semester) and 376-1624-00L Practical Methods in Biofabrication (offered in the Spring Semester) are mutually exclusive to be eligible for credits.)
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