CRC Press - Biomedical Technology and Devices Handbook
Preface
In an attempt to summarize the field of medical technology, a natural tendency is to begin to list the
areas of medicine in which technology is being applied. If, on the other hand, one tries to name an area
of medicine in which it is not being applied, it becomes clear that technology is a dominant factor in
modern healthcare delivery. The domain of biomedical technology has evolved through the interaction
of physicians, scientists, and engineers who have combined their skills to develop better methods for
diagnosing and treating disease. Recent advances in the fields of molecular biology, biomaterials, tissue
engineering, and imaging have given clinicians exciting new tools. The ever-increasing significance of
computational sciences, bioinformatics, visualization, telecommunications, and robotics gives promise
of new clinical devices and procedures that will revolutionize medical practice.
The majority of clinicians are fascinated by, and very receptive to, new technological
advances. However, the degree to which novel technologies are
included in the everyday practice depends on many factors. In the free-market
environment of the U.S., financial considerations such as potential market share,
intellectual property protection, regulatory approval, and insurance reimbursement
often determine the fate of an emerging technology. On the other hand, if the market
demands that a new technology become available, it will find its way into clinical practice.
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Preface
In an attempt to summarize the field of medical technology, a natural tendency is to begin to list the
areas of medicine in which technology is being applied. If, on the other hand, one tries to name an area
of medicine in which it is not being applied, it becomes clear that technology is a dominant factor in
modern healthcare delivery. The domain of biomedical technology has evolved through the interaction
of physicians, scientists, and engineers who have combined their skills to develop better methods for
diagnosing and treating disease. Recent advances in the fields of molecular biology, biomaterials, tissue
engineering, and imaging have given clinicians exciting new tools. The ever-increasing significance of
computational sciences, bioinformatics, visualization, telecommunications, and robotics gives promise
of new clinical devices and procedures that will revolutionize medical practice.
The majority of clinicians are fascinated by, and very receptive to, new technological
advances. However, the degree to which novel technologies are
included in the everyday practice depends on many factors. In the free-market
environment of the U.S., financial considerations such as potential market share,
intellectual property protection, regulatory approval, and insurance reimbursement
often determine the fate of an emerging technology. On the other hand, if the market
demands that a new technology become available, it will find its way into clinical practice.
Download
*