34th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

Special Sessions

Theme 3 - Bioinstrumentation, Biosensors and Bio-Micro/Nano Technologies
Theme 5 - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Engineering
Theme 9 - Therapeutic and Diagnostic Systems, Devices and Technologies, & Clinical Engineering
Theme 10 - Healthcare Information Systems, & Telemedicine
Theme 11 - Biomedical Engineering Education and Society

Special Session Corporate Demo Workshop

Theme 3 - Bioinstrumentation, Biosensors and Bio-Micro/Nano Technologies

The Role of Wireless Medical Technology in Global Health
Organizer: Enrique Saldivar (Case Western Reserve University)
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: September 1, 2012 (Saturday), 11:00 - 12:30.
Location: Sapphire 411
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Abstract:
The proposed panel discussion will be centered on the state-of-the-art and future of wireless medical technology in global health.

This panel discussion will explore the benefits of wireless technologies at the global scale, with special emphasis on solution to otherwise unsolvable healthcare problems through wireless technologies.

This panel will cover:

  1. Current challenges of global health and potential solutions offered by wireless technologies
  2. Obstacles in the adoption of wireless technologies in industrialized countries
  3. Obstacles in the adoption of wireless technologies in emerging markets
  4. Medical technology to help transition in elderly care and double burden of disease as societies move towards industrialization
  5. The need to improve on medical instrumentation as we move towards wireless technological solutions

List of speakers/panelists:

  1. Joaquin Azpiroz (Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico)
  2. Hassan Ghasenzadeh (University of California Los Angeles)
  3. Gert Cauwenberghs (University of California San Diego)
  4. Yu-Hwa Lo (University of California San Diego)
  5. Steven L. Garverick (Case Western Reserve University)

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Theme 5 - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Engineering

Mechanobiology in The Cardiovascular System
Organizers: John Shyy (University of California - Riverside) and S. Sugiura (University of Tokyo)
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: August 31, 2012 (Friday), 16:30 - 18:00.
Location: Aqua 306A
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Abstract:

  1. Methodologies in studying mechano-biology in vascular endothelial cells (J. Shyy):
    Conventional molecular and cellular biology techniques are commonly used to study the mechano-biology at molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. The development of new technologies including 2nd generation sequencing and proteomics expand the experimental capacity to evaluate mechano-biology at the genome-wide scale. These “omics” technologies in conjunction with bioinformatics analysis allow a systemic study of the mechanical cues, signal transduction, gene expression, and functional adoptions of cardiovascular system.
  2. Molecular engineering, live cell imaging, and mechanobiology (Y.P. Wang):
    The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques allow creation of biosensors to detect mechano-biology in live cells. Since focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is important in mechanotransduction, FAK FRET biosensor have been pursued to show that FAK activation on fibronectin, but not collagen, is dependent on the mechanical tension. Thus, the mechanical signals can be differentially translated through different extracellular matrix proteins.
  3. Mechanical modulation of the transverse tubular system in cardiac myocytes (F.B. Sachse):
    Cardiac myocytes exhibit a transverse tubular system (t-system), which consists of invaginations of the sarcolemma. Fluorescent labeling, three-dimensional confocal microscopy, and image processing were used to characterize that strain occurring during cellular contraction and relaxation supports exchange of t-tubular fluid content with the extracellular space. Furthermore, the studies indicate feasibility of mechanical modulation and activation of ion channels residing in the t-system.
  4. Membrane sealants in cardiac protection (J.M. Metzger):
    Synthetic membrane sealants represent a novel molecular band-aid strategy for protecting cardiac muscle in acquired and inherited diseases. Membrane sealants are poorly-defined amphiphilic long-chain polymers that can protect cells from stress. It has been recently shown that copolymer membrane sealant P188 protects cardiac myocytes in muscular dystrophy models. Applications of membrane sealant will be discussed also in the context of acquired heart diseases that have documented cardiac membrane instability, including ischemia-reperfusion injury.

List of speakers/panelists:

  1. John Shyy (University of California at Riverside)
  2. Y.P. Wang (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
  3. F.B. Sachse (University of Utah)
  4. J.M. Metzger (University of Minnesota)

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Theme 9 - Therapeutic and Diagnostic Systems, Devices and Technologies, & Clinical Engineering

A New Outlook for Pediatric Medical Devices? – Incentives, Challenges and the Role of Academic Medical Centers
Organizer: Chester Koh, MD (Center for Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP) / Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) / University of Southern California (USC))
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: September 1, 2012 (Saturday), 8:00 - 9:30.
Location: Sapphire 411
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Abstract:
Because children differ from adults in their size, anatomy, body chemistry, and overall growth and development, there currently exists a great need for novel pediatric medical devices that are designed specifically for them, as well as for the adaptation and validation of existing adult devices for children. The US FDA has estimated that the development of pediatric medical devices lags behind the development of adult devices by 5 to 10 years. This is a result of economic, clinical, and regulatory challenges, as well as a lack of established mechanisms for joining pediatric device ideas with qualified individuals / programs and industry partners. However, as a result of congressional appropriations, the FDA currently sponsors a P50 grant program to encourage the development of pediatric medical device consortia. This panel discussion will address ways in which to revitalize the market for pediatric medical devices. Across the country, programs are emerging that join clinicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, venture capital, and industry transforming interdisciplinary research and development and leading to a more robust pediatric medical device pipeline for this FDA-determined underserved area. An update on the current status of the pediatric medical device field will be presented, and will be followed by a discussion on the challenges and potential solutions.

List of speakers/panelists:

  1. Chester J. Koh (CTIP / CHLA / USC)
  2. Kathy Allen (USC)
  3. Gerald Loeb (USC)
  4. Frances Richmond (USC)
  5. Brian Benson (CTIP)

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Theme 10 - Healthcare Information Systems, & Telemedicine

Realizing Effective Wireless Sensing Solutions – From Concept to Delivery
Organizers: Tom McMahon (Shimmer Research) & Benjamin Kuris (Shimmer Research)
Type: Corporate Demo Workshop
Date & Time: August 30, 2012 (Thursday), 13:30 - 15:00.
Location: Aqua 306B
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Abstract:
This session will be of interest to biomedical researchers and students interested in wearable sensing and signal processing. Shimmer is an extensible and open source sensor platform for physiological and kinematic data collection in over 50 countries.

During the workshop you will hear from Shimmer Research partners both from a commercial and a research standpoint on the delivery of robust and fit for purpose sensing solutions across a range of application areas. A live demonstration of building and customizing an application will be given.

Shimmer research is committed to the advancement of body worn sensing based on open source principles and it is in this vein that it will also be presenting some what it is on its technological road map for the coming year. We will discuss the various ways to work with the platform as well as the new tools available from Shimmer for developers.

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Theme 11 - Biomedical Engineering Education and Society

Opportunities for Biomedical Engineers within the Pharmaceutical Industry
Organizers: Mary Spilker (Pfizer) and Paolo Vicini (Pfizer)
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: August 30, 2012 (Thursday), 8:00 - 9:30.
Location: Cobolt 520
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Abstract:
The pharmaceutical industry is striving to work smarter and run leaner in order to remain viable. One aspect of this new mantra is to engage scientists and engineers that are focused on understanding complex biological systems and integrating information into quantitative formats for various uses across the company. This session will focus on opportunities for biomedical engineers within the pharmaceutical industry and will emphasize the cross-disciplinary nature of the work. In particular, it will illustrate the impact of modeling and simulation applied throughout drug discovery and development and will highlight technology areas such as imaging and systems pharmacology. Brief descriptions from each speaker will be followed by a round-table panel discussion focused on the opportunities and working environment for engineers within a pharmaceutical company.

List of speakers and titles of their presentations:

  1. Matt Zierhut (Amylin): Applications of Modeling and Simulation to Clinical Trial Design
  2. Greg Ferl (Genentech): Noninvasive Clinical Imaging within the Pharmaceutical Industry
  3. Mary Spilker (Pfizer): Modeling and Simulation in Early Drug Development

Biomedical Engineering Education and Curriculum - Novel Approaches to BME for Global Education in Latin America
Organizers: Luis Vilcahuaman (Pontificia Católica del Perú, Perú) and Martha Zequera-Diaz (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia)
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: August 30, 2012 (Thursday), 13:30 - 15:00.
Location: Cobolt 520
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Abstract:
This special session will focus on current developments on novel approaches to BME for global education in Latin America (CORAL overview) regarding the new emergent economies and the globalization around the world and specially in Latin America and shall present the views of experts on the importance of increased student and teachers mobility due to international exchange programs with EEUU, Europe and other continents discuss the need for BME program harmonization and mutual recognition of learning outcomes having in mind the growing labor market for the profession and the global and Latin America innovation and education needs. The special session will comprise of six invited lectures (15 min each) from leading experts in their respective areas. The session shall be scheduled in a 90 minute time slot during the conference. The session would take the form of Panel Discussions (ie. each speaker could give a brief talk, but the focus would be on interactive discussion among the panel and with the audience).

List of speakers and titles of their presentations:

  1. Luis Vilcahuaman (Pontificia Católica del Perú. Perú): Peruvian Experience in Biomedical Engineering Education
  2. Joaquín Azpiroz-Leehan (Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana- Iztapalapa, México): Current and future issues in biomedical engineering education: Curricular Design
  3. Guillermo Avendaño Cervantes (University of Valparaiso. Chile): Biomedical Engineering Education in Chile
  4. Sebastian Graf (Universidad Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Biomedical Engineering Education and Curriculum - Novel Approaches to BME for Global Education
Organizers: Martha Lucia Zequera Diaz (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia), Ratko Magjarevic (University of Zagreb)
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: August 30, 2012 (Thursday), 16:30 - 18:00.
Location: Cobolt 520
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Abstract:
This invited session will focus on current developments on novel approaches to BME for global education. (IFMBE overview) The session shall present the views of experts on the importance of increased student and teachers mobility due to international exchange programs, discuss the need for BME program harmonization and mutual recognition of learning outcomes, having in mind the growing labor market for the profession. The aim of the proposal is to motivate the presenting experts to address students’ involvement in BME research and innovative components of BME applications in health care. The session shall present the overview of the activities of the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE) for BME students and young researchers: Student Projects in Developing Countries and IFMBE Regional Networking Fellowship. The special session will comprise of six invited lectures (15 min each) from leading experts in their respective areas. The session shall be scheduled in a 90 minute time slot during the conference.

List of speakers and titles of their presentations:

  1. Shankar M. Krishnan (IFMBE, USA): Practical Training in Biomedical Engineering Undergraduates Using Global Education Approach
  2. Herbert Voigt (IFMBE, USA): Novel Approaches to BME for Global Education
  3. James C.H. Goh (IFMBE, Singapore)
  4. Ratko Magjarevic (University of Zagreb): Curricula Reformation and Harmonisation in the Field of Biomedical Engineering: the TEMPUS IV CRH-BME Project at a Glance

Biomedical Technology in Global Health - Integration of New Technologies in Diabetes Care
Organizers: Martha Lucia Zequera Diaz (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia), Ratko Magjarevic (University of Zagreb)
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: August 31, 2012 (Friday), 8:00 - 9:30.
Location: Cobolt 520
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Abstract:
This panel discussion it will be dedicated to invited talks and panel discussions from five leading researchers covering the integration of new technologies in preventing Diabetes focus on social impact and global health, specialized topic in multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary areas of biological and biomedical engineering, health care and clinical application. Diabetes impacts negatively on many aspects of global development, including economic sustainability and human development. The integration of affordable, technologies and its proper use can contribute in preventing and controlling diabetes and brings significant and measurable benefits for global health. An overview of different research areas on innovation Biomedical Engineering model aplications for Diabetes Global Health will be presented at this panel discussion. The special session will comprise of six invited lectures (15 min each) from leading experts in their respective areas. The session shall be scheduled in a 90 minute time slot during the conference.

List of speakers and titles of their presentations:

  1. Ratko Magjarevic (University of Zagreb): Integration of New Technologies in Diabetes Global Health
  2. Josep Vehi (Universidad Girona, España): On the Path to the Artificial Pancreas: New Technologies for Easier Self-Management and Better Control in Diabetes
  3. Paolo Bonato (Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston MA, Harvard Medical School): Using Wearable Technology for Preventing Diabetes
  4. María Teresa Arredondo (España): SAPPHIRE: A Technology Based Integrated Program for Diagnose and Management of Diabetes Mellitus
  5. Miguel Cadena (Universidad Metropolitana): Cost Reduction on Hemodialysis Treatments
  6. Martha Zequera Díaz (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana): Integration Technologies for Diabetic Foot Care

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Women in Biomedical Engineering and Health Informatics: A Lifetime Journey Integrating Diversity
Organizers: Carolyn McGregor (Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada)
Type: Special Session
Date & Time: August 31, 2012 (Friday), 12:00 - 14:00.
Location: Indigo 202
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Abstract:
The career choice of biomedical engineering and/or health informatics does not exist within a vacuum but rather must work in harmony with other aspects of our lives. Just as our careers are not static our lives outside of our careers are also not static. We have the potential to become partners, mothers, fathers, carers for our parents, grandparents for example and all of these roles mean that our work/life dynamic is constantly changing. A valuable session for anyone whether student or not, interested in learning more about Biomedical Engineering and Health Informatics as a career choice for women and men over a lifetime. Prominent women within the domains Biomedical Engineering and Health Informatics will present their real life case studies of living the journey through changing times in both career and family. Utilise the fantastic networking opportunity that will conclude this session to build and establish new professional networks with other women and men interested in your fields of expertise. Bring your contact details and be ready to make new contacts that are relevant for you.

List of speakers/panelists:

  1. Semahat Demir (National Science Foundation)
  2. Grace Peng (National Institutes of Health)
  3. Lucilla Ohno-Machado (University of California at San Diego)
  4. Martha Zequera-Diaz (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia)
  5. Rebecca Bergman (Medtronic)

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