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A Simple, Inexpensive, And Effective Light- Carrying Laryngoscopic Blade For Orotracheal Intubation Of Rats, Robert C. Molthen

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The research paradigm of using large laboratory animals, in which oroendotracheal intubations are relatively easy, is shifting toward the use of small animals, such as rodents, in which oropharyngeal access is limited, the arytenoid cartilage cycles are faster, and the glottis is much smaller. The considerable growth recently seen in preclinical imaging studies is accompanied by an increased number of rats and mice requiring in vivo intubation for airway management. Tracheal access is important for ventilation, administration of inhaled anesthetics, instillation of drugs or imaging agents, and maintenance of airway patency to reduce mortality during and after operations. I fashioned …

Resistance To Fracture Of Two All-Ceramic Crown Materials Following Endodontic Access, Kelly Copps Wood, David W. Berzins, Qing Luo, Geoffrey A. Thompson, Jeffrey M. Toth, William W. Nagy

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Statement of problem

There is currently no protocol for managing endodontic access openings for all-ceramic crowns. A direct restorative material is generally used to repair the access opening, rendering a repaired crown as the definitive restoration. This endodontic procedure, however, may weaken the restoration or initiate microcracks that may propagate, resulting in premature failure of the restoration.

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate how an endodontic access opening prepared through an all-ceramic crown altered the structural integrity of the ceramic, and the effect of a repair of this access on the load to failure of …

Polyetheretherketone As A Biomaterial For Spinal Applications, Jeffrey M. Toth, Mei Wang, Bradley T. Estes, Jeffrey L. Scifert, Howard B. Seim, A. Simon Turner

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Threaded lumbar interbody spinal fusion devices (TIBFD) made from titanium have been reported to be 90% effective for single-level lumbar interbody fusion, although radiographic determination of fusion has been intensely debated in the literature. Using blinded radiographic, biomechanic, histologic, and statistical measures, we evaluated a radiolucent polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-threaded interbody fusion device packed with autograft or rhBMP-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge in 13 sheep at 6 months. Radiographic fusion, increased spinal level biomechanical stiffness, and histologic fusion were demonstrated for the PEEK cages filled with autograft or rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge. No device degradation or wear debris was observed. …

Recent Trends In Robot-Assisted Therapy Environments To Improve Real-Life Functional Performance After Stroke, Michelle J. Johnson

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Upper and lower limb robotic tools for neuro-rehabilitation are effective in reducing motor impairment but they are limited in their ability to improve real world function. There is a need to improve functional outcomes after robot-assisted therapy. Improvements in the effectiveness of these environments may be achieved by incorporating into their design and control strategies important elements key to inducing motor learning and cerebral plasticity such as mass-practice, feedback, task-engagement, and complex problem solving.

This special issue presents nine articles. Novel strategies covered in this issue encourage more natural movements through the use of virtual reality and real objects and …

Motivating Rehabilitation By Distorting Reality, James L. Patton, Yejun Wei, Chris Scharver, Robert V. Kenyon, Robert A. Scheidt

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

We have found, through a series of recent experiments, encouraging evidence that the neuro-motor system is motivated to change motor patterns when exposed to visuo-motor tasks. We have also shown that the learning of these tasks can be heightened with forces and/or visual distortions that appropriately manipulate the error. This process does not require intense concentration and it is often considered a game. We describe the next generation of robotic large-workspace, three dimensional haptics/graphics systems for rehabilitation