Artificial organs have been a dream of doctors for decades and are now just beginning to become a fact. Simply they are implantable and fully functional human organs that did not require a human organ donor, or human organs that have been synthetically grown from cultured human cells.
The usual method being done now uses a computer 3D printer to construct a biocompatible plastic structural framework in the shape of the desired organ, then introduce the desired cultured human cells. The cells grow inside pores in the framework and usually seem to develop the normal functions they would have in a natural organ.
People may need artificial organs if their natural organs are no longer functioning properly due to disease, injury, or congenital defects. Artificial organs can help support a person's bodily functions and improve their quality of life or even save their life in some cases.
Ligaments
Artificial organs offer several advantages, including the ability to replace damaged or failing biological organs, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. They can reduce the risk of organ rejection and the need for immunosuppressive drugs, as many artificial organs are made from biocompatible materials. Additionally, advancements in technology can lead to more efficient and functional designs, potentially enhancing the overall effectiveness of organ function. Finally, artificial organs can address the shortage of donor organs, providing timely treatment options for patients in need.
An organ transplant is when organs are taken out of human organ donors and placed into another human, but artificial organs are either grown in science labs from stem cells or electronic organs that are usually made of plastic or metal.
K. N. Matsumura has written: 'After fifteen years : artificial liver & artificial pancreas' -- subject(s): Artificial liver, Artificial organs, Diseases, Islands of Langerhans, Liver, Pancreas
Ronald Goodfield has written: 'A nurse's guide to artificial ventilation' -- subject(s): Artificial respiration, Diseases, Nursing, Nursing texts, Respirators, Respiratory organs
biomedical engineer
biomedical engineer
Artificial organs offer several advantages, including the ability to replace damaged or non-functioning biological organs, thus improving patients' quality of life. They can enhance functionality, reduce the risk of organ rejection, and eliminate the need for lifelong immunosuppression associated with transplants. Additionally, advancements in technology allow for customization and integration with the human body, leading to better overall health outcomes. Lastly, artificial organs can address organ shortages, providing life-saving options for patients in need.
For artificial limbs, there is often irritation or damage to soft tissue where the limb attaches to the existing bones and muscles. Cushioning and a proper fit reduce this problem. For artificial organs, tissue adjacent to the implants must be isolated from the devices by Teflon, plastics, or other non-degradable coatings, as otherwise the body will attack and corrode them. For transplanted organs, this is not possible, so anti-rejection drugs are administered to prevent the immune system from treating the organs as foreign bodies.
Biomedical Engineering and its subdiciplines
Study of genetic engineering is to make artificial organs as well in bionics.