EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion Advice on Medical Equipment Books

Hi All,

I'm looking to purchase some books to use both for creating the modules for the Amalthea Trust Project and for use by students on the course. There's a wide range of topics being taught including: X-ray, US, ECG, Defib, patient and foetal monitoring, BP monitoring, anaesthetics, and general equipment monitoring / safety.

Any advice would be great, but it would be even better to have some books that cover a lot of general information on different medical equipment.

Steven

Two immediately come to mind:-

1) Ward (for anaesthesia)
2) Carr & Brown (for general biomed)

Webster is also well known (and good).

There is a load of stuff available these days on the web, of course. Like this for example. In fact, if Mike had asked me to get involved (?) I think I would have suggested working up the whole thing on line! Why not?

I see that you're a fair distance from London, but a visit to some of the bookshops in Charing Cross usually unearths books of this type. Just make sure you take plenty of money (plus a strong bag) along with you!

Unfortunately I no longer have any such books myself, having given them all away to a young(er) guy some years ago. Hopefully by this time he will have passed them on to some other young fellow in need of them.

Meanwhile, many years ago (28, in fact) I was asked to outline a planned training course for a well-known biomed services company (now defunct) operating overseas. With the deadline imposed, I just didn't have the time to develop it from scratch, so I relied heavily on Carr & Brown (whichever edition was current then).

I was thinking of emailing that stuff to you, in the hope that you could find it useful in "marshalling the thoughts". But then I thought:- "why not post it on the forum"? That way others can kick it about as well!

I worked up ten modules, each of which was more or less standalone. And (as per the original requirement) they are of approximately equal size in "teaching periods". However, Modules 2, 6, 7 and 9 turned out to be "special" (and of "double length"). The standard ones were aimed at being about 12 or 13 working days long; the special ones three to four weeks. In my planning, I included almost a quarter of the 40-minute teaching periods as practical sessions. So if a student followed the complete course (generally in the order shown), it would take in excess of 30 weeks (I doubt that Amalthea has that amount of time available).

The original course was designed in modules and in such a way that we imagined that students would typically not attempt the complete course, but rather just the modules appropriate to their work (eg, "General Biomed", "Theatres/Medical Gases", "Lab", "X-Ray" ... etc.). We also considered that some (most?) students would fair better taking things in "bite-size chunks", as it were.

I also provided a list of typical equipment that would be required to be on hand to teach those Modules (but that would certainly be out of date now). But as may be expected, the cost* of providing all those items was, shall we say, prohibitive (and was one of the reasons that the course never actually got off the ground)!

I suspect that the Amalthea Project really needs to sit down and decide what it is it's trying to do:- at what level to pitch the instruction, teach in modules (but where to start), how much to cover, the theory/practical balance, whether to have students "come back next year" to continue ...? etc., etc.. In short, there's a lot to think about.

* Circa. £ 1 million at 1983 prices.

MODULE 01.1

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Objectives:-

01.1.01 To list the major systems that make up the body.

01.1.02 To describe the principal function of the body systems.

01.1.03 To describe the anatomy of the heart.

01.1.04 To describe the dynamics of blood flow.

01.1.05 To describe the generation and propagation of bioelectric potentials in tissue.

01.1.06 To describe the general details of the internal electroconduction system of the heart.


MODULE 01.2

AN INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT

01.2.01 An overview.

MODULE 02.1

BIOELECTRONIC AMPLIFIERS

Objectives:-

02.1.01 To state the requirements for a bioelectronic amplifier.

02.1.02 To describe the basic principles of operational amplifiers.

02.1.03 To describe the different amplifier configurations.

02.1.04 To state the principles of operation of isolation amplifiers.

02.1.05 To discuss the problems associated with the acquisition of bioelectronic signals.


MODULE 02.2

ELECTRODES AND TRANSDUCERS

Objectives:-

02.2.01 To list the different types of electrodes used to acquire biopotentials.

02.2.02 To list the various types of transducers used to measure physiological parameters.


MODULE 02.3

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHS

Objectives:-

02.3.01 To describe the fundamentals of ECG recording.

02.3.02 To describe the basic ECG machine; block diagram.

02.3.03 To draw and describe the basic lead system.

02.3.04 To list the causes and cures for most common ECG recording malfunctions.

02.3.05 To list the basic maintenance procedures for ECG machines.

02.3.06 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of ECG equipment.


MODULE 02.4

PHYSIOLOGICAL PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS

Objectives:-

02.4.01 To define pressure.

02.4.02 To describe how pressure is measured.

02.4.03 To explain the various techniques used to measure blood pressure.

02.4.04 To list the principles of operation of medical pressure monitors.

02.4.05 To list and describe some different types of pressure amplifier circuits.


MODULE 02.5

CARDIAC STIMULATION AND LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

02.5.01 To describe the principles behind, and operation of, defibrillators; block diagram.

02.5.02 To explain cardioversion and how it is achieved.

02.5.03 To describe how a pacemaker works and why it may be needed.

02.5.04 To describe the principles behind the intra-aortic balloon pump.

02.5.05 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of cardiac and life support equipment.

MODULE 03.1

PHYSIOTHERAPY EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

03.1.01 To give an overview of physiotherapy apparatus; IR, UV, heat, exercise.

03.1.02 To describe the function and principle of operation of ultrasonic therapy.

03.1.03 To describe the function and principle of operation of shortwave therapy; block diagram.

03.1.04 To describe the function and principle of operation of microwave therapy; block diagram.

03.1.05 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of physiotherapy equipment.


MODULE 03.2

GENERAL NURSING EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

03.2.01 To give an overview of mechanical nursing equipment (weighing scales, patient transports).

03.2.02 To give an overview of electric beds.

03.2.03 To give an overview of miscellaneous and minor medical equipment (auriscopes, endoscopes etc.).

03.2.04 To describe the function and principles of operation of syringe pumps and volumetric infusion pumps.

03.2.05 To discuss the function and principles of operation of non-invasive blood pressure measurement.

03.2.06 To discuss the function and principles of operation of pulse oximeters.

03.2.07 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of general nursing and miscellaneous equipment.


MODULE 03.3

INFANT CARE EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

03.3.01 To describe the function and principle of operation of a typical infant incubator; functional diagram.

03.3.02 To describe the function of phototherapy and radiant heating equipment; apnoea and enuresis alarms.

03.3.03 To give an overview of infant monitoring equipment. Include oxygen monitors and billirubin meters.

03.3.04 To give an overview of infant resuscitation and ventilation apparatus.

03.3.05 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of infant care equipment.

MODULE 04.1

AUDIOMETRIC AND ACOUSTIC EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

04.1.01 To give an overview of the sense of hearing.

04.1.02 To describe the function and operation of a typical audiometer; block diagram.

04.1.03 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance and calibration of audiometric and acoustic equipment.


MODULE 04.2

DENTAL EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

04.2.01 To describe the function and principles of operation of dental operating units, dental handpieces, lamps and chairs; functional diagrams.

04.2.02 To describe dental electrocautery and ultrasonic scaling equipment.

04.2.03 To describe the operation of dental x-ray equipment.

04.2.04 To give an overview of air compressors and central suction equipment.

04.2.05 To give an overview of sterilizers used in dental surgeries.

04.2.06 To give an overview of miscellaneous dental equipment and dental laboratory apparatus.

04.2.07 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of dental equipment.


MODULE 04.3

OPHTHALMIC EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

04.3.01 To give an overview of the sense of sight, and the physics of light and lenses.

04.3.02 To give an overview of the basic principles of instruments used in ophthalmic examinations; functional diagrams.

04.3.03 To give an overview of ophthalmic lasers; functional diagrams.

04.3.04 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of ophthalmic equipment.


MODULE 04.4

OTHER SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

04.4.01 To give an overview of specialist hospital departments and their work.

04.4.02 To describe the fundamentals of EMG recording and discuss biofeedback.

04.4.03 To describe the basic EMG machine; block diagram.

04.4.04 To discuss electrotherapy and the control of pain.

MODULE 05.1

INTENSIVE AND CORONARY CARE EQUIPMENT

Part 1: Intensive Monitoring

Objectives:-

05.1.01 To describe the functions and purpose of special care units in the hospital.

05.1.02 To list the types of instrumentation used in the ICU/ITU/CCU.

05.1.03 To identify and trouble-shoot common ICU/ITU/CCU instruments.


Part 2: Oscilloscopes and Recorders

05.1.04 To describe the principles behind the medical cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO).

05.1.05 To discus the main differences between medical and engineering oscilloscopes.

05.1.06 To list and describe the different types of writing systems used in printers and recorders.

05.1.07 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of intensive monitoring, recording and display equipment.


MODULE 05.2

COMPUTERS IN BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

05.2.01 To draw a simplified block diagram of a computer (organization) and outline its operation.

05.2.02 To discuss computer operating systems.

05.2.03 To discuss software types (programming languages, spreadsheets, databases etc.).

05.2.04 To give an overview of interfacing units, A/D and D/A converters and protocols (RS-232, USB etc.).

05.2.05 To give an overview of computer peripherals (monitors, printers etc.).

MODULE 06.1

SURGICAL EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

06.1.01 To describe the protocols for working in Operating Theatres (or OR) suites and outline duties of the staff.

06.1.02 To list the different surgical specialities.

06.1.03 To outline sterilization techniques.

06.1.04 To describe the function and principle of operation of electrosurgical apparatus; block diagram of typical unit.

06.1.05 To discuss electrosurgical safety.

06.1.06 To discuss how to test electrosurgical units.

06.1.07 To give an overview of supporting surgical equipment (light sources, endoscopes, suction apparatus, operating tables, surgical lamps, operating microscopes).

06.1.08 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of surgical and associated equipment.


MODULE 06.2

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Objectives:-

06.2.01 To outline the biological principles underlying the respiratory system and list the organs of respiration.

06.2.02 To list and describe the Gas Laws.

06.2.03 To describe internal (cellular) and external (pulmonary) respiration.

06.2.04 To list and discuss the mechanics of breathing and give typical parameters of respiration.

06.2.05 To describe the regulation of respiration.

06.2.06 To list and describe unbalanced and diseased states (hypoventilation, hyperventilation, dyspnoea, hypercapnia, hypoxia, apnoea).

06.2.07 To list the main threats of environmental pollution on the respiratory system.

06.2.08 To list major measurements of pulmonary function.


MODULE 06.3

RESPIRATORY INSTRUMENTATION

Objectives:-

06.3.01 To describe the operation of the various respiratory transducers.

06.3.02 To list and describe the major instruments used in respiratory system measurements.


MODULE 06.4

RESPIRATORY THERAPY EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

06.4.01 To list the diseased states requiring artificial respiration therapy.

06.4.02 To outline medical gases and safety systems (cylinders, regulators).

06.4.03 To describe the procedures and equipment used in oxygen therapy (flowmeters, humidifiers, nebulizers, CPAP devices, oxygen masks, oxygen tents).

06.4.04 To give an overview of ventilation and the terminology and acronyms used.

06.4.05 To describe the operation of a typical mechanical ventilator; diagram.

06.4.06 To describe the operation of a typical electronically controlled ventilator; functional diagram.

06.4.07 To list the special features of an infant ventilator.

06.4.08 To give an overview of accessory devices used in respiratory therapy (respiration monitors/alarms, oxygen analyser).

06.5.09 To list typical faults and maintenance procedures for respiratory therapy and ventilation equipment; demonstrate and practise practical skills involved.


MODULE 06.5

ANAESTHESIA EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

06.5.01 To list the stages of anaesthetisation.

06.5.02 To discuss the hazards associated with anaesthetic gases and compounds; discuss anti-static techniques and precautions.

06.5.03 To describe the principles behind, and the operation of, a typical anaesthesia machine; diagram.

06.5.04 To describe a typical anaesthetic vaporizer; diagram.

06.5.05 To discuss the various accessories commonly found with anaesthesia machines (absorbers, waste gas extraction, warning devices, oxygen monitors).

06.5.06 To discuss the special maintenance procedures, leak testing and calibration of anaesthesia equipment; demonstrate and practise practical skills.

MODULE 07.1

RADIOGRAPHIC AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

07.1.01 To list the uses of diagnostic and therapeutic x-ray and nuclear medicine equipment.

07.1.02 To describe the origin, and list the properties and measurement of, x-rays (atomic and nuclear physics).

07.1.03 To describe the nature of radioactivity including types of nuclear radiation.

07.1.04 To list the harmful effects of exposure to x-ray and nuclear radiation.

07.1.05 To draw a diagram showing the construction of an x-ray tube and describe the production of x-rays.

07.1.06 To draw a simplified block diagram of a typical x-ray machine and describe its operation.

07.1.07 Discuss radiographic films and intensifying cassettes.

07.1.08 List the external controls on an x-ray machine (mA, kV and timer) and discuss their relative effects on the final radiograph.

07.1.09 To describe the operation of a typical x-ray film processor (diagram) and mention all ancillary darkroom equipment.

07.1.10 To draw a simplified block diagram of a fluoroscopic examination system and describe its operation including detection by fluorescence and display on a monitor.

07.1.11 To draw a simplified block diagram of a nuclear medicine system and describe its operation by scintillation crystals, amplification by photomultipliers and display on a monitor.

07.1.12 To give an overview of control systems and examination tables used in radiography and nuclear medicine.

07.1.13 To discuss mobile radiographic and image intensification equipment as used in Operating Theatres (or OR).

07.1.14 To give an overview of digital imaging techniques.

07.1.15 To give an overview of computed tomography (CT).

07.1.16 To list calibration, typical faults, trouble-shooting and maintenance procedures on radiographic and nuclear medicine equipment; demonstrate and practise practical skills involved.


MODULE 07.2

ULTRASONIC IMAGING EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

07.2.01 To list the uses of diagnostic ultrasound.

07.2.02 To describe the physics of sound and the generation of ultrasound for diagnostic use.

07.2.03 To list the types of scan and typical uses.

07.2.04 To describe the operation of a typical ultrasonic imaging equipment; block diagram.

07.2.05 To list calibration, typical faults, trouble-shooting and maintenance procedures on ultrasonic imaging equipment; demonstrate and practise practical skills involved.


MODULE 07.3

OTHER IMAGING EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

07.3.01 To give an overview of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment techniques.

07.3.02 To give an overview of video systems used in medical imaging.

07.3.03 To give an overview of cine systems and automatic film transport devices.

07.3.04 To give an overview of digital image transmission and storage.

07.3.05 To describe the operation of angiographic injectors.

07.3.06 To give an overview of thermal imaging techniques.

MODULE 08.1

NEUROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT

Part 1: The Nervous System

Objectives:-

08.1.01 To briefly describe the biological principles underlying the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

08.1.02 To describe the structure and function of the neuron (single nerve cell), CNS (brain and spinal cord), PNS (nerve pairs) and ANS (sympathetic and parasympathetic).


Part 2: Brain Parameter Instruments

08.1.04 To list the various types of biomedical instrumentation for measuring anatomical and physiological parameters of the brain.

08.1.05 To describe the procedures and equipment used in cerebral angiography, cranial x-rays and brain scans.

08.1.06 To describe the procedure and equipment used in electroencephalography (EEG).

08.1.07 To describe the origin, cranial location, amplitude and frequency bands of EEG signals and the typical characteristics of EEG preamplifiers.

08.1.08 To describe EEG electrodes and the 10-20 electrode placement system.

08.1.09 To relate diagnostic usage of EEG patterns (waking/sleeping and diseased states).

08.1.10 To describe a typical multi-channel EEG recording system; list external controls; block diagram.

08.1.11 To describe the setup and equipment used to obtain visual and auditory evoked potential recordings.

08.1.12 To list typical EEG system artifacts, faults, trouble-shooting and maintenance procedures; demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of neurological equipment.


MODULE 08.2

MEDICAL ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT

Objectives:-

08.2.01 To describe the physics of ultrasound.

08.2.02 To list the types of ultrasound transducer.

08.2.03 To give an overview of doppler flow detection.

08.2.04 To give an overview of ultrasonic blood pressure measurement.

08.2.05 To describe a typical foetal monitor; functional diagram.

08.2.06 To discuss echocardiography.

08.2.07 To describe the procedure and equipment used in echoencephalography.

08.2.08 To discuss how to evaluate the performance of ultrasound instruments.

08.2.09 To demonstrate and practise practical skills involved with the maintenance of medical ultrasound equipment.


MODULE 08.3

HAEMODIALYSIS MACHINES

Objectives:-

08.3.01 To describe renal physiology including the basic features of the kidney.

08.3.02 To list four types of kidney failure (disease).

08.3.03 To define peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis.

08.3.04 To describe setup and operation of a haemodialysis machine; functional diagram.

08.3.05 To list electrical safety precautions, typical faults, trouble-shooting and maintenance of haemodialysis machines; demonstrate and practise practical skills involved.