Summary

The Biomaterials Science and Engineering Series is designed to help stimulate further developments in biomaterials science and engineering by disseminating up-to-the-minute, quality information to academic and industrial research and development scientists employed in all areas of the medical, biomedical and bioengineering sciences whether in medical device R&D, pharmaceutical and pharmacological research or materials science, and to clinical specialists in prosthetics and surgery. Computer Technology in Biomaterials Science and Engineering Edited by Jos Vander Sloten, Division of Biomechanics and Engineering Design, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium One of the many advances in computer technology over the past decade has been the speed and ease with which data can now be transferred and analysed. Recent developments in this particular area have been greatly beneficial to the biomaterials engineering industry. Biomaterials engineering, as defined in this book, is the scientific discipline dealing with the analysis of biological tissues and tissue-implant behaviour, in addition to the design of the foreign objects for temporary or permanent use in the body and the technology required to produce and implant them. Computer Technology in Biomaterials Science and Engineering describes how computer models and design aids have:
* given insight into the fundamental mechanisms of tissue behaviour and adaptation
* allowed the development of screen-based pre-surgical planning systems
* facilitated the design of personalised implants at reasonable cost
* aided surgical and medical robotics to assure optimal implantation in the body
In addition to presenting an extensive overview of state-of-the-art computer technology and its applications in biomaterials engineering, the authors indicate future trends in this fast changing technology. Researchers in both universities and industry will find this book to be a concise reference source of computer technology in biomaterials science and engineering. Cover shows a computer-aided design image of the gradual transition from a microscopic trabecular bone structure to an engineered biomaterial scaffold. Image reproduced by the kind permission of Hans Druyts and Karel Van Brussel, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.