NUMBER 14

Published Weekly

April Programs Chair: Jack Wright
Weekly Program Chair: Ron Burton

Medical imaging has advanced with the computing technology. In today's technology, medical imaging produces digital images, not x-rays on films. With the 3D data, the available information is more complete. Dr. Nelson credited the engineering profession with many of the medical advances, the imaging technology, the ballooning device, the metallic stints, etc. Dr. Nelson shared four recent case histories, lives were saved and/or improved by modern technology. Some of the procedures used today were not available as recent as two years ago. In two of his case studies, Dr. Nelson was able to send the digital images via modem to seek recommendation from a mentor in Memphis. Dr. Nelson discussed the choices between cost and ethics in the selection of procedures. Ballooning is less costly, but stints are deployed when the placement is appropriate, after five stints, surgery becomes the only choice.

Weekly Program Chair: Jim Couch

--April 14 Latest cardiac and cerebral "stenting" procedures and stainless steel materials.
--April 21 Engineer Eric Backensto of UAB Biomedical Department "Experimental materials and procedures". Program Chair: Bill Hobbs
--April 28 Mr. Tim McDonald CPI Ventak will discuss their manufacturing procedures of pacemakers. Program Chair: Fred Lupton