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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Surgical Device Technology
Module Code MEC1047 (ITS: MM499)
Faculty Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng School Engineering & Computing
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

To provide the students with an in-depth knowledge of the design and performance characteristics of various medical devices To expose students to real world problems associated with the use of a range of current surgical devices. To provide the students with a knowledge of a variety of surgical techniques, the range of surgical tools available and the design issues associated with those tools. To expose students to real world problems associated with the use of a range of current surgical devices. To engender in the students an awareness of the constraints within the environment of medical practitioners and the ethical implications of their work.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe in detail a number of common surgical procedures using the appropriate medical terminology.
2. State (i) the Bioheat Equation, (ii) Heat diffusion/conduction equation, (iii) Surface heat convection equation, (iv) Heat radiation equation.
3. List factors affecting heat generation and tissue necrosis during various ablation techniques used in minimally invasive surgery, i.e., laser, radio frequency, microwave, ultrasound and chemical ablation. Describe briefly the theory behind each surgical technique.
4. Formulate analytical equations to estimate the heat generated in tissue by a variety of minimally invasive techniques and solve analytical problems.
5. Interpret empirical data relating to the design of stents and catheters and translate the data into numerical formulae to describe the behaviour of stents and catheters. Give examples of different stent designs and materials used for balloon catheters and stents.
6. Outline the key design and operational mechanisms of a range of open surgical devices, endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical devices. Explain the optimisation techniques used when designing laparoscopic instruments.
7. Subdivide the constituent parts of a robotics problem, and apply appropriate assumptions to determine the relationship between the end-effector of a robot and its global coordinates.
8. Understand and discuss the need for ethical standards and practice in the design and use of surgical devices.
9. Carry out a brief design synthesis of a surgical device and write a well organised project report


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24No Description
Tutorial12No Description
Seminars4Invited talks
Independent Study55No Description
Group work30No Description
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20384Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorOwen ClarkinModule TeacherTanya Levingstone
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentGroup Project Report around existing and proposed future designs of a specific medical device25%n/a
Formal ExaminationEnd-of-Semester Final Examination75%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Energy Transfer and Electrosurgical Instruments

Hemostasis, Coagulation and Cautery, Cutting Instruments, Mechanisms of therapeutic effect, Modes of Operation

Electrosurgical current waveforms and generators

RF Ablation, Laser Ablation, Ultrasound ablation, Cryoablation, Microwave ablation

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques including minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery and ophthalmic surgery

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Zenios, Makower & Yock: 2010, Biodesign: The process of Innovating Medical Technologies, Cambridge University Press, 0 5215 1742 7
  • J.G. Webster: 2001, Minimally Invasive Medical Technology, Institute of Physics Publishing, Bristol and Philadelphia, 0750307331
  • A. Faraz, S. Payandeh: 2000, 2. Engineering Approaches to the Mechanical and Robotic Design for Minimally Invasive Surgeries, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 0 7923 7792 3
  • A.M. Cook, J.G. Webster: 1982, 3. Therapeutic Medical Devices, Application and Design, 0 13 914 796
  • V. Bozovic: 2008, Medical Robotics, IntechOpen, 978-953-51-58
  • Jocelyne Troccaz: 2013, Medical Robotics, John Wiley & Sons, 412, 9781118563335


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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