Artificial Organs

Abstract

The market of tools, devices, and processes for medical treatments and diagnosis has been growing at a very fast pace, driven by the multi-disciplinary development of integrated innovative technologies. In this article, the way artificial organs design is currently taught is analyzed and discussed relative to the evolution of the methods of artificial organs design as substitution of physical and metabolic bodily functions. Particular attention is devoted to the evolution from empirical attempts at providing generic replacement of a single mechanical function to a more systematic multi-purpose approach that increasingly accounts for biological issues. As a result, at the forefront of research, the paradigm is shifting from mechanical/electronic prostheses towards the development in vitro of tissue engineered organs/tissues, where the artificial part is fully integrated with the biological counterpart. Personalized solutions for each patient rather than a generic solution good for all patients are also sought.