Medical Technology Homework Help

Medical Technology

After the Second World War, the United States culture got massively transformed as new medical technologies got developed and started spreading. The likes of wonder drugs, plastic surgery, prosthetics, and artificial organs introduced the new age of modern medical technological advancements. As a result of the postwar nationalistic pride, the Americans were able to place faith in the power of medicine in the rehabilitation and transformation of lives as well as bodies of disabled persons and those regarded as abnormal (Hancock et al, 2000). The body in the current contemporary society is utilized as a product for reconstruction. An example of a patient who has experienced facial trauma or bone loss can illustrate the reason as to why Americans and the global community embrace body reconstruction. This patient will have difficulties in swallowing, speaking, chewing, and sometimes even breathing. The prospect that some facial reconstruction can be applied to give the patient back their ability to function normally would the most welcome option. This option is presently available therefore when affordable the patient goes for it. This paper will look at the use of the body as a product for reconstruction.
In the entire human skeleton, the face has been found to be the most complicated part. The unique shape together with the functions of the bones in the mid-face has made its reconstruction especially difficult (Carden-Coyne, 2009). In addition there is the increased exposure to bacteria found in the mouth and sinuses. In the traditional approach, reconstructive surgeons grafted bones from other parts of the body of the patient in order to sculpt the skull potion. As a result of bone density and the fact that different shapes cover the various other parts of the body, the patient is expected to suffer both cosmetically and functionally after reconstruction. A new approach has been introduced whereby topology optimization is applied in the design of custom implants (Goldberg and Pozner, 2010). Primarily, topology is applied in automobile parts and skyscrapers engineering but recently the idea that it can be applied in medicine has introduced hope of eradicating the imperfections sometimes associated with face reconstruction.
This technology is used by engineers as they create pieces capable of meeting high aesthetic standards at the same time performing at optimum levels (Serlin, 2004). Pairing topology optimization with facial reconstruction improves precision in the development of patient-specific bone-replacements. In the engineering process, different variables such as chewing forces, blood flow and sinus activities get to be calculated. Researchers plan to pair topology optimization and tissue engineering in the future. Successful pairing of these two processes would be observed in the recreation of tissue and bone for various parts of the body requiring reconstruction. This continued pursuit of new and advanced technology in body reconstruction illustrates how the current society has focused on the body as a product of reconstruction.
Reconstruction of the body is a task requiring dexterity, precision and commitment to detail hence its being centered in plastic surgery (Maniglia, 1989). Advanced medical technology brought with it the gift of plastic surgery and in effect an era in the field of medicine. Choosing plastic surgery gives the patient an option of reconstructing their bodies in the shape that they desire. In the last number of decades, plastic surgeries have grown exponentially in the western world. At first, the procedure was very costly therefore only celebrities had access to it. Though the cost for the procedure is still high, a reduction in the prices has been experienced from the earlier years. Plastic surgeons have undergone special training and education to facilitate their expertise in helping people get their bodily defects reshaped or removed. Also referred to as cosmetic surgeons, these medical practitioners are expected to perform various forms of reconstructive surgery (Wolfgang et al, 2009). A number of criticisms may be pointed at the widespread use of body reconstruction in the society we live today. However, when the benefits of the procedure such as its application in helping injured accident victims who have had their organs deformed or burn victims who suffer ugly skin burns requiring plastic surgery to be performed on them.
Despite being a challenging career, plastic surgery is also a lucrative one. Long hours of work are demanded together with complete focus on the patient being attended on. There is no room for error no matter how small. In the beginning, plastic surgeons specialized only in reconstructive surgery but with time a wide range of cosmetic procedures have been added to their specialty. Not only celebrities or the rich get to benefit from cosmetic surgeries. Procedures such as facelifts and liposuctions are now known by the public. The cosmetic surgeries demanding physical appearance to be enhanced require the surgeon and medical team to be completely focused (Chambers & Ray, 2009).
The basic aspects of the profession involve replacement of body parts, repair, and reconstruction of the damaged ones. There are a number of areas of specialization in the field. In the course of the surgeon’s profession, he or she may have to practice a number of tasks such as breast augmentation, sexual reassignment surgery and mastectomy (Ramulla, 2011). The plastic surgeon is expected to be able to handle surgery related tools and technology. The argument regarding the use of the body as a product of reconstruction is not new. It has been in debate for years. Most recently, though, the widespread application of the procedure has raised concerns over the fact that the body is now being viewed like an object to be altered depending on the preference of the patient in question.
It would be important to note that these plastic surgeons have studied and trained for years to gain the title of professional cosmetic surgeons. Their education is primarily based on the desire and increased efforts in solving the various medical conditions requiring such expertise (Rohrich et al, 2010). If the body has been demeaned to an object prone to transformation, the medical practitioners are not to blame. The patient expresses their desire to undergo certain procedures because of valid reasons and the surgeons’ obligation is to the public welfare (Haiken, 1997). Before the candidate aspiring to be a plastic surgeon is considered, he or she has to complete an undergraduate degree in a particular subject such as chemistry first. In addition, they are expected to attend a medical graduate degree for four years. Because of the high competition in entering medical school, the candidate has to have exemplary MCAT scores. Another 5 or 6 years are then to be spent in medical training or residency following training in medical school. Successful completion of the above steps qualifies the candidate to take a fellowship in a special area. A number of specialties are there to be chosen from including craniofacial surgery, breast reconstruction surgery and aesthetic surgery (Pandey, 2011). A requirement to take licensing and certifications exists but it is dependent on state laws. The number of specialties in body reconstruction re numerous but breast reconstruction is among the most practiced reconstructions.
Immediately following breast cancer diagnosis, the patient is given a number of options and the sole decision lies with her. Choosing mastectomy would mean breast reconstruction after. Here the size, shape, and appearance of the patient’s breast would have to be restored (Adamo, 2011). The timing of breast reconstruction is dependent on the patient’s situation. Women facing future radiation often get their surgery delayed. The surgery assists in rebuilding body and self confidence of the patient. Breast cancer is an issue that has affected and continues to affect many women in the world. Body reconstruction has made it possible to restore the size, shape as well as the appearance of the woman after undergoing mastectomy (Harcourt et al, 2003). This improves their quality of life despite the various risks that exist in the procedure based on the extent of the cancer. This is just one application of body reconstruction. It does illustrate that the argument concerning the use of the body as a product of reconstruction is valid but limited in its view of the procedure. There are those people who will use the procedure for merely improving their looks but it should be noted that there are those who will benefit from the procedure in life threatening situations.
In a nutshell, since the Second World War, medical professionals have managed to utilize improved technology to address body deformation problems. Body reconstruction has since grown and spread. Presently, the body can be stated to be used as a product of reconstruction. Some consider treating the body as an object that can easily be altered unethical and immoral. However, numerous medical benefits have been experienced following this procedure. In a number of circumstances such as cancer, road accidents, and burns, deformation of different body organs and parts calls for reconstruction. Such an application is the reason why medical practitioners have dedicated their research on using new and advanced technology in reconstructing different body parts.

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