Goran Devedzic

Mining data from hemodynamic simulations for generating prediction and explanation models

One of the most common causes of human death is stroke, which can be caused by carotid bifurcation stenosis. In our work, we aim at proposing a prototype of a medical expert system that could significantly aid medical experts to detect hemodynamic abnormalities (increased artery wall shear stress). Based on the acquired simulated data, we apply several methodologies for1) predicting magnitudes and locations of maximum wall shear stress in the artery, 2) estimating reliability of computed predictions, and 3) providing user-friendly explanation of the models decision. The obtained results indicate that the evaluated methodologies can provide a useful tool for the given problem domain.

Developing curriculum in bioengineering and medical informatics at Western Balkan Universities

The broad fields of Bioengineering (BE) and Medical Informatics (MI) are among the most prominent and fastest developing scientific areas. These are considered as key, out of a few, challenges within crucial research and innovation strategies worldwide. Almost every university wanting to be in accordance with a technological progress offers a curricula in BE&MI at master and doctoral levels, and numerous offer bachelor level degrees, as well. Where it is not the case, state and universities authorities are making efforts to open dedicated study programs. Following the evident needs European Commission promotes such actions through its educational strategies and corresponding projects, Tempus being one of these. The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) granted regional Tempus project “Studies in Bioengineering and Medical Informatics - BioEMIS” aiming at introducing devoted study programs at Western Balkan countries, namely Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The following short study highlights the main guidelines of BE&MI study programs development, respecting European good practice.

Development of 3D parametric model of human spine and simulator for biomedical engineering education and scoliosis screening

Engineering education has been changing during the time and starting to cover many interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary fields. We are witnessing the growing importance of biomedical engineering (BME). It leads to increasing needs for development of effective education in BME on the one side, and development of different models and simulation tools for both education and medical purposes on the other hand. BME is a highly interdisciplinary field, influenced by various other engineering and medical fields. This article describes the instrumentation, technique and the results in development of 3D parametric model of human spine and its kinematics using 3D computer aided modeling and simulation. Based on 3D parametric model of spine, software for simulation and visualization of scoliosis (deformation of spine) is also developed. The presented solutions, 3D model and scoliosis simulator could improve education in the field of BME and become useful tool in spinal deformities detection and treatment.

On line ECG processing and visualization using android SmartPhone

This paper demonstrates the use of smartphone in processing and analysis of ECG signal. The signal is acquired through the standard microphone input and processed by Android application. In addition to acquisition and visualization, the proposed system performs QRS detection and heart rate calculation, all in real time, behind a low occupation of operating resources. After explanation of the working principle, an experimental configuration is described and preliminary results are presented.

3D modeling and simulation of scoliosis — An integrated knowledgeware approach

This paper presents the application of knowledgeware technologies and CAD systems in the field of 3D non-invasive diagnosis of idiopathic spinal deformity, primarily scoliosis. Automation of the process of generating key diagnostic indicators and a 3D model of the spine, based on digitized dorsal surfaces of patients, is achieved by implementing VBA macros and specialized modules of the CATIA v5 PLM system. Approximation of the central spinal line is performed by B-Spline function whose analysis generates a series of diagnostic parameters that describe the external and internal manifestations of deformities and create preconditions for internet-based monitoring and visualization.

Foot pressure distribution and contact duration pattern during walking at self-selected speed in young adults

Foot load observed as pressure distribution is examined in relation to a foot and ankle functions within the gait cycle. This load defines the modes of healthy and pathological gait. Determination of the patterns of healthy, i.e. “normal” walk is the basis for classification of pathological modes. Eleven healthy participants were examined in this initial study. Participants walked over pressure plate barefoot at their self - selected speed. Maximal values of the pressure were recorded in the heel, the first, the second and the third metatarsal joints and in the hallux region. Largest contact duration is recorded in the metatarsal region.

A Framework for Technology Enhanced Education in Orthopaedics: Knee Surgery Case Study

The paper presents a framework for technology enhanced education (TEE) in orthopaedics aimed at employment of ubiquitous information and communication technology (ICT) and digital technologies in order to compensate for an unaffordable learning environment. On the other side, the concept involves both (bio)engineers, ICT specialists, and orthopaedic surgeons in an interprofessional collaboration, leveraging multidisciplinary approaches to improve the quality of clinical-oriented education. Preliminary results indicate increased motivation and satisfaction of both the learners and educators.

Education in Bioengineering and Medical Informatics in the Western Balkan region: Fostering new study programs

Bioengineering and Medical Informatics (BE&MI) is the one of the fastest growing engineering disciplines in leading regions and countries worldwide. In addition to redesigning and modernizing of existing dedicated study programs, new are developing rapidly as the response to the national needs. Such needs are built-in as priorities and developmental pillars in many national strategies, and coordinated under alliance with governments, national biomedical engineering societies, health institutions, industries, and consultative services. Having similar priorities set in their own developmental strategies, Western Balkan countries launched the initiative of introducing new study programs in Bioengineering and Medical Informatics at all three levels of higher education. The initiative is conducting through European Commission funding of Tempus project “Studies in Bioengineering and Medical Informatics - BioEMIS”. This report presents the main features, goals and objectives of the project, as well as the new offer of study programs in the fields of BE&MI in the WB region at bachelor, master and Ph.D. levels. These are the result of transfer of good EU practices and “know-how”, in the first order, and additionally tuned with guidelines set by leading higher education institutions worldwide.

Development of application ontology of Lenke's classification of scoliosis — OBR-Scolio

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the creation process of the application ontology of scoliosis OBR-Scolio using the OBR reference ontology, which is spread over anatomy, physiology and pathology domains. Since OBR reference ontology exists only as a preliminary classification and does not possess taxonomy of pathological structure, we created the OBR-Scolio ontology by employing analogy with taxonomy of anatomical structure of the FMA reference ontology of anatomy. Also, we obtained the hierarchy of object and data properties of the OBR-Scolio ontology on the basic of FMA reference ontology. The OBR-Scolio ontology is employed in the web-based information system for visualization, monitoring and diagnosing of idiopathic scoliosis - ScolioMedIS. Considering that the key ontological concepts of the OBR-Scolio ontology are intended to define Lenkes classification of scoliosis, some of the main functionalities of this part of the information system ScolioMedIS include automation of process of determining Lenkes type of scoliosis and statistical demographic analysis of frequency of occurrence of each specific characteristic of scoliosis according to Lenke classification. In addition, this part of the system allows continuous monitoring of progression/regression of spinal curvatures for each registered patient with scoliosis, which could help in the process of management of medical treatment of scoliosis.

Automated SOSORT-recommended angles measurement in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

In this article we describe a 3D methodology to characterize dorsal surface for the diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis and its implementation. This characterization is based on the set of external and internal parameters recommended by SOSORT consortium. Parameterized 3D model of the spine and 3D optical scans of dorsal surfaces are used to generate patient-specific surface model for the analysis. The methodology is implemented using Visual Basic Application (VBA) macros in a CAD environment to study relationship between dorsal and internal parameters of spinal deformities and 3D visualization.