Arkadiusz Miaskowski, Andrzej Krawczyk and Yoshiyuki Ishihara
The purpose of this paper is to use numerical methods and modelling to estimate the effect of a passive, metallic (conducting) implant on eddy currents distribution in a human…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use numerical methods and modelling to estimate the effect of a passive, metallic (conducting) implant on eddy currents distribution in a human knee model. There exists a concern among wearers of such implants that they alter electromagnetic field (eddy currents) significantly and there is a need for standardization of that problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The numerical model of a human knee has been built on the base of Visual Human Project and electromagnetic field calculations were carried out using Meep FDTD engine. In total, two scenarios have been considered: the knee model with and without a metallic implant. The knee implant model has been prepared as the knee model with overestimated electrical parameters of bone tissues by titanium metal. Alternating eddy current distribution has then been evaluated for both models using FDTD low frequency algorithm.
Findings
The highest values of eddy currents occurred on the interface between skin and muscle tissues when the model without an implant is considered. However, when the bone tissues have been replaced with titanium metal, the highest values have occurred in the implant (about 100 times higher than the previous one). This means that an implant can be heated by external electromagnetic fields and that the location of the highest values of eddy currents can be shifted to the proximity of the implant. Moreover, one should realize that in this model the implant is like a knee bone with all anatomical details. It has emerged from this that the implant's shape and size are essential when evaluating its effect on eddy currents distribution.
Practical implications
The interaction of electromagnetic field with implants should be generally further investigated, at least for the presumable worst cases. Such investigation has already been done by some researches but they have been devoted to radio frequencies. The authors believe that the presented research will be helpful in the standardization process, when talking about low frequency electromagnetic field.
Originality/value
The presented methodology can be used in the development of computer aid diagnosis systems. Overestimation of electrical parameters of some parts of the model allows us to predict the distribution of electromagnetic field in the model under investigation very quickly. The results presented in the paper can be used during the standardization process.
Details
Keywords
Arkadiusz Miaskowski, Andrzej Krawczyk and Yoshiyuki Ishihara
The paper aims to clarify the method/methodology of establishing a computer model of the electromagnetic therapy connected with some knee joint problems. Two cases are considered…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to clarify the method/methodology of establishing a computer model of the electromagnetic therapy connected with some knee joint problems. Two cases are considered: the arthritis of the knee and the fracture of bone. In both cases the analysis of eddy current distribution in the knee is made. It gives results which can be helpful in the planning of treatment. The paper presents the exemplary results of eddy current distribution inside a bone. A short discussion on the safety aspect of magnetotherapy has been carried out.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to calculate the eddy current distribution in human knee joint the low frequency finite‐difference time‐domain algorithm has been applied. The numerical model of the leg was based on US Air Force Research Laboratory data and the electrical properties of tissues were modeled using 4‐Cole‐Cole approximation with parameters taken from Gabriels.
Findings
The paper presents the general methodology which can be used in magnetotherapy to estimate a magnetic flux density of stimulators and value of current density inside the knee joint. Both factors mentioned above can be helpful in therapeutical processes, i.e. in magnetoteraphy.
Research limitations/implications
The eddy current distribution is limited to the presented model and it is obvious it can be different for another one as it is shown in the paper but it is also shown that the biggest value of eddy current density is just in the vicinity of the joint, so it can help in a therapeutical process.
Practical implications
The methodology of estimating the values of current density and magnetic flux density can be used by physiologists and doctors to determine the value of current density which gives therapeutical effect.
Originality/value
The efficient application of low frequency finite‐difference time‐domain algorithm to the electromagnetic therapy connected with some knee joint problems has been shown and the general methodology has been conducted.
Details
Keywords
Atsushi Katsuda, Yoshiyuki Naito and Toshihiko Ishihara
In Japan, health-care systems have long been supported by physicians' long working hours. To solve this problem, there is an urgent need to improve the working environment for…
Abstract
Purpose
In Japan, health-care systems have long been supported by physicians' long working hours. To solve this problem, there is an urgent need to improve the working environment for physicians while practicing patient-centered medicine and controlling health-care costs. This paper aims to examine the effect of task shifting to nurses and discuss its usefulness from the perspective of health-care value co-creation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzes task shifting to nurses in acute care hospitals in Japan as a solution for the shortage of anesthesiologists. The authors discuss how the value was created from the perspective of the health-care ecosystem, with conceptual consideration of the value co-creation mechanism through patient-centered practices.
Findings
The study showed that task shifting initiatives in Japan can improve the motivation of nurses through human resource development while maintaining high quality. The study also suggested that task shifting from physicians to nurses may contribute to improving net income and maintaining the health-care system.
Practical implications
The findings are highly reproducible and can be immediately applied to initiatives at other medical institutions in Japan. Furthermore, it is suggested that these findings might provide some perspective on the realignment of fragmented healthcare in the USA.
Originality/value
It was confirmed in practical terms that micro-level initiatives have an impact on the macro level as well. In addition, the academic presentation of the concept has contributed to the deepening of value research.