Are Biomedical Devices the Future?
- Science Holic
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Author: Kevin Lin
Editor: Elizabeth Li
Artist: Coco Zhou
Every year, over 4,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving heart transplant. For some, they aren’t able to survive long enough to undergo this procedure and eventually end up dying. However, scientists have recently discovered a way to extend the lifespan of patients dying of heart failure by inventing the artificial heart, a type of biomedical device that simulates the motions of an actual heart. By using biomedical technology, the lives of many can be saved, allowing people to return to their day-to-day lives. Biomedical technology ranges from simulating a heart to enhancing the patient’s control of technology (e.g. allowing patients to control computers without physical input) through brain implants. Despite the benefits associated with biotechnology (the use of an organism to improve human health), inherent disadvantages come with the ethical issues of modifying humans, animal experimentation that promotes animal abuse, human safety, and data security.
In the operating room, a patient’s health is the priority. When patients are facing total heart failure with no chance of a transplant soon, doctors resort to artificial hearts. Artificial hearts act as temporary replacements in lieu of a donor heart. It replaces both ventricles (the lower two chambers), pumping blood to the atria (the upper chambers) of the heart and its surrounding arteries. The device connects to an external machine to simulate the heart’s muscles, powering blood transport in place of the heart. This enables the patient to survive the wait for a heart transplant, which can range from days to even years. Because of this device, approximately 2,000 patients have survived long enough to be successfully connected with a compatible donor heart.
However, artificial hearts also carry negative consequences. Invasive surgical procedures are used to implant the artificial heart, which increases the risks of stroke, infections, bleeding, and blood clots. Some artificial hearts are also made up of foreign non-biocompatible (non-natural) materials that cause the body to stimulate an immune response. Another issue with biotechnology exists within the healthcare industry through a financial barrier that some may not be able to overcome, potentially sacrificing the patient’s health due to a lack of funding. The cost of the artificial heart is out of reach for many, as it can range from $100,000 to $300,000. A study performed by Kelty et al. demonstrated that after the 2018 U.S. heart‐transplant allocation overhaul, overall access to transplant rose for everyone, but patients from low-income ZIP codes had relatively worse outcomes. Additionally, a higher Socio-Economic Status (SES) and access to private insurance usually indicated higher survival rates, while lower-SES patients were less likely to survive based on their gender and race. Because of systemic and structural inequality, outcomes are generally worse for patients with less resources than for patients with higher incomes, which makes survival dependent on their circumstances.
While the artificial heart is a debated topic, brain chips have been widely contested in the media. Brainchips are devices that utilize small metal wires to respond to human thoughts directly, enhancing the user’s control of computers and intelligence, and restoring lost motor function. Currently, scientists are developing brainchips for people with motor disabilities to regain control of computers. One such device is Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a “brain-computer interface” designed to allow humans to control computers with their thoughts directly. Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic (paralyzed from the neck down) patient, was the first patient to receive a Neuralink treatment. Initially paralyzed, Noland was able to regain his control of computers with just his thoughts, stating that “It’s just made me more independent, and that helps not only me but everyone around me. It makes me feel less helpless and like less of a burden.” Because of Neuralink, Arbaugh was able to do things previously deemed impossible for him, like texting, calling, or even playing video games. However, while this technology may seem promising, there are numerous concerns associated with brainchips. For example, brain chips can harm the brain due to the metal wires detaching and causing nerve damage. Weeks after Arbaugh’s surgery, scar tissue formation caused approximately 85% of the wires connecting his brain to the Neuralink chip to detach. This detachment could have potentially caused brain damage upon detachment due to the brain’s delicate nature.
Another risk that comes with adopting brainchips is their security. Because brainchips utilize software that directly controls computers, any malicious actor could gain control of the Neuralink software and indirectly control any connected devices, including computers and phones. Neuralink has additionally stated that they would like to “expand compatibility” to many more devices in the future. Neuralink connected to critical hardware (e.g., diabetes monitors) raises the concern that malicious actors would be able to cause harm to the user themselves. Additionally, attackers could also be able to intercept or replicate the Bluetooth connection between Neuralink and a connected device to gather neurological data or even inject malicious commands of their own (brainjacking). Ransomware poses a risk because users are forced to pay to regain access to their Neuralink data after attackers gain control of it.
While the usage of biotechnology is a widely debated topic, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of adopting it for yourself, as every person has unique needs. While there are many benefits associated with biotechnology (replacing critical life functions and restoring control over computers), it is also essential to consider the potential risks of adopting it (e.g., data security and privacy, physical safety, and financial barriers). This is due to numerous concerns, including safety, privacy, and the potential for abuse. When making choices about biotechnology, conducting prior research and consulting your doctor can help you make informed decisions about its use in your life.
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