A Clinical Lens on Pediatric Engineering

A Clinical Lens on Pediatric Engineering: Pioneering Science and Technology for Cutting-Edge Patient Care explores the depth and breadth of the newly applied science of pediatric engineering and its dawning era. Placing into context the origins of pediatric medicine and engineering, this deep dive into and beyond medical digital-to-device innovation integrates scientific rigor with clinical perspective, incorporating case examples of diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs, cautionary tales, and lessons in translation.

The book begins by explaining the unique considerations of the developing child and the importance of including nuanced end-user and human factors early and often in the process of seeking biomedical solutions. It provides an overview of this population's diverse and dynamic biopsychosocial characteristics compared to adults, contrasting organ systems, cognitive maturation, bioethics, growth, and drug metabolism. A distinguished team of contributors supplies a comprehensive blueprint for transforming an idea through to clinical implementation, featuring the ever-expanding influences and intricacies of discovery. The book covers a wide array of topics, including fetal intervention, transplantation, regenerative medicine, addiction, ophthalmology, surgery (e.g., minimally invasive, orthopedic), cancer, nanotechnology, radiology imaging modalities, gene therapy, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, liquid biopsy, immersive technologies (e.g., augmented and virtual reality), neurodiversity, rare disease, critical care, robotics, materials science and tissue engineering. The design challenges specific to children’s hospitals and healthcare facilities are discussed, highlighting the flexibility needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes, gather meaningful data, and drive innovative progress.

This landmark work calls on key stakeholders to address the obstacles related to funding practices, clinical trials, and other impediments that hinder the timely and safe delivery of life-altering and life-saving results. It provides child health innovators with the essential tools to bridge these gaps and drive transformation in the rapidly evolving landscape of pediatric care.