What is the specialty called for electronic implant surgery?

In summary, the conversation discusses the different specialties that are involved in surgery to implant electronics and the requirements for conducting research on animals. It is mentioned that there is no specific specialty for electronic implants, but they may fall under the domain of various surgeons, while more sensitive procedures are left to cardio-thoracic surgeons. The conversation also touches on the possibility of graduate students conducting research on animals, but under the supervision of someone with a doctorate. The ultimate responsibility for any mistakes or ethical violations would fall on the person supervising the student.
  • #1
TranscedentKid
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What does this fall under?
 
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  • #2
Surgery to Implant Electronics sounds like Surgery to me.
Presumably you would know something about the electronics you were implanting too.
Example: surgery to implant a heart stimulater.

Making the electronics would be more like Engineering.
Example: designing the heart stimulater.
 
  • #3
I did look through the AMA specialties definition list earlier today, and didn't find anything more specific than surgeon...
 
  • #4
TranscedentKid said:
What does this fall under?
Are you asking this because you are pre-med and would like to specialize in this? You could probably talk to your university advisor to get some suggestions on specialties to look into... :smile:
 
  • #5
There is no one specialty for this. Electronic, chemical, and mechanical implants can fall under the domain of various specialty surgeons, some general surgeons may be able to perform some procedures like birth control pellets/implants, penis pump implants, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, etc.- but more sensitive procedures, like installing a pacemaker, are left to cardio-thoracic surgeons. There aren't very many electronic implants as of yet, maybe in the future the specialty will be necessary.
 
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  • #6
If your interested in doing non-people (research animals), many kinds of research could apply, without requiring MD like training.
 
  • #7
BillTre said:
If your interested in doing non-people (research animals), many kinds of research could apply, without requiring MD like training.

A doctorate is almost always going to be required for those directly experimenting with animals, these folks go through very specialized training programs.
 
  • #8
A graduate student in a lab doing this stuff could do it.
Would require a review and approval from an IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) and would probably get significant advice from a vet.
 
  • #9
BillTre said:
A graduate student in a lab doing this stuff could do it.
Would require a review and approval from an IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) and would probably get significant advice from a vet.

In this case, the graduate student is working underneath the direction of someone with a doctorate. There is far less freedom working in a lab like this, as the student isn't making their own decisions but doing what they call slave work, and isn't authorized to do much more. Who is ultimately responsible here, if the student makes a mistake or commits an ethical violation? The person supervising the student...
 
  • #10
Although my experience as a grad student is somewhat dated, this:

Fervent Freyja said:
In this case, the graduate student is working underneath the direction of someone with a doctorate. There is far less freedom working in a lab like this, as the student isn't making their own decisions but doing what they call slave work, and isn't authorized to do much more.
would depend on which lab you are in and this:

Fervent Freyja said:
Who is ultimately responsible here, if the student makes a mistake or commits an ethical violation? The person supervising the student...
would depend upon the people and situation.
But the person in charge would always be someone who would get questioned.
 

1. What is electronic implant surgery?

Electronic implant surgery is a specialty that involves the surgical placement of electronic devices, such as pacemakers or deep brain stimulators, inside the body to treat various medical conditions.

2. What are the qualifications of a surgeon who performs electronic implant surgery?

A surgeon who performs electronic implant surgery is typically a specialized medical doctor, such as a cardiologist or neurosurgeon, who has received additional training and certification in this specific field.

3. What are the risks associated with electronic implant surgery?

As with any surgery, there are potential risks involved with electronic implant surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and complications related to the electronic device itself. However, these risks are usually low and can be minimized by choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon.

4. What types of medical conditions can be treated with electronic implant surgery?

Electronic implant surgery can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders, chronic pain, movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, and urinary or bowel incontinence.

5. What is the recovery process like after electronic implant surgery?

The recovery process after electronic implant surgery will vary depending on the specific procedure and individual patient. In general, patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days and will need to follow any instructions given by their surgeon for proper care and recovery. It may take several weeks or months for the body to fully adjust to the implanted device.

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