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Development of a tissue engineered heart valve for pediatrics: a case study in bioengineering ethics
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 811 Shelby Biomedical Research Building, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294-2182, USA. merryman@uab.edu
Science and Engineering Ethics
|February 13, 2008
Summary
Bioengineering students chose a reliable, expensive pediatric tissue engineered heart valve (TEHV) design, limiting global access. This highlights the ethical conflict between advanced design and equitable distribution of medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Development
- Bioethics
Background:
- Developing pediatric tissue engineered heart valves (TEHV) involves complex design choices.
- Ethical considerations, including utilitarianism and rights of persons, are crucial in medical device selection.
- Balancing device performance, cost, and accessibility presents a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a hypothetical case study for bioengineering students on selecting a TEHV device.
- To explore the ethical ramifications of choosing between different medical device designs.
- To examine the interplay between device design, cost, and equitable global distribution.
Main Methods:
- A hypothetical case study was developed for bioengineering graduate students.
- Students were presented with two distinct device options for TEHV development.
- Ethical theories of utilitarianism and rights of persons were used as a framework for decision-making.
- Students voted on which device should be released.
Main Results:
- The majority of bioengineering students preferred the more reliable, albeit substantially more expensive, TEHV design.
- This preference for the high-cost, reliable design was noted to preclude global access to the technology for many.
- The study revealed a student inclination towards superior technical specifications over broader accessibility.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores a critical ethical dilemma in biomedical device development: prioritizing advanced features versus ensuring widespread availability.
- Bioengineering students' choices highlight the tension between technical excellence and the ethical imperative for equitable healthcare access.
- Further examination is needed to establish a framework for balancing design, cost, and distribution of life-saving medical technologies.
