Development Of Microscope-in-a-needle Devices For Improved Clinical Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,746.00
Summary
We have developed a new high-resolution optical imaging technology. The unique aspect of our research has been to redesign the imaging probe, miniaturising it to a few hundred microns in diameter, and encase it in a hypodermic needle – a ‘microscope-in-a-needle’. We are developing specific imaging probes to aid in the assessment of lung disease; the diagnosis of liver disease; and integrated into a brain biopsy needle to enable safer brain biopsies.
Development Of A New Surgical-guidance Tool For Intra-operative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$557,982.00
Summary
One third of breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery have insufficient tissue removed, resulting in an increased risk of recurrence. We have developed a high resolution optical imaging probe with the potential to detect small areas of cancer. It could be used to help guide the surgeon to remove all cancerous tissue from the patient. This grant will allow us to develop the probe to a stage that it can be used during surgery, and perform the world’s first clinical scans.
Single Shot X-ray Tomography For Real-Time Functional X-ray Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,641.00
Summary
Computed Tomography (CT) scanners produce three-dimensional images of vital organs that cannot be obtained by conventional two-dimensional (single projection) x-ray radiographs. However, the radiation exposure is hundreds of times higher than conventional radiography. We will develop the world’s first CT scanner that uses no more radiation than a single conventional x-ray image that will provide four-dimensional reconstructions of a patient’s moving internal organs.
From The Synchrotron To The Clinic: Translation Of A Novel Functional Lung Imaging Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$891,834.00
Summary
Our team has recently developed a synchrotron technology with a startling capacity for dynamic functional imaging that can act as a sensitive regional indicator of lung disease. We will demonstrate that this technology can be translated from the synchrotron to the lab and eventually the clinic. We will provide proof of this concept by the application of this technology to emphysema, asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis lung disease and neonatal resuscitation.
Epilepsy affects over 65 million people worldwide and approximately 30% of sufferers do not respond to drugs. For these people, electrodes are placed in the brain to monitor brain activity and stop the initiation or progression of seizures. However, state-of-the-art devices require risky open-brain surgery. In this project, we are developing a Stentrode Neuro-Stimulator (SNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy without the need for open-brain surgery.
This proposal seeks to develop a novel non-invasive method of measuring intra-cranial pressure, an important diagnostic parameter in many form of brain injury or neural disease. It works by quantitative video analysis of the pulsation of the major vein in the eye during induced rises in eye pressure. Many years of study by our group have determined the relationship between vein pulsation pressure and intra-cranial pressure, and this information is used to produce an accurate measurement of intra ....This proposal seeks to develop a novel non-invasive method of measuring intra-cranial pressure, an important diagnostic parameter in many form of brain injury or neural disease. It works by quantitative video analysis of the pulsation of the major vein in the eye during induced rises in eye pressure. Many years of study by our group have determined the relationship between vein pulsation pressure and intra-cranial pressure, and this information is used to produce an accurate measurement of intra-cranial pressure without the need for surgery.Read moreRead less
CSI-Sydney: New Technologies To Treat Chronic Sinus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,213.00
Summary
Chronic sinus infection (CSI) is prevalent and results in severe discomfort and pain for many Australians; yet amazingly, has no specific cure or effective treatment. Our multi-disciplinary research team and an Australian health and medical research company, (AFT Pharmaceuticals) have partnered to develop a novel device that specifically targets the sinuses and a formulation capable for simultaneously removing mucus, dispersing biofilms and killing bacteria in the nasal cavities.
We will create a new class of cancer radiotherapy system that solves the complex problem of how to target a tumour with precision and accuracy even as the patient’s anatomy changes during treatment. Our Nano-X system is built with real-time imaging guidance and treatment adaptation at the heart of the design process; and complex processing tasks have been moved from hardware to software, enabling radical changes to machine design. Together these innovations will ensure better treatment outcomes.
Application Of Sutureless Technology 'SurgiLux' For Dura Mater Repair: A Proof Of Concept Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$213,125.00
Summary
A unique technology that combines biomaterials and lasers to effectively close and seal wounds could replace sutures in delicate surgery close to the brain. Wound closure in the cranium is still reliant upon sutures or 'stitches' and these have complications; a major one being leakage of cerebro spinal fluid (CSF). The application of 'SurgiLux' technology will both close and seal these wounds quickly and easily, with significant health and economic benefits.
BrachyVision: A Novel Multipurpose Probe For In-body Radiation Imaging And Dosimetry.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,627.00
Summary
BrachyVision is an in-body imaging and dosimetry system to assist physicians in providing efficient and optimized permanent seed implant brachytherapy cancer treatment. The system allows intra-operative preplanning, image guided treatment, post implant verification and direct rectal dosimetry. It represents a major advance in clinical technology that can improve quality of life of prostate cancer patients and, through reduced post treatment complications, lead to significant health cost savings.