Novel Biocompatible Nickel-free Shape Memory Alloy Scaffolds For Biomedical Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,789.00
Summary
The current project is aimed at the development of a new class of novel biocompatible nickel-free shape memory alloy (SMA) scaffolds for metallic implant applications. The new scaffolds possess the ability to exert a mechanical force on the surrounding bones, and stimulate new bone tissue ingrowth, due to their shape memory effect, superelasticity and bone-mimicking porous structure. The outcomes from this project will provide innovative implant materials.
Micro-elastography - A New Tool For Microscopic Intraoperative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,956.00
Summary
In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce ....In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce the number of additional surgeries required.Read moreRead less
Targeted Therapeutic Mild Hypercapnia After Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest: A Phase III Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial (The TAME Cardiac Arrest Trial)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,069,878.00
Summary
The TAME Cardiac Arrest trial will study the ability of higher carbon dioxide (CO2) levels to reduce brain damage, comparing giving patients ‘normal’ to ‘slightly higher than normal’ blood CO2 levels and assessing their ability to return to normal life-tasks. It will be the largest trial ever conducted in heart attack patients in the ICU. This therapy is cost free and, if shown to be effective, will improve thousands of Australian lives, transform clinical practice, and yield major savings.
Nasal Highflow For Paediatric Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,627,819.00
Summary
The burden of respiratory disease in children requiring intensive care admission is increasing despite better quality care in hospitals. This study investigates a new method, called nasal high flow, to support the breathing of children, that can be provided in regular children's wards in regional and metropolitan hospitals. The study anticipates to demonstrate that early intervention with nasal high flow reduces the need for intensive care admission.
Regional Mechanisms Of Ventilator Induced Lung Injury: Insights From Dynamic Lung Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,323.00
Summary
Mortality rates due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are high (>30%). While ARDS requires mechanical ventilation as a lifesaving intervention, it is clear that mechanical ventilation itself can contribute to the high mortality rates. We will use a new lung imaging technology (CTXV) to visualize the damage that occurs to the lung as a result of mechanical ventilation in order to design better ventilation strategies and reduce mortality rates in these critically ill patients.
Lung, Heart And Respiratory Muscle Disease After Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,328,858.00
Summary
Breathing problems persisting into infancy and later life is an important complication of premature birth with lifelong consequences. Breathing problems often occur together with lung disease, but prematurity can also affect heart and blood vessel development, and weakness of the main breathing muscle (the diaphragm). We will find out how much the heart and diaphragm contribute to breathing problems in babies, and will help us to better predict, diagnose and treat severe breathing problems.
Optimising Lung Protective Ventilation At Birth Using The Volumetric Response Of The Lung In A Preterm Lamb Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,021.00
Summary
Prematurity is a common problem which constitutes a major health-care burden. The preterm lung often cannot function independently at birth but is very fragile and susceptible to damage from the very first breathes of life. Life-saving mechanical ventilatory support must protect the lung from injury as well aid lung function. This project aims to improve ventilation strategies for supporting and protecting the preterm lung using novel approaches and innovative technologies.
Separating The Adverse Neurodevelopmental Consequences Of Mechanical Ventilation And Postnatal Steroids In Preterm Lambs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,752,863.00
Summary
Extremely premature infants often develop severe breathing difficulties and need the help of a machine to breathe. Certain steroids help to mature the lung and allow the baby to breathe on his own without help. However, both steroids and long periods on breathing machines may interfere with normal brain development. This study will help doctors to weigh up the long-term risks and benefits of giving a baby steroids to help them breathe on their own versus continuing mechanical ventilation without ....Extremely premature infants often develop severe breathing difficulties and need the help of a machine to breathe. Certain steroids help to mature the lung and allow the baby to breathe on his own without help. However, both steroids and long periods on breathing machines may interfere with normal brain development. This study will help doctors to weigh up the long-term risks and benefits of giving a baby steroids to help them breathe on their own versus continuing mechanical ventilation without steroids.Read moreRead less
Consequences Of Waveform Composition For Epithelial Integrity And Homogeneous Ventilation During HFOV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,483.00
Summary
High-frequency oscillation (HFO) delivers up to 900 breaths/minute to newborn babies. In theory, the tiny HFO breaths decrease ventilator induced lung injury whilst efficiently delivering oxygen to and removing waste gas from the blood. However, HFO may damage the large airways due to the high gas flows. We will use mathematical models and studies in preterm lambs to assess how to optimise distribution of fresh gas to the lung while minimising any airway damage. Our findings will help doctors tr ....High-frequency oscillation (HFO) delivers up to 900 breaths/minute to newborn babies. In theory, the tiny HFO breaths decrease ventilator induced lung injury whilst efficiently delivering oxygen to and removing waste gas from the blood. However, HFO may damage the large airways due to the high gas flows. We will use mathematical models and studies in preterm lambs to assess how to optimise distribution of fresh gas to the lung while minimising any airway damage. Our findings will help doctors treat preterm babies with lung disease.Read moreRead less
Sedation Practice In Intensive Care Evaluation (SPICE) Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,752,725.00
Summary
Almost every patient in intensive care needs sedating drugs for comfort and provision of life-saving treatment. However, sedation causes side effects including coma, delirium and agitation. There is no high-level evidence to help doctors decide which sedatives to choose and the best way to administer them. The SPICE trial will test a new approach called Early Goal-Directed Sedation based on an alternative sedative agent to see whether it delivers safer, targeted light sedation with less delirium ....Almost every patient in intensive care needs sedating drugs for comfort and provision of life-saving treatment. However, sedation causes side effects including coma, delirium and agitation. There is no high-level evidence to help doctors decide which sedatives to choose and the best way to administer them. The SPICE trial will test a new approach called Early Goal-Directed Sedation based on an alternative sedative agent to see whether it delivers safer, targeted light sedation with less delirium.Read moreRead less