Improving Cardiac Valve Implant Outcomes With Advanced Computer Simulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,367.00
Summary
This project focuses on improving heart valve procedures, specifically focusing on new transcatheter techniques of heart valve implantation. The research uses advanced imaging and computer simulation techniques to predict the outcome and improve minimally invasive heart procedures.
Phospholipase Cbeta 1b, A Target To Limit Atrial Dilatation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,847.00
Summary
We have identified a heart specific protein that is involved in perpetuating dilatation of the upper chambers of the heart and thereby contributing to cardiac disease. Inhibitors of this protein provide a suitable target for therapy to limit heart disease. The current studies aim to test such inhibitors in vivo as proof-of-concept that such treatment effectively limits cardiac dysfunction.
Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Pharyngo-oesophageal Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$168,275.00
Summary
A number of oral and respiratory tract diseases such as laryngitis, asthma, unexplained cough, sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnoea, have been linked with gastroesophageal reflux disease. These particular respiratory complications carry significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of regurgitation of gastric acid, via the oesophagus into the pharynx, are unknown. We have recently validated a novel technique to reliably detect acid regurgitation events into the pharynx. We propose to us ....A number of oral and respiratory tract diseases such as laryngitis, asthma, unexplained cough, sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnoea, have been linked with gastroesophageal reflux disease. These particular respiratory complications carry significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of regurgitation of gastric acid, via the oesophagus into the pharynx, are unknown. We have recently validated a novel technique to reliably detect acid regurgitation events into the pharynx. We propose to use this technique, combined with pressure recordings from the oesophagus and its valves, to determine the precise mechanisms underlying acid regurgitation into the throat. Such studies should lead to better means of treating these disorders.Read moreRead less
Clinical, Pathological And Genetic Basis Of Familial Valvular Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse and bicuspid aortic valve are two common valve syndromes that are characterized by remarkable clinical diversity, ranging from no symptoms to potentially life threatening complications, heart failure and sudden death. Both disorders seem to run in families in a significant proportion of patients and thus are likely to have genetic causes, which remains unknown to date. This project aims to identify the underlying genetic basis of these common familial valve syndromes.
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is rare in developed countries except in indigenous populations where there is a shortage of quality health care, overcrowding, poverty and poor nutrition as in remote Australia. Advanced RHD affects the heart valves which can lead to heart failure, an increased risk of stroke and infection of the heart. The aim of this research project will be to inform the development of rational and evidence-based recommendations for the management of advanced RHD.
Regulatory Pathways Of Compensatory Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,536.00
Summary
An increase in muscle bulk (hypertrophy) of the major pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac function in a wide variety of common cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. Nevertheless, this compensatory mechanism appears to be strongly associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the prevention or reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the major goals of the treatment of p ....An increase in muscle bulk (hypertrophy) of the major pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac function in a wide variety of common cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. Nevertheless, this compensatory mechanism appears to be strongly associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the prevention or reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the major goals of the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. This project aims to improve our understanding of the complex chemical messengers in the heart muscle that control the development of hypertrophy to provide a basis for more specific drug treatments to control this process, with the aim of reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with hypertrophy.Read moreRead less