As many as 50% of patients having surgery take medications unrelated to their surgery and up to 46% of patients have their medications stopped at surgery. Patients who take regular medications unrelated to their surgery are 2.7 times more at risk of complications post surgery than those who do not take medications. As time without regular medication increase, so do the post surgery complication rate. This project aims to improve the use of patientsÍ regular medications at the time of surgery.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common complications of obesity and is independently associated with a reduced quality of life and cardiovascular disease. This project aims to identify the underlying factors linking obesity with OSA by examining how weight loss surgery can improve these factors. These important findings will contribute greatly to our understanding of OSA pathophysiology and are necessary to find better treatments for obesity-associated OSA.
Multidisciplinary Management Of Vertebral Metastases Identification Of Standardized Surgical Guidelines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,604.00
Summary
The spine is the commonest site of cancer spread to the skeleton and often leads to severe pain and paralysis. Recent advances in surgical techniques enable removal and reconstruction of all tumours of the spine. However, surgery remains controversial because of the need to weigh up the patient’s estimated length of survival with the risks of surgery. Our aims are to develop clear guidelines on which patients to perform surgery on, and what type of surgery to perform.
Assessment And Prediction Of Blood Flow Dynamics In Congenital Aortic Abnormalities Using Image-based Computer Modelling And Wave Intensity Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,925.00
Summary
Severe aortic abnormality is a serious problem in many infants with congenital heart disease, but it is often unclear what type of treatment will optimise blood flow and minimise the risk of later complications. This study aims to harness recent developments in blood flow modelling, magnetic resonance imaging and advanced blood flow analysis techniques to determine the factors that lead to complications in these children, thereby providing crucial information for improving treatment strategies.
Examining Psychological State In Patients Presenting For Arthritis Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,792.00
Summary
Total joint replacement (TJR) is a common surgical procedure in Australia (80,000 per year). Pre-operative psychological distress has been reported to be between 30-60% in TJR patients and is associated with pain and poor recovery. Little is known about the nature of psychological distress in those presenting for TJR. This study aims to identify the psychological profile of TJR patients who experience suboptimal recovery and in doing so inform future programs that aim to enhance psychological we ....Total joint replacement (TJR) is a common surgical procedure in Australia (80,000 per year). Pre-operative psychological distress has been reported to be between 30-60% in TJR patients and is associated with pain and poor recovery. Little is known about the nature of psychological distress in those presenting for TJR. This study aims to identify the psychological profile of TJR patients who experience suboptimal recovery and in doing so inform future programs that aim to enhance psychological well-being in patients on waiting lists for TJRRead moreRead less
Clinical Research Translation In Fluorescence-guided Surgery Of Brain Cancer: Developing A Surgical Endoscope With Enhanced Contrast
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
This proposal aims to improve the life expectancy of brain cancer patients by developing a new neurosurgical optical imaging device. The technology will transform the recently developed fluorescence-guided surgery procedure, where the tumour is endowed with artificial fluorescence. Our state-of-the art technology will enhance the fluorescence detection beyond visual perception to help remove hard-to-detect small cancer cell clusters, resulting in more accurate surgical removal of tumours.
Development Of Targeted Therapies To Reverse The Effects Of Ageing And Disease On Wound Healing And Tissue Generation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,228.00
Summary
Despite success with the production of new tissues and organs in laboratory animals, tissue engineering in humans remains elusive. Emerging evidence suggests that ageing and diseases such as diabetes can adversely affect human stem cell regenerative capacity. Characterizing the effects of ageing and disease on stem cells during tissue generation is the first step in reversing these effects, paving the way for the production of new tissues and organs for use in human clinical trials.