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.
Congenital aortic stenosis is a life-long condition caused by a narrowing of the aortic valve. It accounts for 2-6% of congenital heart disease, and if left untreated, results in heart failure and death. While several surgical and non-surgical interventions are available, the ideal treatment for this condition is unclear. My research aims to evaluate outcomes of aortic valve repair and compare it to other techniques.
Epicardial Mapping Of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Identifying AF Mechanisms In Different Atrial Substrates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,341.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) which carries with it an increased risk of having a stroke and a twofold risk of dying. At present, we still have only a limited understanding of the mechanism of AF when it becomes persistent. The aim of this study is to determine the critical mechanism of persistent AF in patients with different types of heart conditions. This knowledge is fundamental to the development of more successful curative approaches.
“Beyond The Tape Measure” - Measuring The Impact Of Abnormal Flow Dynamics On Dilation Of The Ascending Aorta.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$723,771.00
Summary
Dilation of the ascending aorta is an important cause of death, leading to aortic rupture and dissection. The rate of complications has not improved in two decades, because our ability to detect and predict disease has not changed. This project will use 4D flow and other types of cutting edge magnetic resonance imaging to address this clinical need, building knowledge regarding the abnormal flows that cause aortic dilatation, enabling earlier diagnosis and providing new insights.
Long-term Surgical And Socioeconomic Outcomes Following Aortopulmonary Septal Defect Repair In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,197.00
Summary
About 2% of heart defects are due to communication between the 2 main arteries exiting the heart (truncus arteriosus and aortopulmonary window). If untreated, up to 30% of children die in the first year of life. With surgery many patients are now surviving into adulthood. The long-term outcomes are unknown. This study will review all patients with this defect across Australian and New Zealand. Results from this study will allow us to best manage these patients in the short and long-term.
POISE-2: A Large, International, Placebo-controlled, Factorial Trial To Assess The Impact Of Clonidine And Aspirin In Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery Who Are At Risk Of A Perioperative Cardiovascular Event
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,197,914.00
Summary
At least 5 million patients annually worldwide suffer a heart attack or die after noncardiac surgery. Despite the magnitude of this problem, there are no good treatments to prevent these complications. Previous studies suggest that the drugs clonidine and aspirin may minimize the risk of heart attack after surgery. The POISE-2 trial will study 10,000 patients having noncardiac surgery to determine if clonidine and aspirin improve outcomes. This trial will influence the treatment of patients havi ....At least 5 million patients annually worldwide suffer a heart attack or die after noncardiac surgery. Despite the magnitude of this problem, there are no good treatments to prevent these complications. Previous studies suggest that the drugs clonidine and aspirin may minimize the risk of heart attack after surgery. The POISE-2 trial will study 10,000 patients having noncardiac surgery to determine if clonidine and aspirin improve outcomes. This trial will influence the treatment of patients having surgery around the world.Read moreRead less
Improving Functional Outcomes After Fontan Surgery By A Cross-sectional Study Of The Outcomes Following Variation In Practice In Australia And New Zealand: Focus On Anticoagulation And Cardiac Shunting By The Fenestration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$768,643.00
Summary
The Fontan procedure is the last of a series of life-saving operations offered to children born with only one pumping chamber in their heart. We intend to perform the largest and most detailed investigation to date of the patients enrolled in the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry, today the world's largest database of this kind. This cross-sectional study will enable us to identify the drugs and interventions that will best maximize their exercise capacity and quality of life
National Database Of Patients With Atrioventicular Septal Defects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$45,341.00
Summary
Atrioventricular septal defects are a group of childhood heart diseases affecting all four chambers of the heart and two of the valves. These children do not normally survive past 30 years without surgery. Surgery offers a chance at life, but in the long term up to a quarter of children need further surgery. We are developing an Australian database to determine how best to reduce the risk of these complications, the burden on these children and the cost to society.
Guaranteeing Survival Into Adulthood, Physical Health And Psychological Well-being To Children Born With Single Ventricles.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,773.00
Summary
Being born with a single pumping heart chamber is the most severe heart condition but thanks to several operations we can see them survive. A growing population of young functional adults now face an uncertain future and we have no options for them. A/Pr Y d’Udekem is a leading paediatric cardiac surgeon. His research aims to provide the medications, reinterventions and artificial hearts that are necessary to give them a longer and fulfilling life.
Effects Of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Post Surgical Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Randomised Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,529.00
Summary
Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart ....Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart rhythms in humans. Patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery are particularly susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms in the upper chambers of the heart in the days immediately following surgery. While these abnormal rhythms are rarely life threatening, they can result in increased post-surgical complications and a longer hospital stay with associated increased costs to the health system. In this study we will determine whether providing high dose fish oil for 3 weeks immediately preceding coronary bypass surgery, will result in a reduction in the proportion of patients experiencing post-surgical abnormal heart rhythms. We will also examine the effects of n-3 fats on the incidence of other complications following bypass surgery and also the length of hospital stay. In addition, we will gather data which will provide insight into the mechanisms by which n-3 fatty acids produce their well documented benefits to patients with cardiovascular disease. The significance of this study is its ability to provide a protective strategy in heart disease in which the mechanism is understood, which is effective, and importantly, which will have the potential to provide savings to the health care system through a reduction in hospital stay.Read moreRead less