Young People With Old Knees: Knee Ligament Reconstruction And Early Joint Changes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,727.00
Summary
Individuals who have undergone a knee reconstruction are at increased risk of knee osteoarthritis - 'younger people with older knees'. This may be partly due to increased knee load. This study aims to investigate whether muscle strength and activation as well as walking patterns influence changes in the knee joint structure as measured on magnetic resonance imaging. This may lead to rehabilitation strategies to address these factors so as to prevent the premature onset of knee osteoarthritis.
Effects And Mechanisms Of Direct Cardiac Compression In Interruption Of Myocardial Remodelling In Chronic Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,250.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a disease where the heart pumping function is insufficient to provide adequate blood supply to the rest of the body. It is a highly debilitating disease affecting nearly 10 million people worldwide and has a <50% one-year survival in severe cases. Despite significant advances in pharmacotherapy, heart transplant is the only alternative for severe HF but is restricted by lack of donor organs to only ~ 5% of those requiring it. Research has shown that progression of HF is ....Heart failure (HF) is a disease where the heart pumping function is insufficient to provide adequate blood supply to the rest of the body. It is a highly debilitating disease affecting nearly 10 million people worldwide and has a <50% one-year survival in severe cases. Despite significant advances in pharmacotherapy, heart transplant is the only alternative for severe HF but is restricted by lack of donor organs to only ~ 5% of those requiring it. Research has shown that progression of HF is related to many subsequent changes after an initial insult. In addition to pumping failure, HF is associated with deranged compensatory responses such as neurohumoral over-activation, heart chamber enlargement, loss of functional cells, increase of inflammatory mediators and changes in cardiac skeleton (extracellular matrix). The changes in the heart are collectively known as remodelling. Mechanical heart assist is now considered a potential destination therapy for severe HF, superior to pharmacotherapy alone. Improvement of cardiac pumping function and even successful weaning from devices has been reported, along with observations of reverse remodelling. The success of this approach has been limited however, particularly with HF due to coronary disease, the most prevalent form. We developed a novel HeartPatch mechanical assist device to compress the heart from its outer surface. It gives support to both main chambers and avoids blood contact, a feature of currently available devices associated with complications such as blood clotting and infection. Our device has proved effective in animals with acute HF and even with cardiac arrest. We propose to study the effects of our device on the process of remodelling in HF with coronary disease in a controlled manner. The project will enhance understanding of the mechanisms involved in reverse remodelling and further the development of a device which may potentially benefit many severe HF patients.Read moreRead less
Development Of Non-surgical Approach To Treating Tricuspid Regurgitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,427.00
Summary
Heart failure is a common problem in which the heart enlarges and contracts poorly. In association with enlargement of the heart, the heart valves also begin to fail causing further worsening of quality and length of life. Failure of the tricuspid valve occurs in upto 87% of patients with heart failure and presently the only treatment option is high risk heart surgery. We are developing a way of dealing with tricuspid valve failure that does not require cardiac surgery.