Application Of Sutureless Technology 'SurgiLux' For Dura Mater Repair: A Proof Of Concept Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$213,125.00
Summary
A unique technology that combines biomaterials and lasers to effectively close and seal wounds could replace sutures in delicate surgery close to the brain. Wound closure in the cranium is still reliant upon sutures or 'stitches' and these have complications; a major one being leakage of cerebro spinal fluid (CSF). The application of 'SurgiLux' technology will both close and seal these wounds quickly and easily, with significant health and economic benefits.
Biothermosetting Bone Filler: An Injectable Osteoconductive Repair Material
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,698.00
Summary
Bone injury is a common and profoundly debilitating issue, and is responsible for extended partial or complete loss of mobility and associated economic impact during slow healing. There is strong demand for technology that reduces the time taken for bone repair. There is still a paucity of clinically effective biocompatible materials for treatment. We have developed a novel approach for a thermoresponsive hydrogel with unique properties suitable for rapid bone filling and regeneration.
We have discovered a single tumour factor which causes cancer cachexia, a wasting condition that is one of the worst complications of malignancy, for which there is no current effective treatment. We have developed antibodies which effectively block this condition in preclinical models and have produced human/humanised version of this. This application is to characterise these human antibodies to allow us proceed to clinical trials.
Manufacture And Testing Of Next Generation Orthopaedic Implants Harnessing Periosteum's Regenerative Power
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,314.00
Summary
Tissue defects, e.g. due to trauma or tumor removal, are too large to heal without reconstructive surgery. Complications associated with defect repair may diminish the patient's quality of life and productivity, posing significant medical and psychosocial costs. Here we propose a plan to define technical specifications for next generation, "smart" orthopaedic implants that deliver cells and the signals they need to build new tissue using nature's paradigms.
Novel Silk Devices For Reconstructive Surgery And Repair Of Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,738.00
Summary
This project will use new silk fibroin materials to develop prototype devices for repair of ruptured ear drums. This will contribute to significant improvement in the quality of life of nearly 2.5 million people in Australia who are affected by hearing loss and further strengthen Australia's leading position in this area.
Epilepsy affects over 65 million people worldwide and approximately 30% of sufferers do not respond to drugs. For these people, electrodes are placed in the brain to monitor brain activity and stop the initiation or progression of seizures. However, state-of-the-art devices require risky open-brain surgery. In this project, we are developing a Stentrode Neuro-Stimulator (SNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy without the need for open-brain surgery.
This proposal seeks to develop a novel non-invasive method of measuring intra-cranial pressure, an important diagnostic parameter in many form of brain injury or neural disease. It works by quantitative video analysis of the pulsation of the major vein in the eye during induced rises in eye pressure. Many years of study by our group have determined the relationship between vein pulsation pressure and intra-cranial pressure, and this information is used to produce an accurate measurement of intra ....This proposal seeks to develop a novel non-invasive method of measuring intra-cranial pressure, an important diagnostic parameter in many form of brain injury or neural disease. It works by quantitative video analysis of the pulsation of the major vein in the eye during induced rises in eye pressure. Many years of study by our group have determined the relationship between vein pulsation pressure and intra-cranial pressure, and this information is used to produce an accurate measurement of intra-cranial pressure without the need for surgery.Read moreRead less
Interactive Attention Training Technology To Enhance Cognitive Skills In Early Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$759,680.00
Summary
Over 30,000 Australian children enter school with attention difficulties each year. We have established a suite of tasks to train attention based on over 20 years of research into neurodevelopmental disorders and attention. These are delivered on tablets in the form of a game known as TALI Train. We now aim to show TALI can improve attention in children with acquired brain injuries and typically developing children for commercialisation to a broad market.
Development Of Microscope-in-a-needle Devices For Improved Clinical Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,746.00
Summary
We have developed a new high-resolution optical imaging technology. The unique aspect of our research has been to redesign the imaging probe, miniaturising it to a few hundred microns in diameter, and encase it in a hypodermic needle – a ‘microscope-in-a-needle’. We are developing specific imaging probes to aid in the assessment of lung disease; the diagnosis of liver disease; and integrated into a brain biopsy needle to enable safer brain biopsies.
Electrical Stimulation Of The Brain For Restoring Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,555,864.00
Summary
This project is focused on the clinical demonstration of the Monash Vision Group’s ‘Gennaris’ cortical prosthesis or bionic eye. The clinical work will demonstrate the use of the Gennaris as a viable medical device that provides useful vision to people with adult-onset profound vision loss in their everyday living environments. This will place MVG in a position to attract funding from investors or commercial partners to perform multi-site clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval.