Biological, Functional And Radiographic Evaluation Of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,400.00
Summary
We will test the hypothesis that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and extensor realignment produces superior clinical, biological and radiographic results when compared with conventional treatment of realignment and debridement. We will specifically address the following aims: 1. Quantify the clinical outcome of ACI compared to the traditionally used treatment of debridement through the use of functional evaluation in a blinded randomised controlled clinical trial; 2. Evaluate the radio ....We will test the hypothesis that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and extensor realignment produces superior clinical, biological and radiographic results when compared with conventional treatment of realignment and debridement. We will specifically address the following aims: 1. Quantify the clinical outcome of ACI compared to the traditionally used treatment of debridement through the use of functional evaluation in a blinded randomised controlled clinical trial; 2. Evaluate the radiographic changes in the patellofemoral joint that occur as a result of ACI, using high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage; 3. Using the new technique of confocal arthroscopy, we will compare the histologic appearances of the ACI graft and its interface with adjacent articular cartilage; 4. Evaluate patient, surgical and explant chondrocyte characteristics in relation to functional, radiographic and biological outcomes. With respect to the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) technique, we wish to clarify the clinical practice as a definitive treatment for articular cartilage defects. This will be the first randomised, controlled clinical trial of the MACI technique compared to that used by other groups. A positive clinical outcome from this trial will help promote the three cornerstones of this procedure – successful cell culture, efficient surgical procedures, and complimentary postoperative rehabilitation. Furthermore, this research will: a) Enhance the expansion of the MACI technique; b) Encourage development of endoscopic techniques of implantation using a combination of – • Preoperative defect registration with MRI • pre-cut custom patches, implanted with • Computer-assisted navigation techniques: c) Increase the potential to cater for a larger number of patients requiring articular cartilage repair; d) Confirm the long-term durability of regenerated cartilage in the 4th year and beyond; e) Add further commercial value by demonstrating MACI may prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.Read moreRead less
Development Of Miniaturized Microwave Catheter Antennas And Monitoring Systems For Transcatheter Ablation For The Cure O
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$161,500.00
Summary
The development of microwave cardiac ablation system is crucial to the development towards a permanent cure for cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac ablation using microwave energy can overcome the limitations of current ablative energy such as laser and RF ablation. Based on the combined knowledge and experience of UTS and Westmead hospital researchers, the proposed research is to develop a working prototype of cardiac ablation system using microwave energy based on our patent. The ultimate aim would b ....The development of microwave cardiac ablation system is crucial to the development towards a permanent cure for cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac ablation using microwave energy can overcome the limitations of current ablative energy such as laser and RF ablation. Based on the combined knowledge and experience of UTS and Westmead hospital researchers, the proposed research is to develop a working prototype of cardiac ablation system using microwave energy based on our patent. The ultimate aim would be to attract interested industry parties to take up for full production and commercialisation.Read moreRead less
Improved electrophysiological mapping techniques have enhanced understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and the development of curative ablation strategies. Advanced mapping systems utilize online visualization of catheters, 3D geometry, and annotation of ablation sites. To date, all commercially available systems rely on proprietary equipment to locate catheter positions and reconstruct chamber shape from multiple site recordings. Thus, cost is prohibitive, limiting widespread availability. An al ....Improved electrophysiological mapping techniques have enhanced understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and the development of curative ablation strategies. Advanced mapping systems utilize online visualization of catheters, 3D geometry, and annotation of ablation sites. To date, all commercially available systems rely on proprietary equipment to locate catheter positions and reconstruct chamber shape from multiple site recordings. Thus, cost is prohibitive, limiting widespread availability. An alternative approach has emerged with the use of CT-MRI imaging and analysis. Novel techniques extract images of the endocardial surface from CT-MRI for use in electrophysiological mapping. This surface can be used as the chamber geometry instead of reconstruction based on expensive technology measuring spatial coordinates of the catheter tip inside heart. The proposed Anatomical Template Mapping System (ATMS) will generate maps of electrophysiological parameters derived from catheter recordings without the need for proprietary equipment. The physician will direct the virtual catheter position onto the 3D model of the chamber, obviating the need for equipment to map the spatial distribution of the catheters. The major advantage is that, without the need for specialized equipment, this method of mapping is substantially cheaper and can be used with any conventional electrophysiological mapping systems. Furthermore, it will provide the most important feature of the advanced mapping systems - an understanding of the arrhythmia mechanism.Read moreRead less