Optimisation of signal processing and electrical stimulation algorithms for the abatement of epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is the second-most common neurological disorder behind stroke and ischemic attacks, affecting 1-2 per cent of the nation's population. Pharmaceutical therapies are ineffective in approximately one third of cases, the result being a large unmet need for novel treatments. The devices to be produced through this project will improve the quality of life of many patients in the fu ....Optimisation of signal processing and electrical stimulation algorithms for the abatement of epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is the second-most common neurological disorder behind stroke and ischemic attacks, affecting 1-2 per cent of the nation's population. Pharmaceutical therapies are ineffective in approximately one third of cases, the result being a large unmet need for novel treatments. The devices to be produced through this project will improve the quality of life of many patients in the future and alleviate their dependence on traditional medications. The devices will also reduce the patients' requirements for medical practitioners, hospital and ambulance services, and will therefore also reduce the financial burden that neurological and epilepsy patients place on the community.Read moreRead less
Haemodynamic investigation of flow diverter stents for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This project will explore the engineering of a flow diverter, an endovascular device for the treatment of brain aneurysms. The project will determine the optimal design of new types of flow diverters, which in turn could improve the effectiveness of treatments, thus reducing the associated costs of cerebral haemorrhage and stroke.
Sampling and processing for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. This project aims to develop optimal, efficient and robust signal processing methods for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) with reduced scan times. A child, possibly distressed, can only be motionless long enough to undergo a basic dMRI scan of the brain, but enhanced forms of dMRI need at least 60 minutes. The project’s processing methods will use spherical geometries, which encode information about white matter fibres ....Sampling and processing for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. This project aims to develop optimal, efficient and robust signal processing methods for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) with reduced scan times. A child, possibly distressed, can only be motionless long enough to undergo a basic dMRI scan of the brain, but enhanced forms of dMRI need at least 60 minutes. The project’s processing methods will use spherical geometries, which encode information about white matter fibres in the brain, to collect and reconstruct images. The project is expected to reduce dMRI scan times and ultimately make non-invasive and inexpensive early detection of neurological disorders such as dementia feasible.Read moreRead less
Development Of A New Surgical-guidance Tool For Intra-operative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$557,982.00
Summary
One third of breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery have insufficient tissue removed, resulting in an increased risk of recurrence. We have developed a high resolution optical imaging probe with the potential to detect small areas of cancer. It could be used to help guide the surgeon to remove all cancerous tissue from the patient. This grant will allow us to develop the probe to a stage that it can be used during surgery, and perform the world’s first clinical scans.
Technology platform for noninvasive measurement of intracranial pressure. The project aims to investigate a technology platform for noninvasive measurement of fluid pressure in the brain to improve assessment of brain function. Engineering approaches will aim to characterise the relationships between arterial and intracranial pressure from experimental data, computational models and signal processing of noninvasive blood pressure in the aorta, pressure in the eye and blood flow in brain and reti ....Technology platform for noninvasive measurement of intracranial pressure. The project aims to investigate a technology platform for noninvasive measurement of fluid pressure in the brain to improve assessment of brain function. Engineering approaches will aim to characterise the relationships between arterial and intracranial pressure from experimental data, computational models and signal processing of noninvasive blood pressure in the aorta, pressure in the eye and blood flow in brain and retinal vessels. Findings are expected to produce novel engineering advances in development of techniques and devices for intracranial pressure measurement, a procedure currently limited to high-risk invasive methods.Read moreRead less
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.
Technology optimisation of integrated circuits with applications to wireless communication systems in medicine. This project will define and verify methods to help engineers pick the best technology for designing critical wireless monitoring systems used for medical devices. This project will also verify these methods by developing a wireless, implantable blood pressure monitor with real-time video.
Micro-elastography - A New Tool For Microscopic Intraoperative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,956.00
Summary
In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce ....In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce the number of additional surgeries required.Read moreRead less
Biological determinants of the safety and stability of neuroprosthetic stimulation electrodes. Performance of cochlear implants and the quality of sound perceived by patients is strongly related to electrode impedance. Electrode impedance fluctuates relative to the implant electrical activity, but the mechanisms which cause this are not clear. This project aims to investigate the role of protein adsorption in electrode performance, including impedance and material dissolution. To enable these in ....Biological determinants of the safety and stability of neuroprosthetic stimulation electrodes. Performance of cochlear implants and the quality of sound perceived by patients is strongly related to electrode impedance. Electrode impedance fluctuates relative to the implant electrical activity, but the mechanisms which cause this are not clear. This project aims to investigate the role of protein adsorption in electrode performance, including impedance and material dissolution. To enable these investigations a new biomimetic analogue of the perilymph (cochlea fluid) is intended to be developed. Additionally, the project aims to investigate two strategies to minimise impedance changes: small pulse electrode cleaning and antifouling coatings. Understanding and control of factors influencing electrode stability aim to facilitate next-generation implant designs.Read 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.