Detection, Prevention And Treatment Of Failure Of The Fontan Circulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,533.00
Summary
Children born with complex heart defects and only one pumping chamber can now live into adulthood with an operation called the Fontan procedure. As this operation has only existed for 40 years, the long-term expectations for these children and young adults are still unclear, and their population is growing every year. This project aims to answer questions about the follow-up and medical management of people living with a Fontan procedure.
The Neurovascular Territories Of The Human Body: Anatomic Study And Clinical Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$186,650.00
Summary
A Melways Roadmap of the anatomy of the large and small nerves, arteries and veins of the human body is underway and will take a further three years to complete. The aim is to evolve or modify Reconstructive Plastic Surgery techniques taking tissue from a hidden site and, where possible, include a nerve supply with the transplant so that feeling can be restored to skin flaps and function to transferred muscle. The fundamental objective is to improve the quality of the patients life. We have alre ....A Melways Roadmap of the anatomy of the large and small nerves, arteries and veins of the human body is underway and will take a further three years to complete. The aim is to evolve or modify Reconstructive Plastic Surgery techniques taking tissue from a hidden site and, where possible, include a nerve supply with the transplant so that feeling can be restored to skin flaps and function to transferred muscle. The fundamental objective is to improve the quality of the patients life. We have already completed a thorough examination of the following regions: (i) head and neck (ii) forearm (iii) leg These have received international acclaim and awards. We are currently examining: (i) hand and foot (ii) thigh and buttock. Still to be commenced: (i) arm and shoulder (ii) torso (iii) back. Reconstructive surgery involves the treatment and the reconstruction of defects throughout the whole human body. These defects may arise in any member of the family. With modern reconstructive techniques a problem can often be solved in one operation thus avoiding multiple operations and long periods of hospitalisation which can be devastating to both patient and family. These new techniques nevertheless have demanded a reappraisal of the basic sciences, especially the anatomy of the blood and nerve supply to the potential transplant. This is essential so that they can be designed with not only precision and safety but in such a way that there is minimal disability at the donor site. As well as restoring shape and form, the patient can have tremendous improvement in quality of life and independence if function is also restored. In order to provide function (feeling and movement) a working nerve supply must be included in the reconstruction. Therefore our research must continue to investigate the complex patterns of nerve supply to tissues of the body and correlate this information with the blood supply which is needed to keep the tissue alive.Read moreRead less
Outcomes Of The Arterial Switch Operation: A Multi-centre Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,733.00
Summary
The arterial switch operation is the surgery of choice for children born with transposition of the great arteries, a congenital heart defect where the main two vessels of the heart arise from wrong pumping chambers of the heart. There are very few studies looking at adults after this operation. We aim to study all patients who have had an arterial switch. The results of this study will further increase our knowledge of the long term consequences of having the arterial switch operation.
Detection Of Liver And Renal Function Abnormalities In The Australian & New Zealand Population Of Fontan Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,080.00
Summary
Children born with complex heart defects and only one pumping chamber can now live into adulthood with an operation called the Fontan procedure. As this operation has only existed for 40 years, the long-term expectations for these children and young adults are still unclear, and their population is growing every year. There is now evidence that they may suffer from liver and kidney failure. This project will identify the severity of liver and kidney damage in our population of Fontan patients.