Assessment Of Bilateral Oedema By Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Swelling of tissue due to fluid accumulation, known as oedema, is one of the earliest signs of diseases such as kidney failure, burn injury or lymphedema. All of these are not uncommon conditions. Lymphedema, for example, is a common sequela of radiotherapy or surgery in the treatment of malignancies such as breast, uterine, and prostatic carcinoma. It is reported to occur in up to 40% of patients depending on the type of surgery and whether or not the patient received radiotherapy. It is estima ....Swelling of tissue due to fluid accumulation, known as oedema, is one of the earliest signs of diseases such as kidney failure, burn injury or lymphedema. All of these are not uncommon conditions. Lymphedema, for example, is a common sequela of radiotherapy or surgery in the treatment of malignancies such as breast, uterine, and prostatic carcinoma. It is reported to occur in up to 40% of patients depending on the type of surgery and whether or not the patient received radiotherapy. It is estimated that at any time 100000 women are suffering from post- mastectomy lymphedema in Australia alone. Treatment of breast cancer alone therefore, given the incidence of the disease, produces a large at-risk population. Add to this other causes of oedema and the magnitude of the problem becomes clearly apparent. The presence of chronic oedema is often a disfiguring and disabling disorder, usually accompanied by pain, recurrent infection, reduced mobility and impaired function. In acute oedema the problem often resolves with recovery from the underlying pathology. In chronic oedema, progression may be arrested by early intervention including complex physical therapy (exercise regimen, compression bandaging, and massage) which is effective in reducing limb volume, in improving the quality of life, function and body image of patients. Although the assessment of oedema is clearly of clinical importance, relatively few objective and accurate techniques for its measurement exist. Research conducted over the past decade by the applicants has pioneered the Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the assessment of lymphedema. This study aims to translate this basic research into clinical practice. Sensitivity and specificity studies will establish normative and threshold values for impedance measurements that can be used as presumptive indicators of oedema. User friendly technology and equipment suitable for clinical use will be developed which should improve treatment therapies.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Smart Arthroscopy System And Prototype Probe For Joint Tissues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,632.00
Summary
This project relates to the ever growing use of arthroscopy in the management of joint defects. An innovative probe that will combine all the molecular, microstructural and biomechanical characteristics of joint articular cartialge and bone for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, treatment-related decisions, comparison of the effectiveness of treament methods and post treatment evaluation will be developed. This system will produce spin-offs for artrhoscopy of other soft tissues and bodies.
Development And Pre-Clinical Evaluation Of A Silicone Dressing For Scar Remediation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$163,577.00
Summary
This research is aimed at exploiting advanced polymers as a new therapy for patients with burn related scars, as well as people who are genetically predisposed to scarring due to abnormal healing. In order to progress to clinical trials, the technology needs to be tested on an animal scar model. Successful outcome of these tests will allow the industry partner, Tissue Therapies, to proceed with a clinical trial, paving the way to a therapeutic product available for scar treatment.
Development And Pre-clinical Evaluation Of A Novel Wound Dressing Treatment For Chronic Ulcers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,040.00
Summary
Chronic leg ulcers are a common, painful and costly reality for many Australians, impacting on sufferers' mobility, social interactions and overall quality of life. This research is directed at developing a novel cost-effective wound dressing for treatment of this condition. This will be achieved through neutralising the ulcer's toxic proteolytic environment through an interactive wound dressing. This then will allow the body's own cells to promote wound healing.
A Novel Method For The Early Detection Of Cardiovascular Disease Through The Direct Measurement Of Tissue Wall Elasticit
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,000.00
Summary
Changes in the structure and function of blood vessels are an early stage in the development of arterial disease. A simple means of assessing this damage will allow for early detection of arterial disease and will provide a tool for monitoring outcomes of treatment and preventive medicine. We have developed a novel method for measuring vessel wall displacement throughout the cardiac cycle. This study aims to provide proof of principle data through the validation of these measurements against the ....Changes in the structure and function of blood vessels are an early stage in the development of arterial disease. A simple means of assessing this damage will allow for early detection of arterial disease and will provide a tool for monitoring outcomes of treatment and preventive medicine. We have developed a novel method for measuring vessel wall displacement throughout the cardiac cycle. This study aims to provide proof of principle data through the validation of these measurements against the physical properties of the vessel and application of the technique to a clinical setting.Read moreRead less
Pre-clinical Assessment Of Novel Growth Factor Complexes As A Topical Agent In The Treatment Of Deep
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$156,870.00
Summary
Healing of deep burns, unlike that of superficial injuries, often resolves with scarring. Scarring is reduced with rapid closure of burns. The CIs have discovered and patented novel growth factor complexes that stimulate the growth and migration of keratinocytes, cells derived from skin. Hence these complexes hold therapeutic potential for wounds that require rapid closure such as deep burns. This application will provide pre-clinical, proof-of-principle data to facilitate future patient trials.
We will conduct a clinical trial of the effectiveness of a continuous auditory display of an anesthetized patient's respiratory status. Expired carbon dioxide monitoring has helped reduce respiratory incidents since its widespread introduction in the late 1980s, but a continuous auditory display of respiratory status may reduce incidents further. We will conduct a clinical trial with 10 anaesthetists of continuous auditory respiratory monitoring. Successful outcome may lead to commercial uptake.
Development And Clinical Evaluation Of A Depth Of Anaesthesia Monitor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,785.00
Summary
Waking up during surgery (awareness under anaesthesia) is a frightening reality for some patients. Although uncommon (occurring in about 1 in 1000 operations), it remains one of the main concerns of patients before their surgery. Recent studies (including our own) have demonstrated that processed EEG monitoring using bispectral index (BIS) can markedly reduce the risk of awareness. Other EEG monitors are being developed, but each have weaknesses. As approximately two million Australians have a g ....Waking up during surgery (awareness under anaesthesia) is a frightening reality for some patients. Although uncommon (occurring in about 1 in 1000 operations), it remains one of the main concerns of patients before their surgery. Recent studies (including our own) have demonstrated that processed EEG monitoring using bispectral index (BIS) can markedly reduce the risk of awareness. Other EEG monitors are being developed, but each have weaknesses. As approximately two million Australians have a general anaesthetic each year, about 2000 will suffer an episode of awareness. More than 60 million people around the world have an anaesthetic, and so the problem is substantial. This suggests the potential benefits (health outcomes, commercial gains) are very great. In 2000 less than 5% of US hospitals used BIS monitoring; the current figure in the US is about 69% of the best-rated hospitals (US News and World Report) and 78% of teaching hospitals. A similar rapid growth is occurring in Australia and Europe. We are working with a successful Australian Company (Compumedics Ltd) to develop a better awareness monitor. We plan studies in groups of patients have surgery.Read moreRead less
A Novel Treatment For Ameliorating Retinal Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,685.00
Summary
Retinal vascular disease is a leading cause of blindness and is currently treated by laser photocoagulation surgery. Although successful, this treatment is associated with serious side effects. Recently, Ellex Pty has developed a novel laser called the 2RT laser that is likely to be effective without the accompanying side effects. This study will allow examine the effect of the 2RT laser in animal models of retinal vascular disease so as to complete preclinical development of this laser.