CompUted Tomography Coronary Angiography, Transthoracic Echocardiography AnD Assessment Of AssOciation Between Obesity, Weight ReductioN And Coronary Plaque (CUTDOWN)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. This project will investigate the links between obesity, heart attacks and abnormal heart function and the impact of weight loss on these detrimental effects in patients who have had a heart attack. This research aims to better understand mechanisms that may prevent future heart attacks and improve heart function.
The Role Of New Generation Multidetector Row CT For Identification And Management Of Vulnerable Plaque At Risk Of Acute Coronary Syndrome : A Prospective Observational And Interventional Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,326.00
Summary
Heart attack remains one of the major cause of death. This is usually due to rupture of a plaque (due to cholesterol buildup) in the major heart arteries. Studies using invasive ultrasound have identified some features of plaque that are at high risk of rupture. These plaques are referred to as "vulnerable plaque". Recent developments in the computed tomography (CT) technology which is a non-invasive technique has enabled us to also identify these features. However thus far, no prospective large
Very Fast, Accurate And Low Dose Imaging For Radiotherapy Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,651.00
Summary
This project will reduce scan times and imaging dose by an order of magnitude for an imaging modality that is the standard of care for lung cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Specifically, scan times reduce from 4min to below 60sec, image quality will be improved and imaging dose will be reduced by 85%. These improvements not only improve treatment efficacy by improving the accuracy of radiotherapy delivery, they reduce treatment times and reduce discomfort to the patient.
The Influence Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation On Myocardial Structure And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,218.00
Summary
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has given options to elderly patients who were previously faced with an open-heart operation. Our research utilises CT scans to determine the anatomical and physiological effects this new technology has on the heart. This research will help to guide the ongoing development and refinement of this technology. The research has the potential to revolutionise how aortic stenosis is assessed and timing of intervention is determined.
Towards The Clinical Application Of Phase-contrast Computed Tomography In Breast Cancer Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,659.00
Summary
Imaging used for breast cancer screening misses between 15-40% of cancers and uses radiation and painful patient compression. We introduce phase contrast computed tomography, which for the first time clinically since 1895, will exploit X-ray refraction rather than X-ray absorption. Our pilot data demonstrated an increased image signal, offering significantly improved cancer detection, reduced radiation dose and lower tissue compression. This work will include the world-first patient trial.
A Motion Correction Technique For Accurate PET/CT Brain Imaging In Paediatric And Dementia Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,450.00
Summary
PET-CT imaging is a vital tool in the diagnosis and management of patients with brain disorders including dementia, epilepsy and cancer. However images are often distorted by patient motion, particularly in demented and paediatric patients. The CI has recently developed a motion tracking and correction method to derive images nearly free of motion effects. This aim of this project is to evaluate its impact on image quality in a variety of patients referred for PET- CT brain investigations.
Imaging Of Acute Ischemic Stroke – Improving Patient Selection For Thrombolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,946.00
Summary
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in our community and is most often due to a blocked blood vessel. Powerful treatments are available to open blocked blood vessels but there are restrictions on eligibility and some risks. This research aims to improve doctors' understanding of stroke in the individual patient to aid treatment decisions by identifying those with potentially salvageable brain tissue and avoiding those with high risk of bleeding complications.