Research Group Reports Cardiology: MonashHEART and Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre
Research activities Basic research activities in MonashHEART and Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre are centred on central haemodynamics and investigation of the underlying principles of ventriculovascular interaction (Prof Jim Cameron, Assoc Prof Sarah Hope), this programme is a logical follow on of previous studies in in vivo human coronary physiology and aims to better establish the relationships between cardiac function, aortic elasticity and patient outcome (ie AMI stroke and renal dysfunction). Major translational research programmes are in the practical application of improved technology and systems in the treatment of acute chest pain syndromes (Prof Ian Meredith, Assoc Prof Sujith Seneviratne, Dr Paul Antonis). Of significant impact has been a continuing research program in chest pain syndromes, including ongoing research into ECG based field triage of chest pain patients by first responder paramedical officers (the MonAMI project) and also the use of the first 320-multidetector CT system in Australia as a cardiac imaging facility for cardiac CT imaging in chest pain syndromes. The cardiac CT research programme has developed an international reputation in myocardial perfusion as well as being a leading national and international site in cardiac CT training and certification and it continues to supports a Luminary Site partnership with an industry partner. These targeted fields of clinical research exemplify the goals of MonashHEART and Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre in the translation of benefits established in the first instance by well designed research programs into paradigm changing provision of clinical services that inform the local, national and international provision of best practice health delivery. Cardiac CT Services Key research projects:
CT stress perfusion: CT stress perfusion is an emerging new strategy to assess functional significance of lesions seen on CT. MonashHeart is a world leader in this field and previous data have already published in EHJ. Study continues with the FFR as the gold standard. (B Ko, I Meredith, P Antonis, A. Nasis, S Seneviratne).
Acute Chest Pain: Current strategies
of biomarker and ECG guided risk stratification in acute chest pain setting remains inadequate. CT guided strategy implemented at Monash provides quicker diagnosis times with an excellent safety record and initial data is already published in Radiology. The study is ongoing. (A. Nasis, J Cameron, M Leung, P Antonis, I Meredith, S Seneviratne)
Radiation Minimisation: While Cardiac CT is able to provide excellent anatomical information on coronary vessels non invasively, it involves varying doses of radiation depending on the scanner type and protocols. We have been studying changes of radiation doses in response to changes in hardware, software and algorithm using the 320 slice scanner. (J Cameron, M Tung, I Meredith, S Seneviratne)
Graft Patency post CABG: The cut
off values used to assess the left main stenosis significance by IVUS has changed over time. Current study examines whether long term graft patency is dependant on the left main stem stenosis severity. (M Tung, J Cameron, S Seneviartne).
In addition, MonashHEART cardiac CT services provide research and educational programme. We have provided a well received CT course at least twice a year that has trained over 80 cardiologists/ radiologists from around the country and internationally during the last 3 years. MonashHeart also provides highly sought after onsite training in live cardiac CT cases in accordance with the current training requirements of the conjoint committee on cardiac CT accreditation.
The MonashHEART Non-Invasive Imaging group has active research programs including:
Investigation of the incremental value of transoesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. This study is in collaboration with the Southern Health Infectious Diseases Department and also provides valuable information for the purposes of audit, quality control and development of clinical pathways. (Tim Barton, Stuart Moir, Philip Mottram, Rhonda Stuart).
Investigation of patients who have
transient global hypokinesis in response to exercise with markers of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and CT coronary angiography. (Arthur Nasis, Stuart Moir, Philip Mottram).
Feasibility and accuracy of automated assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction with 2-D echocardiography. (Giovanni Romanelli, Stuart Moir, Philip Mottram),
Publications, postgraduate students and funding summary Journal articles
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Conference presentations
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Postgraduate research students
Funding: Competitive
NHMRC/Heart Foundation, PhD
Scholarship. Novel imaging techniques for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and myocardial ischaemia: Implications for the assessment of patients with chest pain. Dr Arthur Nasis. 2011:$35,750. 2011-2013 $81453.00 (Monash University).
NHMRC, CJ Martin Travelling
Fellowship. Dr Anthony White. 2011: $76,991.00. 2007-2011: $153,982.00 (Monash University).
CSANZ,PhD Scholarship. Dr Adam
Hutchinson. 2011: $35,579.00 20092012: $71,158.00 (Monash University).
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