Cardiology and Cardiac Procedures
Influences on participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation: A case study
Principal Investigator: Professor Mari Botti
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, and as the population ages, the burden of cardiovascular disease is expected to remain high. Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) aim to help patients achieve lifestyle changes that will reduce risk factors using a combination of exercise, education, counselling and support. However, CRP attendance is poor world-wide. This study investigates the multifactorial influences on attendance at Epworth Richmond Cardiac Rehabilitation programs by patients with cardiovascular disease.
Late Systolic Splaying in Bileaflet Mitral Valve Prolapse
Principal Investigator: Mr Aubrey Almeida
Late Systolic Splaying is a unique pattern of motion of the heart muscle that has been described in patients with abnormal heart valve function associated with valve leakage. This study will use cardiac ultrasound examination to develop a mathematical description of this condition and thus increase the understanding of the disease mechanism. The knowledge of the mechanism will assist clinicians in tailoring treatment plans for patients with this condition.
Increasing critical care nurses’ diagnostic accuracy of atrial electrograms by using an innovative education program
Principal Investigator: Dr Judy Currey
Patients may develop heart rhythm abnormalities called supraventricular arrhythmias following heart surgery. A 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to diagnose these arrhythmias. An alternative is the atrial electrogram (AEG) obtained by measuring from the temporary atrial pacing wires that are left in place after heart surgery. The aim of this study is to increase critical care nurses’ diagnostic accuracy of AEGs by using an innovative evidence-based education program. This will benefit nurses’ management of postoperative heart patients when patients develop a supraventricular arrhythmia.
Evaluation of a model to predict outcomes post-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) study
Principal Investigator: Dr G Frydman
This project aims to evaluate and improve a pre-existing model for predicting outcomes for individual patients following ‘keyhole’ surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm, an expansion of the main artery in the abdomen. This procedure is known as endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). The model was developed to allow clinicians to predict before surgery the likelihood of individual failure based on the following risk outcomes: risk of death, need for further treatment, unsuccessful repair and 3 year survival.