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Advanced Limb Reconstruction from the
(Upper Limb) Prosthesis Design Perspective
Tuesday 15 November 2016
Meeting 6.30pm Networking from 6.00pm
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
All welcome
Please
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Abstract
The technical development in the area of hand prostheses have recently received a significant boost of advances and interest with the development of neural electrodes, brain computer interface technology, signal processing, orthopaedic techniques, robotics and material science.
In this talk, I would introduce the project currently ongoing in Melbourne with a focus on the intelligent hand prostheses design of the initiative. The design is motivated by practical considerations as well as the algorithmic development aspects in terms of the shared control between the āautonomous robotic handā and the human user.
Bio
Denny Oetomo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne. He leads the Melbourne Robotics Laboratory at the University and focuses on the clinical and biomedical applications of robotics, specifically: intelligent prosthetics and rehabilitation robotics. He is currently Vice President of the Australian Robotics and Automation Association.
http://people.eng.unimelb.edu.au/doetomo/
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Building research-led innovation
in the medical technology sector
Professor Sally McArthur
Director, Innovation Precinct
Swinburne University of Technology
Jacqueline Savage
Director of MedCorp Technologies
Tuesday 20 September 2016
Meeting 6.30pm Networking from 6.00pm
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
All welcome
Please
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Abstract:
Australia has an active and successful industry sector in biomedical devices and diagnostics. Companies such as Cochlear, Resmed and CSL have achieved iconic status as symbols of Australian innovation success. The broader commercial potential of the sector is widely recognised, but the future success of the industry remains dependent on a strong innovation pipeline and the development of skilled personnel to ensure continuing competitiveness in the knowledge economy.
In 2015, the ARC Centre for Biodevices and Diagnostics launched at Swinburne with a team of 10 PhD students, 3 Research Fellows, and up 8 industry and end-user focused
partners. Funded through a $1.8M Australian Research Council (ARC) grant, the centre takes a “design-led” approach to R&D, where the PhD (Technology Innovation) program is driven by end-user needs, rather than by academic priorities. Multidisciplinary groups of students have spent time in hospitals, clinics, aged-care facilities and on the factory floor, talking to end-users and industry partners and looking for gaps in the market. Supported by mentors from industry and academia, the students have each identified a key insight into a range of problems and opened up the potential for innovative research-led solutions.
After selecting the most compelling opportunities, the students generated multiple possible solutions for each opportunity and took ownership of the best projects that matched their skill set and pitch them to the industry partner to then select projects totake forward into the R&D phase.
Having established their project, industry partner and supervisory team, the students have developed a detailed business plan including project resources and budget, strategies for IP management, clinical trials, quality and risk management, regulatory approval and commercialization. This now acts as a central component of the verification and validation process undertaken through the rest of the R&D phases of the project and delivery of the completed project.
This talk will discuss what we are learning about industry-university collaborations in research training as we progress through the Centre activities and discuss the opportunities for future end-user led, industry-focused research in the MedTech sector.
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Biomedical Engineering in
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Andrew Smale
Biomedical Engineer
Hyperbaric Service
Tuesday 16 August 2016
Meeting 6.30pm Networking from 6.00pm
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
All welcome
Biomedical Engineering in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Abstract
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) comprises breathing 100% oxygen at pressures higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Treatment is provided within a hyperbaric chamber where the ambient pressure is increased, sometimes up around 3 atmospheres of pressure. The Alfred Hyperbaric Service provides a state-wide service for emergency hyperbaric treatments, as well as day to day routine treatments, typically for wound healing angiogenesis. Clinical hyperbaric medicine makes use of the hospital’s existing fleet of medical equipment where possible, but in many cases specialised equipment or modifications to existing equipment will be required so that the effects of increased atmospheric pressure and exposure to oxygen-enriched environments do not cause equipment related problems.
This presentation will provide a technical overview of the chambers in use at The Alfred, and how medical equipment can be assessed for suitability for use within the hyperbaric chambers. Recent projects undertaken and future challenges for biomedical engineering input will also be discussed.
Biography
Andrew Smale worked in The Alfred Biomedical Engineering Department from 2010 to 2015 where he looked after the BME needs of Operating Suite and Anaesthesia, the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) program, and respiratory medicine and lung function. Andrew achieved his Bachelor of Engineering degree from Monash University in 1986 and Master of Engineering Science (Biomedical Engineering) in 2002. He is currently working at The Alfred Hyperbaric Service as a Biomedical Engineer supporting the existing chamber systems and evaluating new equipment for use in the hyperbaric chamber, and is an ADAS accredited Chamber Operator.
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Of Central Importance:
Why and how to measure central
blood pressure
Jonathan Mynard
Research Fellow, Heart Research Group,
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Tuesday 19 July 2016
Meeting 6.30pm Networking from 6.00pm
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
Abstract: Blood pressure measured routinely in the arm differs from the ‘central’ blood pressure that the heart has to pump against. The difference can be so large (particularly in younger individuals) that using arm blood pressure may lead to misdiagnosis of hypertension or overmedication. Large health studies in adults have also shown that central pressure is a stronger indicator of cardiovascular risk than arm blood pressure and its use may have advantages in terms of diagnosis and therapy. However, non-invasive measurement of central blood pressure is understandably challenging. This seminar will provide an overview of the techniques and commercial devices currently available for estimating central blood pressure. Current progress towards widespread clinical translation will be discussed, along with a recently commenced study at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and Royal Children’s Hospital aiming to validate central pressure measurement in children.
Bio: Jonathan Mynard is a research fellow in the Heart Research group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and an honorary fellow with the Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne and Royal Children’s Hospital. With a background in bioengineering, his research focuses on developing and applying state-of-the-art analytical and imaging techniques to better understand and treat cardiovascular problems in infants and children. Specific areas of interests include cardiovascular modelling, aortic abnormalities, coronary haemodynamics, pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart diseaseĀ and assessment of cardiovascular risk in children. Jonathan holds undergraduate degrees in Medical Biophysics and Electronic Engineering (Swinburne University), a Master’s degree in Computer Modelling (Swansea University, Wales) and a PhD in cardiovascular dynamics. He received a CJ Martin Early Career Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council, which funded two years at the Biomedical Simulation Laboratory at the University of Toronto (Canada), where he developed expertise in medical imaging and computational fluid dynamics. Dr Mynard is on the editorial board of Heart, Lung and Circulation and enjoys playing piano and indoor cricket (generally not at the same time).
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Interactive Materials in Biomedical Research
Prof Simon Moulton
Swinburne University
Tuesday 21 June 2016
Meeting 6.30pm Networking from 6.00pm
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
All welcome
Please RSVP by Registering below
Interactive Materials in Biomedical Research
Abstract
The term “bionics” is synonymous with the term “biomimetics” and in this context refers to the integration of human engineered devices to take advantage of functional mechanisms and structures resident in nature. The use of electrical conductors to transmit charge into and out of biological systems to affect biological processes has been the source of great scientific interest. This has inspired many to explore the possible use of electrical stimulation in promoting positive health outcomes. Advances in medical bionics technology are dependent upon eliciting precise control of the electrical energy to deliver beneficial health outcomes. The advent of polymer-based organic conductors now provides the platform for unprecedented possibilities by which the electrical energy can be used to modulate the function of medical devices.
Recent advances in the ability to manipulate and characterise materials have brought us closer to creating more effective bionic interfaces. The nature of that interface isĀ dependent upon the chemical, physical, morphological and mechanical properties of the implant. Research being undertaken within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science continues to develop a class of material, termed electromaterials that permits the on demand manipulation of the materials-biological interface. This presentation will showcase several research projects where stimuli-responsive electromaterials have been used to manipulate the cellular environment (nerve, muscle and stem cell) as well as provide a means to control the delivery of therapeutic agents (neurotrophins and anti-epilepsy drugs).
Biography
Prof Moulton obtained his PhD from the University of Wollongong (UoW) in December 2002. He then worked (Dec 2002 - Dec 2014) in numerous research positions within the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials where he progressed from junior postdoctoral Fellow to Associate Professor. In December 2014 he was recruited by Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) Melbourne to a strategic appointment of Professor of Biomedical Electromaterials Science. He also holds an Honorary Professor position within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) and Australian Institute of Innovative Materials (AIIM) at UoW. He is also a CI in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) where he contributes to work undertaken within the Synthetic Biosystems and Electrofluidics and Diagnostics programs.
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Current Challenges in Bionic Eye Research
Dr. Matt Petoe
Biomedical Research Fellow
Bionics Institute of Australia
Tuesday 17 May 2016
Meeting 6.30pm Networking from 6.00pm
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
All welcome
Please RSVP by Registering below
Abstract
Over the last decade, retinal prostheses ('bionic eyes') have emerged as the most promising technology to restore vision to those with blindness caused by photoreceptor loss. In an idealised representation of artificial vision, an image captured by the head-mounted video camera is transmitted to the electrode stimulation site on the retina and perceived as a clearly defined set of pixels. The reality of artificial vision is quite different however, with patients reporting perception that is very much unlike their previous sighted experience. In spite of this, it is possible for bionic eye recipients to routinely perform tasks of orientation and mobility, as well as improve performance in activities of daily living.
A number of bionic eye projects are underway in Australia, with the Bionic Vision Australia suprachoroidal prototype being the first to successfully complete a clinical trial.
Other implantable visual prosthetics also exist worldwide, targeting a number of locations along the visual pathway (e.g. optic nerve, or visual cortex). This talk will give an overview to current research in bionic eyes and discuss some of the challenges faced by bionic eye researchers and recipients alike.
Biography
Dr Matt Petoe is a biomedical research fellow with a keen interest in human perception, neuroscience and clinical research. His doctoral and post-doctoral work has investigated diagnostics and therapeutics in the hearing, motor, and visual modalities. Matt’s PhD research investigated improvements to diagnostics used for neonatal hearing screening and the assessment of neuropathic hearing loss. He later took up a Stroke Foundation Research Fellowship (Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand) and oversaw the recruitment and assessment of stroke patients receiving a novel therapy for upper limb impairment following hemiparesis.
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Human Stem Cells for Cardiac Repair with
Tissue Engineering Approaches
Dr. Shiang Y Lim, PhD
Senior Research Officer,
Group Leader, Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory,
O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research,
Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, St Vincent Hospital,
Tuesday 19 April 2016
Meeting 6.30pm Networking from 6.00pm
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
All welcome
Please RSVP by Registering below
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Human Stem Cells for Cardiac Repair with Tissue Engineering Approaches
Abstract:
Heart failure is an end-stage heart disease and the current definitive treatment has been restricted to heart transplantation, an option severely limited by the shortage of heart donors. Cardiac tissue engineering with stem cells provides a potential solution to this limitation. Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are promising source of autologous cardiomyocytes to repair and regenerate lost myocardium for treatment of heart disease. We have successfully generated functional human cardiomyocytes from human iPS cells. Implanting these human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes into in vivo tissue engineering chambers in immunocompromised rats resulted in contractile engineered constructs with human cardiac cells retained within a host fibrocellular stroma and were vascularized by host neovessels. Thus, human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes can be used to engineer functional cardiac tissue for studying pathophysiological development of cardiac disease, drug discovery and future generation of cardiac tissue for surgical replacement of infarcted myocardium. We have also recently identified a novel population of human cardiac resident stem cells (CRSCs), which are positive for W8B2 antigen. W8B2+ CRSCs isolated from adult human atrial appendages can self-renew and are highly clonogenic. W8B2+ CRSCs can differentiate into cardiogenic cells which were responsive to electrical stimulation, as well as into endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and can undergo adipogenesis, osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. When implanted as cell sheets into an in vivo vascularized tissue engineering chamber, W8B2+ CRSCs survived for 4 weeks post-implantation and were found to promote neovascularisation. Intramyocardial injection of W8B2+ CRSCs into the infarcted myocardium of immunocompromised rats produced beneficial structural and functional effects. Therefore, W8B2+ CRSCs may be an ideal cardiovascular cell source for tissue engineering and for autologous cell therapies in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Short Bio:
After completing a PhD from University of Strathclyde (UK) in 2005, Dr Lim spent 4 years post-doc research at The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute (University College London, UK) focused on cardioprotection research, in particular the role of the mitochondria permeability transition pore and the translational value of ischemic conditioning. In June 2010, he joined the O’Brien Institute (now part of St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research) and was appointed as the leader of the Cardiac Regeneration team in 2012. His group focuses on combining stem cell technology and tissue engineering approach to repair and regenerate damaged heart.
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Reverse Engineering the Brain:
Computer Modelling of Neural Circuits
Dr Dean Freestone
Senior Research Fellow, University of Melbourne
Tuesday 22 March 2016 (note date change)
Commences 6.00pm (1800hrs)
The Unicorn Club, MHSOBA
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra
All welcome
Please RSVP by Registering below
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