Independent research programs
Heart Attack
Heart attacks caused by blockages in the main vessel/s of the heart are a leading killer of Australians. We’re interested in better understanding the damage to the heart during and after a heart attack, since some or all of this damage may be preventable using different medicines and interventions. Examples of the most exciting new approaches to prevent and treat this damage include targeted delivery of injectable antibodies and small molecular drugs loaded into specialised organic bubbles.
Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation
Cardiac arrest (i.e. when the heart stops beating rhythmically) is rarely survivable, even following prompt delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The majority of people who do survive a cardiac arrest will still go on to develop debilitating brain injury and issues with other vital organs. We’re interested in improving our ability to:
- Successfully resuscitate people following cardiac arrest.
- Minimise multi-organ (including brain) injury after successful resuscitation.
- Better understand what influences a patient’s long-term prognosis following successful resuscitation.
Our research explores exciting opportunities in new and off-label medicines, medical devices and sophisticated heart-replacing technologies to investigate new opportunities to improve the lives of people who suffer a cardiac arrest.
Heart Failure
Suffering a heart attack significantly increases the risk of either a subsequent cardiac arrest or the long-term progressive development of heart failure i.e. when the heart muscle becomes too weak, stretched or stiff to pump blood effectively. Other cardiovascular diseases like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes can also increase the risk of heart failure but may require very different approaches to treatment. Our research explores new medicines, devices and short- to long-term solutions to heart failure that may reduce a heart failure patient’s dependency on heart transplant.
Collaborative and contract research programs
The Translational Cardiology Centre enables and supports translational studies for over 50 medical research programs led by Australian and international researchers.
The Centre also leads contract research programs for industry partners on the cusp of translating new medicines and technologies to patients.
For more information about how the Translational Cardiology Centre may be able to support your research or development, please email tcc@baker.edu.au.