Launch of Sydney Imaging

Sydney Imaging’s Hybrid Theatre is a new research and training hub, located in the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC) at the University of Sydney. The site was officially launched in April by Elizabeth Koff, NSW Secretary of Health who stated that “Sydney Imaging is one of Australia’s most sophisticated biomedical imaging facilities reserved for research and education – a rarity in the world. It is a boon for the NSW and Australian health research community, and for our broader society which will ultimately benefit from discoveries made there.”

Sydney Imaging acts as a hub for the University’s faculties and affiliated research institutes including The Baird Institute. A significant amount of our research will be carried out there and this will enable us to more rapidly translate evidence into state of the art clinical practice so that we can gain the very best outcomes for patients. Imaging technology allows researchers to study complex biological systems and disease processes non-invasively and provides biological insights into scientific and medical problems that are not available by other means.

Professor Paul Bannon, chair of The Baird Institute is also Academic Director of The Hybrid Theatre.  The theatre combines a range of biomedical imaging technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and pioneering surgical practice and training. Image-guided and robotic surgery are used to develop and perfect the complex surgical procedures of tomorrow, resulting in less invasive techniques and better outcomes. Professor Bannon stated at the launch that “the key objective is to sustain medical research and to drive it, specifically the high end or cutting edge translational research!”

Rodney Merrett – The first NSW open-heart surgery patient

A Heartfelt thanks for surgery 60 years ago

Rod Merrett was the first person in NSW to have had open heart surgery using the new American heart-lung machine.  Rod was operated on at RPA Hospital in 1957 by visiting surgeons from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA, he was only 9 years of age and remained in hospital for 6 weeks following his surgery.

The Baird Institute flew Rod from Adelaide to Sydney to participate in the panel at our 2017 Christmas Cocktails & Conversation event and to share the story of his journey with heart disease.
A story was recently published about Rod in Sydney’s Inner West Courier

Pictured: Rodney Merrett  (Inset) Front left with his surgeon and other patients.

A story was recently published about Rod in Sydney’s Inner West Courier

By clicking on this image,  you’ll be able to download The Baird Institute’s latest newletter where on page 4, you can read about Rod’s experience, as a nine year old, while in hospital 60 years ago!

Dick Shaw’s fundraiser a great success

Dick Shaw’s Mollymook Fundraiser was a great success, raising the amazing sum of $14,000.

A wonderful night was had by all at Dick Shaw’s fundraiser for the Baird Institute down at Mollymook on the South Coast on February 24.  120 people attended, with the majority coming from the Shoalhaven area but also, a number of people made the journey down from Sydney.

Dick had organised a wonderful array of prizes for both the silent auction and the raffle, including a signed All Blacks rugby jersey, a week for two on a barge on the canals in the South of France, several paintings and a bottle of Grange Hermitage.  The Mayor of Shoalhaven, Amanda Findlay,  opened the evening with a welcome to country, while Dick spoke of his desire to give back, following his life saving heart surgery performed by the Chair of our Institute, Professor Paul Bannon.  Paul also talked to the group,  providing updates on current research at The Baird Institute.

Then it was time for the Dave Price Rock and Roll band to play – everyone got up on the dance floor and showed their moves. All in all, the night was a great success with the amazing sum of $14,000 being raised. Thank you Dick – what a fantastic effort!

Thank you to Dick for his wonderful effort to help The Baird Institute continue their life saving work.

A big thank you once again to Carol and Gale Radford

Carol & Gale Radford Managed to raise close to $1000 from sales at their annual Christmas stall.

Carol Radford has been busy all year making gifts for her annual Christmas stall.  This year she held two stalls; one in Terrigal and one in Bateau Bay on the Central Coast, NSW.  At the stalls, Carol and her husband Gale had all sorts of items up for sale – assorted Christmas decorations, door stops, hand knitted dolls, butterfly wands, drink coasters, money socks, to mention just a few.  They managed to raise close to $1000 from sales – what a great effort.  A big thanks to both Gale and Carol.

In 2009, Carol Radford underwent a successful operation at Strathfield Private Hospital to repair a mitral valve. Her surgeon was Professor Michael Wilson from the Baird Institute.  From the time of her operation, Carol decided she wanted to ‘give back’ to The Baird Institute to help fund  further cardiothoracic research.

Since then, she has been making gifts to sell at a variety of pop-up stores held at community fairs all over Sydney, and now also on the Central Coast.

Over the past 8 years, Carol (ably assisted by her husband Gale) has raised close to $9000. 

Carol works for months prior to the various events, ensuring that her stall is well stocked on the day.  She makes a variety of items that clearly appeal to the community, but particularly loves making Christmas gifts. Gale is Carol’s “fetcher and carrier” and so pivotal in enabling Carol to continue operating her wonderful stalls.

Thank you to both Carol and Gale for all they do to help The Baird Institute continue their life saving work.

Dinner Dance Fundraiser 2018

Put it in your diary …

DINNER DANCE FUNDRAISER

Dick Shaw, one of our fabulous community fundraisers, is holding a dinner dance at Mollymook, down the South Coast of New South Wales, in order to raise funds for The Baird Institute.

Dick has been operated on several times by Professor Paul Bannon and now wants to show his gratitude.  Chair of The Baird Institute and Head of Department, Cardiothoracic Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Paul will be speaking on the latest developments in cardiothoracic research.  So, come along to what should be a fun filled night down at beautiful Mollymook.

When & Where?

Mollymoook Surf Club
6.30pm Sat 24th February, 2018

All funds raised will go to The Baird Institute

  • Special guest speaker – Professor Paul Bannon
  • Dance to the Dave Price Rock ‘n’ Roll Band
  • Tickets $85 pp (includes catering from Milk Hause)
  • Drinks at bar prices
  • Fantastic raffle prizes

Contact Dick Shaw on 0411 411 196 for further information and/or dietary needs

Tickets: ticketbooth.com.au – search ‘MOLLYMOOK’

Cocktails & Conversation 2017

The Baird Institute’s Christmas“Cocktails and Conversation” was held on Thursday 30 November,  2017 at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel.

Pictured: (Left to right)  Monica Attard,  Rodney Merrett, Norman Kroehnert, Jo Dean and brothers Jake & Jason Rance, explaining what applied heart research has meant for them, their families and the wider community.

Patients of  surgeons associated with The Baird Institute, were interviewed by award winning ABC journalist Monica Attard in regards to their experience with heart surgery. These patients are the representation of a much larger cohort, benefiting from the generosity of donors, funding research being carried out by The Baird Institute.

Brothers, Jake and Jason Rance both had an aortic root repair after it was discovered, following the death of their mother from an aortic dissection, that they both had familial “Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Disease”. Their open heart surgery was performed by Professor Paul Bannon, Chair of The Baird Institute, in 2017.  Jo Dean had Robotic heart bypass surgery with Professor Michael Wilson, also in 2017. Jo first discovered she had “Coronary Artery Disease” earlier this year after experiencing chest pains on her regular ride to work.  Rod Merrett was the first person in NSW to have had open heart surgery using the new American heart-lung machine.  Rod was operated on at RPA Hospital in 1957 by visiting surgeons from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA, he was only 9 years of age and remained in hospital for 6 weeks following his open heart surgery. Norman Kroehnert had a chest re-opening earlier this year after having suffered a heart attack whilst at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He was the first recipient of a chest reopening by participants of the CALS (Cardiac Advanced Life Support) course run at RPAH and it was an outstanding success –  he lives to tell his story.

At “Cocktails and Conversation” we were able to highlight just how far heart surgery has come from the time Rod had open heart surgery in 1957 to when Jo had her robotic bypass surgery in 2017 – 60 years later.  Jo remained in hospital for just 6 days while Rod’s stay in hospital lasted for 6 weeks.  This difference in the recovery period for patients undergoing robotic heart surgery means so much more than time; it means far less chance of complications, a faster recovery and return to work, not to mention an excellent cosmetic result.  It is an entirely different world these days! The positive impact this minimally invasive surgery has on working parents, their children, employers and hospitals is enormous.   What was once the subject of movies and fantasy is now an everyday reality in tertiary care facilities such as the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital!

Following the discussion, Professor Paul Bannon thanked the panel and explained the importance of the research work that The Baird Institute is involved in as well as the need for industry contributions for PHD research salaries in order to further the Institute’s research capabilities.

Our Director, Michelle Sloane, paid tribute to Natalie Zugec one of our super community fundraisers who has raised almost $100,000 for applied heart research at The Baird Institute with the help of her sister, Pamela.  Natalie was presented with a beautiful bunch of flowers.

The night ended with a drawing of the raffle by Philippa Baird, wife of the late Professor Doug Baird. Thank you to Carol Radford, one of our dedicated supporters, for her donation of a wonderful Christmas cake and to Camelbak for their donation of various drink bottles and hydration packs.

We would like to thank all of our supporters for their help in 2017 and we look forward to another successful year ahead where, with your help, we will continue to foster, fund and promote cardiothoracic research in medical undergraduates, graduates and our own surgeons.

The staff of The Baird Institute; (left to right) Maureen Winn, Sue Moore, Michelle Sloane, Lisa Turner, Catherine Rush & Lorna Beattie. 

Heart Valve Surgery Performed by Trainee Surgeons: Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes

Saxena A, Virk SA, Bowman SRA, Jeremy R, Bannon PG

Heart Lung Circ 2018 Apr;27(4):420-426

PMID: 29103675

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgical units must balance trainee education with the duty to provide optimal patient care. This is particularly challenging with valvular surgery, given the lower volume and increased complexity of these procedures. The present meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of trainee operator status on clinical outcomes following valvular surgery.

METHODS: Medline, Embase and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched for studies reporting clinical outcomes according to the training status of the primary operator (consultant or trainee). Data were extracted and meta-analysed according to pre-defined endpoints.

RESULTS: Eleven observational studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on five patient cohorts undergoing mitral valve surgery (n=3975), six undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) (n=6236) and three undergoing combined AVR and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=3495). Perioperative mortality was not significantly different between trainee and consultant cases for mitral valve surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-1.37), AVR (OR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.37-1.24), or combined AVR and CABG (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.40-2.85). The incidences of perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, acute renal failure, reoperation or wound infection were not significantly different between trainee and consultant cases. There was a paucity of mid-term survival data.

CONCLUSIONS: Valvular surgery cases performed primarily by trainees were not associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. These findings suggest the rigorous design of cardiac surgical trainee programs can sufficiently mitigate trainee deficiencies. However, studies with longer follow-up duration and echocardiographic data are required to assess long-term durability and safety.

Composite Y Grafts From the Left Internal Mammary Artery: Current Considerations

Paterson HS, Bannon PG

Heart Lung Circ 2018 Feb;27(2):133-137

PMID: 29126818

Abstract

The use of composite coronary artery bypass grafts from the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) has increased over the last 20 years. Total arterial revascularisation can be achieved with two arterial conduits and is associated with a reduced risk of stroke. However, the traditional coronary bypass graft configurations of the in situ LIMA and aorto-coronary saphenous vein grafts remain as the mainstay of coronary bypass surgery in most centres. Concerns regarding composite Y grafts relate to (1) the adequacy of a single inflow for all coronary bypass grafts; (2) the risk of compromising the LIMA flow to the left anterior descending coronary artery; (3) the effects of competitive flow on graft patency; and (4) the use of sequential coronary anastomoses. The evidence upon which these concerns are based will be discussed along with the evidence relating to the use of the various second conduit options.

Heart to Heart Newsletter

Welcome back to our revamped “Heart to Heart” newsletter.

Heart to Heart will be published twice a year with the aim being to keep you updated on all that is happening in research and training at The Baird Institute.

2017 has been a big year! In May, we released our first biennial report, The Baird Report. If you didn’t receive a copy and would like one, please contact us and we will happily mail it to you. You can also download a copy here.

Dr Michael Seco, the recipient of The Baird Institute’s Edwards Lifesciences Scholarship, completed his PhD and you can read more about this in our newsletter. We have seen the continuation of the Robotics Program and the establishment of The Surgical and Robotics Training Institute, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, of which Professor Bannon is the director.

A landmark study, led by Professor Michael Vallely involving 37,720 patients, demonstrated that a newer “no-touch” beating heart bypass surgery technique (anOPCABG) reduced postoperative stroke by 78% compared to traditional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The results were published in the February edition of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), considered to be the pre-eminent Cardiology journal in the world.

Finally, our surgeons have been involved in the publication of over 50 academic journal articles this year; you will find a research update with an outline of some of our more important publications later in the newsletter.

To all our donors, thank you – the work of The Baird Institute is only possible due to you and we appreciate and value your continuing trust and support. On behalf of the team at The Baird Institute, I would like to extend to you and all your families, best wishes for the holiday season and for a very healthy and happy 2018.

 

Catherine Rush
Engagement Manger, The Baird Institute

Click on the image to download a copy of the Heart to Heart Newsletter

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to our Heart to Heart Newsletter to keep up with the latest developments in heart and lung research from The Baird Institute.

Honour a Loved One

  • Fundraise in memory of someone special to you.

Challenge Yourself

  • Run a marathon
  • Do a long bike ride
  • Walk 10km each day for a month
  • Do 50 sit ups every day for a week
  • Join an organised event such as the City to Surf

Organise a community event

  • Have a backyard sausage sizzle
  • Host a trivia night

Seek sponsorship to help you quit those bad habits

  • Give up smoking
  • Refrain from alcohol for a month or more

Celebrate Through Giving

  • Choose to give on your birthday: Instead of giving you gifts, ask your friends and family to donate to The Baird Institute.
  • Say “I do” to improving the lives of heart and lung patients: Invite guests to donate to The Baird Institute on your wedding day
  • Turn anniversaries or personal milestones into fundraising events.

Create a CrowdRaiser on GiveNow

  1. Go to CrowdRaiser for The Baird Institute.
  2. Click on the button “Fundraise for this cause” – just under the header image.
  3. Create your Crowdraiser. Fill in the requested details.
  4. Customise your campaign. Add images and messages to make your CrowdRaiser unique.
  5. Share the link to your fundraising page via email, social media, or any way you like.
  6. Let us know via [email protected] that you have created a fundraiser so we can say thank you.

Join a community passionate about making a difference. GiveNow provides a dedicated platform for Australian charities, ensuring your efforts directly support our mission.

Start a Facebook Fundraiser

  1. Go to Facebook fundraisers.
  2. Click on the blue button – “Select nonprofit”
  3. Search for and select The Baird Institute
  4. Set your fundraising target
  5. Choose your campaign end date & a title for your Fundraiser
  6. Personalise your fundraiser: Use the existing wording and photos or choose your own.
  7. Click on ‘Create’.
  8. Invite friends and family. Share the link for your fundraiser and encourage others to contribute.
  9. Let us know via [email protected] that you have created a fundraiser so we can say thank you.

Celebrate where your friends and family connect. Leverage your social network to make a real impact.