Ray chats with Professor Paul Bannon, the Chair of The Baird Institute, who spoke about the mid-year appeal to continue researching ways to improve surgical techniques for the heart and innovations to improve quality of life.
Paul Bannon – 2GB Radio Interview, 8 December 2023
The Baird Institute is studying new ways to enable the heart to generate energy. We are undertaking a world-first clinical trial examining the effect of targeting this cardiac energy system.
RPA – The TV Show
The RPA series on Channel 9 follows patients who bravely and generously share their stories. Filmed at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Sydney, this reality program shows the everyday workings of this major hospital, detailing the sicknesses and operation procedures of its patients.
In Episode 2 of the new series, which aired on 3 April 2023, Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Baird Institute board member, A/Professor Christopher Cao had a starring role alongside his patient, Theo. After getting COVID, doctors discovered during a routine scan that father of 3, Theo, had a large lesion (the size of a small fist) in his chest.
Dr Cao explained to Theo that most surgeons would do a full chest opening – a sternotomy – to remove the tumour, but he on the other hand, typically utilises minimally invasive robotic surgery for this procedure – a revolutionary approach. During surgery, Dr Cao makes three small cuts of about 8mm on the side of the chest and inserts ports into the holes. Through the ports, Dr Cao is able to insert a number of instruments that he controls to separate the lesion from the heart and blood vessels and chest wall. This robotic surgery means that Theo will be in hospital for just 2 or 3 days, on painkillers for 2 to 3 weeks and he can go back to his physical activities in a much shorter period of time than if the lesion had been removed via a full chest opening. Luckily, all turned out well for Theo. See this episode, and all others in the series, on 9Now.
Cutting edge technology propels cardiac surgery forward
Australian heart surgery breakthrough a boon for COVID-19 patients
Australian experts have found a way to treat highly contagious COVID-19 patients for ailing hearts without moving them out of intensive care.
The world-first study has been fast-tracked for coronavirus patients, but could also be a game-changer for acute heart failure in general.
Experiments in the University of Sydney’s hybrid theatre made use of a 3D ultrasound probe threaded through the blood vessels to the heart.
“From there you can see the heart in intimate proximity,” University of NSW intensive care specialist Konstantin Yastrebov said.
Using the probe, researchers were able to guide the implant of the world’s smallest heart pump, a bridging device that allows the failing heart to recover.
“It can actually pump almost four litres of blood per minute,” Royal Prince Alfred Hospital head of cardiac surgery Professor Paul Bannon said.
There’s no need for x-ray machines, radiation or open surgery, which means highly contagious patients – such as those with COVID-19 – can receive complex treatment at the bedside without leaving intensive care.
A study out of Wuhan found 40 per cent of coronavirus deaths were attributed to heart failure.
The study was performed earlier this year, when the disease first exploded in China.
The project team is now writing a plan for clinical trials.
“The imperative was there to develop it more quickly for COVID, but it will have wider applications post-COVID I’m sure,” Professor Bannon said.
