Reducing complications with artificial heart-lung machines

Dr Shaun Gregory, Queensland University of Technology

2022 Future Leader Fellowship - Level 2

Years funded: 2023-2026

Critically ill patients with heart and/or lung failure may require advanced life support using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Complications are common and include bleeding, infection, stroke and more; all are associated with primitive devices and a lack of training and decision-making tools.

My research program takes a multidisciplinary approach to resolving ECMO-related complications. I will lead a team comprising of clinicians, engineers, biological scientists and data analysts to:

1. Apply computational blood flow simulations to optimise ECMO implantation to reduce the incidence of bleeding, thrombosis and ischemia.
2. Develop improved clinical training tools to reduce the incidence of bleeding and infection and improve access to ECMO.
3. Use existing databases to develop decision-making tools that improve patient selection.
4. Clinically implement these strategies and measure the efficacy of improvements.

This fellowship will result in improved devices, highly-trained clinicians, and better outcomes for patients receiving ECMO.