Medical Engineering key projects

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Medical Engineering is based largely on core mechanical and electrical engineering skills applied to problems in medicine. The applied research described below is built on a strong foundation of knowledge in biomechanics, fluid mechanics and automation and control, but incorporates knowledge in cell biology, human anatomy and physiology. New knowledge is being developed and applied to the full range of orthopaedic diseases and injury (such as knee and hip replacements, fractures and spinal deformities), other diseases such as heart failure, and to provide improved quality of life for people with disabilities, including paralympic athletes.

Orthopaedics and Trauma Queensland

Orthopaedics and Trauma Queensland is based at QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and comprises five research collaborations with hospital partners, including:

• Orthopaedic Research Group based at The Prince Charles Hospital;
• Paediatric Spine Research Group based at the Mater Hospital;
• AO Brisbane Spine Reference Centre based at The Princess Alexandra Hospital;
• Traumatology Research Group based at The Princess Alexandra Hospital; and
• Holy Spirit Northside Spine Research Group based at The Holy Spirit Northside Hospital.

Key Research is conducted in:

• bone and cartilage substitute systems;
• bone fracture healing;
• spinal surgical procedures; and
• osteoporotic bone and crush fractures.

Artificial Organs

Based at QUT's Gardens Point campus, the research work in this area focuses on:

• Non-biological replacement organs (eg. artificial heart); and
• Congestive heart failure and impaired functioning of other organs.

Amputee Research

Using state of the art gait laboratories at QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, this research focuses on:

• improving performance of paralympic athletes;
• monitoring movement of lower limb amputees; and
• innovative concepts for the attachment of artificial limbs.

Compression Bandaging

This research project aims to gain a better understanding of the clinical application of pressure bandaging to develop improved bandaging techniques and clinical practice.

Medical Engineering Research Facility

QUT’s new Medical Engineering Research Facility (MERF) is a $10.7 million facility being constructed at The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside. MERF is being built with support from QUT, the Queensland Government, The Prince Charles Hospital and industry partners, Medtronic and Stryker.

MERF will help meet Australia’s emerging needs in orthopaedic and artificial organ research. It will provide a comprehensive suite of research and training facilities at the one location, including:
• research aimed at solving problems identified by clinicians in their practice;
• research into new techniques, materials, devices, procedures, and manufacturing techniques for medical devices; and
• training of clinicians and allied health workers in new products and techniques.

MERF will be the first facility to support the full cycle of research, validation, commercialisation and training activities that is necessary to make new medical devices and techniques available to Queensland and the world.

MERF is due for completion in late 2007.