The Department of Cardiology Research aims to reduce the high burden of cardiovascular disease in Australia.

Its mission is to promote a research environment where globally recognised specialist cardiologists are able to draw from their experiences and develop clinically impactful innovations for their respective subspecialties. Through this model, the Department has contributed towards new diagnostic tools, surgical methods, and pharmaceutical products that continue to improve the lives of countless patients throughout Cabrini’s hospitals, and beyond.

Today, the Department seeks to broaden its role in shaping the future of cardiology in Australia through a robust program of translational and clinical research.

Principal Investigators

Professor Nathan Better
Professor Peter Kistler
Dr Swati Mukherjee
Professor Dion Stub
Associate Professor Alex Voskoboinik

Associate Investigators

Dr Arul Baradi
Romaniya Fernando
Dr Jonathan Habersberger
Associate Professor Jeffry Lefkovits
Dr Frank Panetta
Dr Manuja Premaratne

Dr Adrian Pick
Associate Professor Vineet Sarode
Dr Michael Seman
Dr Gilbert Shardey
Dr James Shaw
Associate Professor Gautham Vaddadi

I-TAC: IAEA Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Study

Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CMP) weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood, which left untreated causes heart failure. While diagnosing ATTR-CMP remains difficult using conventional methods, a simple nuclear cardiology test has been found to be an effective alternative approach. The Department is the sole Australian participant in I-TAC, a landmark global study conducted through the International Atomic Energy Agency that aims to establish new diagnostic standards for the use of this diagnostic test.

TAVI: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Critical to overall blood flow, heart valves degenerate due to congenital and age-related causes. TAVI is a widely implemented procedure that replaces these valves with those made of natural animal heart tissue, restoring heart function. The Department has been involved in several studies, aiming to improve both patient outcomes and equity as it relates to TAVI procedures. This includes the SAFER-TAVI Trial, which will evaluate alternative surgical methods for their ability to lower the likelihood of bleeding-related complications.

Electrophysiological Database

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance globally. The condition is commonly treated through ablative procedures involving minute burning or freezing that generate scar tissue within the heart, severing electrical signal pathways responsible for irregular heart rhythms. Despite its effectiveness, a high proportion of patients experience recurrence and therefore require repeat ablative procedures. To address this, the Department established an electrophysiological database in order to identify determinant factors behind recurrence, which in turn facilitate data-driven optimisations for ablative management.

SNORE-AF Study: Sleep Apnoea and Atrial Fibrillation

Sleep apnoea is a disorder where breathing stops and starts during sleep and is commonly addressed through the use of continuous breathing devices. The SNORE-AF Study seeks to assess the effectiveness of this device in preventing atrial fibrillation recurrence post-surgery. Over a 12-month period, patients will be monitored during sleep with the aim of understanding the relationship between sleep apnoea and atrial fibrillation recurrence, alongside clinical insights for improved post-surgical care.