Innovations In Applications Of Technology To Prosthetics & Spinal Cord Injury

Dr Andrew Nunn
Director, Victorian Spinal Cord Service

Time: 18 August 2015, 18:30 AEDT (Refreshments from 18:00)

Venue: John Lindell Lecture Theatre, Lance Townsend Building, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg VIC 3084

Abstract

This presentation will introduce clinical/functional issues in clinical areas of spinal cord injury, amputation, and upper/lower limb prosthetics; and demonstrate current research and engineering solutions in assistive technology.

The Victorian Spinal Cord Service at Austin Health is one of six such specialist services in Australia. As part of Victoria’s State Trauma System it provides acute management & rehabilitation for people who sustain traumatic spinal cord injuries from Victoria, Tasmania and the Riverina of NSW.

It provides comprehensive care over time through inpatient and outpatient services at the Austin Hospital and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre in addition to a range of clinic and community-based services. It works in close partnership with specialist units within Austin Health including The Victorian State Respiratory Service and with community service providers.

Ongoing funded clinical research within VSCS includes telehealth, the application of emerging and merging technology, remote ambulatory monitoring using multiparameter data loggers, new approaches to exercise as SCIPA (CI), nerve transplantation (CI), neurodiagnostic (CI), sleep health (SHiQ program) and diaphragmatic pacing (CI) and assistive technology including higher-level control and robots.