Professor Shaun Gregory
is developing the MiniPump, a breakthrough device for people with a debilitating cardiovascular condition – heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In these patients, who account for 50 per cent of heart failure cases, the heart retains its normal ability to pump, but the muscle stiffens and doesn’t allow enough blood to enter the ventricle chamber from the atrium between beats. The lack of oxygenated blood flow leaves these patients short of breath and unable to complete daily activities; these patients have a very poor prognosis and often progress quickly to palliative care. Professor Gregory’s world-first mechanical device reduces back pressure by redirecting blood from the atrium straight to the aorta, increasing the flow of oxygenated blood. This minimally invasive device would significantly reduce the symptoms of heart failure, allowing patients to return to daily activities and increasing both the length and quality of their life.
Watch Shaun talk about his research
Find Prof Gregory’s QUT Academic Profile here.
Read and download the Cardiovascular Diseases Capability Statement
