Dr McCracken looking at how a different laparoscopic technique that is currently used in humans and dogs may be adapted for use in rabbits, hopefully making the procedure safer for the rabbits.

1.     Briefly tell us about your research.

My research is in the area of laparoscopic surgery, which involves using a keyhole incision to introduce a camera into the abdomen, which minimises the size of surgical incisions. In my case, I’m looking at methods of achieving this in rabbits in the safest possible way.

2.     Who are your research colleagues?

I work out of the U-Vet Werribee campus, under the TRACTS group. My project co-investigators include Dr Stewart Ryan & Dr Thierry Beths from U-Vet. Since I’m working at the university, there are plenty of colleagues around that have helped me with certain parts of the project.

3.     What imaging equipment are you using?

In this part of my overall project I’m assessing body spaces volumetrically. I’m using the hospital 16-slice Siemens CT we have here in Werribee.

4.     How did you find accessing and using the equipment?

It wasn’t difficult at all, the staff our imaging department were very accommodating. Being able to access the staff to acquire and process the images quickly and efficiently made the whole process really simple. I think I ended up being the time-limiting factor, rather than the image acquisition.

5.     Did you work across sites? If so, how did you find accessing the equipment across sites?

No, I didn’t.

6.     Thank you very much for your time, Blaine.