University Hospital for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care

301110, 301203, 301212, 301304, 301401, 301402, 301403, 302004, 302015, 302018, 302026, 302031, 302040, 302053, 302058, 302068, 302074, 302075, 302083, 302084

Anaesthesiology, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, coagulation, critical care medicine, emergency medicine, invasive ventilation, pain medicine, palliative care, perioperative medicine, and point of care coagulation monitoring

Anaesthesia and neurocognition
Gynaecology and obstetrics
Pathophysiology of oxygen transport
Regional Anaesthesia
Coagulation and inflammation
Respiratory pathophysiology and invasive ventilation
Transplantation research
Translational cardiopulmonary resuscitation research
Ethics
Participation Multicentre Studies

The University Hospital of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care covers a wide range of clinical, academic and research activities. These include all aspects of anaesthesia procedures, postoperative care, intensive care medicine, emergency medicine, teaching and interdisciplinary research.

Each year, the department manages approximately 40,000 anaesthesia cases across 60 operating and diagnostic rooms. As a university hospital, the department supports all surgical specialties and oversees four postoperative care units, three intensive care units (covering general surgery, trauma, and transplantation), two shock rooms and ground emergency services at two locations (Innsbruck and Telfs). The department also operates a helicopter EMS, a dedicated pain management unit and an anaesthesia outpatient clinic.

In addition to its clinical duties, the department plays a key role in education and training. This includes delivering anaesthesia courses to medical students and providing specialised training in first aid, ventilation management and life support (both basic and advanced). The department also provides bedside teaching during mandatory anaesthesiology and intensive care rotations.

The University Hospital also houses an experimental laboratory for basic science research and a large animal research facility. The department’s research efforts are highly interdisciplinary and involve collaboration with the university hospitals of visceral, transplant and thoracic surgery, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, neurosurgery and neurology.

Collaborations Anaesthesia and neurocognition

• Christian Humpel, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital for Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck
• Stefan Kiechl and Michael Knoflach, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital for Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck

Collaborations Gynaecology and Obstetrics

• University Hospital for Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Paediatrics II (Neonatology), Medical University Innsbruck

Collaborations Pathophysiology of oxygen transport

• Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital for Internal Medicine III (Cardiology and Angiology), Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital for Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck
• Herbert Oberacher, Core Facility Metabolomics I, Medical University Innsbruck
• Thomas Haller und Norbert Mair, Centre of Physiology and Medical Physics, Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck
• Ira Winkler und Elke Griesmaier, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Paediatrics II (Neonatology), Medical University Innsbruck

Collaborations Regional Anaesthesia

• Harald Hegen, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital for Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University Innsbruck
• Nikolaos Bonaros, Department of Surgery, University Hospital for Cardiac Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck

Collaborations Coagulation and inflammation

• University Hospital for Internal Medicine II (Infectiology, Immunology, Pneumology and Rheumatology), Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Paediatrics I, Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Surgery, University Hospital for Cardiac Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck

Collaborations Respiratory pathophysiology and invasive ventilation

• Department of Surgery, University Hospital for Vascular Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Surgery, University Hospital for Cardiac Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck
• Department of Surgery, University Hospital for Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery
• University Hospital for Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck

Collaborations Transplantation research

• Department of Surgery, University Hospital for Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery

Collaborations Translational cardiopulmonary resuscitation research

• Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck

Collaborations Department of Radiology

Prof. Dr. Elke Giszewski and Prof. Astrid Grams

Collaborations Ethics

• Stefan Höfer and Alexandra Huber, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital for Psychiatry II(Anxiety, stress and trauma disorders, eating disorders)
• Benjamin Hetzer, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Paediatrics I, Medical University Innsbruck

It should be noted that all anaesthesiologists involved in research activities, including basic science and clinical research, are employed primarily as physicians and clinical care providers. Only a limited proportion of their regular working hours is dedicated to research activities. The proportion of time dedicated to research varies from 10% for first-year residents to 40% of total working hours for a few attending physicians who have achieved certain scientific accomplishments (publications, successful grant applications, research awards). This means that the University Hospital of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care does not employ researchers on a full time basis.
Due to the various specialty fields and topics in anaesthesiology, researchers of our department cover many aspects of research. The following list provides an overview of the different research groups and topics of interest:

Anaesthesia and neurocognition

Study Group Members: Barbara Sinner, Christine Eckhardt, Marco Ronzani, Sasa Rajsic, Nicole Innerhofer 

Postoperative delirium

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious complication characterised by an acute mental change and fluctuation in attention and cognitive function. POD can result in chronic deterioration of the cognitive functions and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), and is also associated with increased postoperative morbidity, institutionalisation and mortality. Several risk factors for the development of POD are discussed, among which comorbidity and advanced age were identified as one of the most important predisposing parameters. Our group examines risk factors and postoperative development by evaluating new preoperative risk factors, intraoperative anaesthetic management, biomarkers and postoperative modifications of various parameters.

• DANI Study
  • Pain
  • Postoperative delirium and cognition
  • Heart rate variability
  • Blood derived biomarker analysis
  • Intraoperative, processed EEG

• Saliva Tau Study
  • Saliva derived biomarkers of neurodegeneration

• Postoperative Delirium in Parkinsonism
  • Postoperative delirium and cognition

• Post Stroke Delirium
  • Post Stroke Delirium and anaesthesia during thrombectomy

Study Group Members: Lukas Gasteiger, Elisabeth Gasteiger, Wolfgang Lederer, Judith Martini, Vitaliy Pustilnik

Improvement in therapy quality in Electro Convulsion Therapy (ECT) through better understanding of the interaction between anaesthesia and ECT. Anaesthesia is needed to conduct an ECT session. However, the depth of the anaesthesia has a negative impact on seizure quality. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of `optimal’ depth of the anaesthesia is crucial to improve ECT.

Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Study Group Members: Raffaella Fantin

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Early Onset Preeclampsia (EOPE) with severe features and Eclampsia

• Investigates pulmonary interstitial syndrome (PIS), cardiac dysfunction and optic nerve sheath abnormalities in EOPE with severe features and eclampsia.
• Primary focus: Correlation between PIS (lung ultrasound), cardiac dysfunction (echocardiography), and NT-proBNP levels.
• Secondary focus: Associations between PIS, optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), and serum albumin.
• Comparison with previously published data on late-onset PE to refine understanding of pathophysiological profiles.

Optical Coherence Tomography for Detecting Raised Intracranial Pressure in Preeclampsia

• Evaluating OCT as a high-precision tool for detecting structural changes in the optic nerve and peripapillary retina in preeclamptic patients.
• Addresses the limitations of ONSD ultrasound measurement, which is prone to examiner variability.

Bonding Room and Postoperative Pain Management Optimisation with Intrathecal Morphine

• Established a dedicated Bonding Room to facilitate uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after caesarean section.
• Investigated intrathecal morphine (100 µg) to optimise pain management while minimising side effects.

Development and Validation of the German Version of ObsQoR-10

• Validated the German version of the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10-German) in 200 postpartum women (100 vaginal, 100 caesarean deliveries).
• Findings: Good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.814), strong correlation with established recovery measures.
• Pain was the most affected domain (P < 0.001).

Advances in Neonatal Resuscitation for the Obstetric Anaesthesiologist

• Key updates in neonatal resuscitation for term and late preterm neonates (>34 weeks’ gestation).
• Covers umbilical cord management, temperature regulation, airway strategies, and pharmacological interventions.

Alterations in the Oxygen-Haemoglobin Dissociation Curve in Preeclampsia

• Planned study to investigate changes in the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve in preeclampsia.
• Focus: Potential impact of betamethasone administration for foetal lung maturation.
• Aims to provide new insights into oxygen transport dynamics in preeclamptic patients.

Pathophysiology of Oxygen Transport

Experimental Study Group Members: Benedikt Treml, Sasa Rajsic, Axel Kleinsasser, Robert Breitkopf, Corinna Velik-Salchner

Haemorrhagic Shock: Blood Marker Sequencing and Pulmonary Gas Exchange

How blood markers of haemorrhage change over time has not yet been studied. In animal experiments, the role of haemoglobin concentration, lactate, blood glucose and base deficit changes after a 60% loss of blood volume is investigated.

Physiology of Acid-Base Status Change and Adaptation Mechanisms, including Fluid Shifts at High Altitude.

A multidisciplinary experimental approach is used to study the physiological changes resulting from early acclimatisation to altitude, including blood gas analyses, ultrasound examination of lung fluids, optical nerve sheath measurements, transthoracic echocardiography, plasma volume calculations, spirometry, assessment of the hypoxic ventilatory response, non-invasive monitoring of the cardiovascular system and more.

Experimental Study Group Members: Simon Woyke, Christopher Rugg, Marco Ronzani, Christoph Frisch, Nikolai Staier

Quantification of Clinically Relevant Drug Induced Changes in HbO2 Affinity

Drugs that are commonly used in patients suffering hypoxemia were investigated in terms of their effects on haemoglobin oxygen transport. Blood samples from healthy volunteers were exposed in-vitro to anaesthetics, analgesics, sedatives and cannabinoids, while haemoglobin oxygen affinity was quantified by a high-throughput method for oxygen dissociation curve determination.

Gas-flow Chamber for Photometric Measurements

A novel method for the determination of haemoglobin oxygen. US 20230408474 A1, EP 4237825 A1. Both patent applications are in the nationalisation phase. The method was further developed and improved in regard to precision, accuracy, robustness and handling.

Oxygen Dissociation Curve in Perinatal Asphyxia – a Prospective Pilot Study

In collaboration with the University Hospital for Paediatrics II. Neonates suffering perinatal asphyxia that are treated with or without therapeutic hypothermia are investigated regarding functionality of haemoglobin oxygen transport.

Haemoglobin-Oxygen Transport in Very Preterm Infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: an Observational Longitudinal Pilot Study

In collaboration with the University Hospital for Paediatrics II. Extremely preterm neonates are investigated in regard to haemoglobin oxygen transport in a longitudinal design.

The Oxygen dissociation Curve in Ski Mountaineers

Leading athletes of the Austrian national team were examined regarding functionality of haemoglobin oxygen affinity during maximum exercise in hypobaric hypoxia.

Sex dependent Changes in Haemoglobin Oxygen Affinity during Production and Storage of Red Blood Cell Units

Haemoglobin oxygen affinity was assessed regarding donor’s sex in erythrocyte units during a storage time of 6 weeks.

The Oxygen Dissociation Curve in Patients undergoing Liver Transplantation

Haemoglobin oxygen affinity was investigated in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

The Influence of Inflammation on the Oxygen Affinity of Haemoglobin: a Pilot In-Vitro Analysis

Blood was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in-vitro to investigate the impact of inflammation on haemoglobin oxygen affinity.

Regional Anaesthesia

Study Group Members: Lukas Gasteiger, Ottokar Stundner, Anna Fiala, Elisabeth Gasteiger, Markus Mittermayr,

Regional Anaesthesia for Cardia Surgery

Investigating the role of different regional anaesthesia techniques on perioperative analgesia and analgesic consumption in cardiac anaesthesia. The group aims to facilitate the implementation of Early Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERACS). 

Study Group Members: Elisabeth Gasteiger, Lukas Gasteiger, Ottokar Stundner

Crystallisation of Local Anaesthetics and Adjuvant Mixtures

Coagulation and Inflammation

Study Group Members: Nicole Innerhofer, Judith Martini, Sasa Rajsic, Christine Eckhardt, Corinna Velik-Salchner, Barbara Sinner

More than one million cardiac surgeries are performed annually worldwide, with numbers rising due to the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Many of these procedures involve the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), during which blood is exposed to non-physiological surfaces and requires anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin. This exposure triggers various immunologic pathways, most notably the complement system—a critical component of innate immunity. Due to close linkage among complement activation, platelet function and plasma coagulation, it is likely that complement activation during CPB influences the clot formation and compromises the coagulation system, ultimately contributing to postoperative bleeding. Furthermore, evolving evidence suggests that damage-associated molecular patterns, such as mitochondrial DNA, may exacerbate platelet activation, thereby promoting micro-thrombosis, impairing microcirculation and precipitating organ failure—all of which can increase postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Our research group aims to elucidate the complex interplay between immune responses and coagulation mechanisms in cardiac surgery. By doing so, we seek to determine how these interconnected processes drive hyperinflammation and fluid therapy requirements, postoperative bleeding and transfusion needs, delirium onset, single-organ failure, the effectiveness of anticoagulation monitoring (including the heparin rebound effect) and, ultimately, overall clinical outcomes.

Ongoing research projects:

• PAC-AIM study (prospective observational trial, 400 patients)
  • Anticoagulation monitoring in cardiac surgery (PAC-AIM)
  • Heparin rebound effect in early postoperative phase (PAC-AIM)
• PAC study (prospective observational trial, 190 patients)
  • PAC and hyperinflammatory response
  • PAC and postoperative delirium

Respiratory Pathophysiology and Invasive Ventilation

Clinical Study Group Members: Patrick Spraider, Julia Abram, Judith Martini, Lukas Gasteiger, Hannes Dejaco, Markus Mittermayr

• Flow-controlled ventilation versus pressure-controlled ventilation in cardiac surgery after cardiopulmonary bypass without ventilation – a prospective, randomised clinical study
• Flow-controlled ventilation versus pressure-controlled ventilation in thoracic surgery with one lung ventilation – a prospective, randomised clinical study
• Evaluation of tracheal pressure during continuous positive airway pressure ventilation – a prospective, clinical trial
• Power dissipation in low tidal volume versus individualised flow-controlled ventilation – a randomised, clinical cross-over trial
• Effects of oxygen supply on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and lung collapse after lung isolation in thoracic surgery – a prospective, randomised clinical trial

Experimental Study Group Members: Julia Abram, Patrick Spraider, Manuela Ranalter, Gabriel Putzer, Judith Martini

• Individualised flow-controlled ventilation versus pressure-controlled ventilation in a porcine model of intra-abdominal hypertension – a prospective, randomised porcine study
• Negative end-expiratory versus zero end-expiratory pressure flow-controlled ventilation in a porcine haemorrhagic shock model

Study Group Members: Lukas Gasteiger, Hannes Dejaco, Maximilian Mörtl, Patrick Spraider, Nikolai Staier, Dieter Wally

Protective Perioperative Ventilation

To assess effect of individualised PEEP and recruitment manoeuvres on Postoperative Pulmonal Complications (PPC). Our study group are currently collaborating with the ‘PROtective VEntilation Network’ (PROVE Net, see www.provenet.eu), a worldwide collaboration of intensivists and anaesthesiologist in ventilation research and lung protection.

Transplantation Research

Experimental Study Group Members: Simon Mathis, Gabriel Putzer, Judith Martini, Nikolai Staier, Michael Dullnig, Jonas Dunz, Fariha Nawabi

During normothermic machine perfusion, the contamination of the graft with bacteria and fungi must be prevented. For this reason, antibiotics are added to the perfusion solution. Due to the lack of renal elimination and a small volume of distribution, a variety of questions arise regarding the dosing interval and the dosage of the applied drugs. In an experimental set-up, perfusate levels, tissue levels and levels of anti-infectives in the bile fluid were measured in order to allow for a safe perfusion of the organ.

• Pharmacokinetics of anti-infective drugs during normothermic machine perfusion of the liver.
• Normothermic (long-term) machine perfusion of the liver in a porcine model.
• Characterisation of ischemia-reperfusion injury after normothermic machine perfusion.
• Micro dialysis during normothermic machine perfusion.

Clinical Study Group Members: Simon Mathis, Gabriel Putzer, Judith Martini, Nikolai Staier

Inflammation During Normothermic Machine Perfusion of the Liver and Influence on the Transplant Recipient

This project investigates the relationship between inflammation during normothermic machine perfusion of the liver and the perioperative course of the recipient. First results show a clear correlation between interleukin-6 levels in the perfusate during organ perfusion and the haemodynamic of the recipient. Additional cytokines will now be measured during machine perfusion and their influence on the recipient’s perioperative morbidity will be evaluated.

Clinical Study Group Members: Robert Breitkopf, Sasa Rajsic, Benedikt Treml

The main aim of the study group is to investigate patient outcomes after liver and heart transplantation, including the research on the global shortage of solid organs for transplantation.

Fungal Infections after Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is a standard of care and a life-saving procedure for end-stage liver diseases and certain malignancies. However, there is a lack of evidence on predictors and risk factors for poor outcomes. Therefore, our group aims to identify potential risk factors for poor outcomes after orthotopic liver transplantation, with a particular focus on the role of fungal infections.

Fungal Infections after Heart Transplantation

Conversely, heart transplant recipients are at risk of invasive fungal disease (IFD), a morbid and potentially fatal complication of transplantation. We aim to estimate the incidence of IFD and identify predictors of positive outcomes after heart transplantation, with a special focus on fungal infections.

Organ Donation from Marginal Donors

The global shortage of solid organs for transplantation is exacerbated by a high demand, resulting in organ deficits and growing waiting lists. Several strategies have been established to address this issue and enhance organ availability, including the use of organs from individuals who have undergone extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Our group aims to investigate both graft and recipient outcomes for organs from marginal donors, with special focus on ethics in certain circumstances.

Study Group Members: Lukas Gasteiger, Simon Mathis, Marco Ronzani, Christopher Rugg, Simon Woyke

Anaesthesiologic Management of Liver-Transplantation

To investigate the impact of anaesthesiologic management on patients undergoing orthotopic Liver Transplantation (LTX)

• Oxygen Dissociation Curve in patients undergoing liver transplantation
• Difference of arterial blood pressure depending on site of measurement
• Effect of different fluid managements on outcome after LTX

Translational Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research

Study Group Members: Gabriel Putzer, Judith Martini, Julia Abram, Patrick Spraider, Simon Mathis, Bernd Wallner, Jonas Dunz, Fariha Nawabi.

Poor outcomes after cardiac arrest are primarily due to irreversible hypoxic-ischemic brain damage caused by inadequate blood and oxygen supply during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The brain’s tolerance for oxygen deprivation is extremely low. Reduced or absent blood flow quickly leads to metabolic dysfunction and cell death.

This research group focuses on optimising cerebral blood flow and oxygenation during CPR. A key area of investigation is the effect of adrenaline, the most critical drug in resuscitation. In a recent experimental study, we demonstrated that continuous adrenaline administration improves cerebral oxygenation during CPR compared to standard bolus administration. Further studies using the same multimodal neuromonitoring model are in progress, including:

• The effect of head-up versus supine positioning on cerebral oxygenation during advanced life support.
• The effect of head-up versus supine positioning on cerebral oxygenation and metabolism after the return of spontaneous circulation.
• The impact of individualised versus standard adrenaline administration on cerebral oxygenation and metabolism during CPR.
• Detection of spontaneous spreading depolarisations during CPR and after the return of spontaneous circulation.
• Cerebrovascular autoregulation during cardiac arrest and CPR.
• The effects of vasopressors other than adrenaline on cerebral oxygenation and metabolism.
• Incidence and outcomes of potential ECPR patients in Innsbruck.

Clinical Study Group Members: Benedikt Treml, Sasa Rajsic, Axel Kleinsasser

Mortality and complications during ECLS remain high. We seek to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients requiring ECMO support. The primary focus of the research group is the evaluation of risk factors and predictors for adverse events and mortality. Secondary objectives include investigating the role of anticoagulation and its monitoring in the occurrence of haemorrhagic and thromboembolic events; identifying risk factors and predictors of mortality in patients receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation; developing early warning signs for patient condition deterioration; analysing in-hospital emergency response team data; and assessing quality of life after surviving cardiac arrest.

Ethics

Study Group Members: Barbara Friesenecker

• Education
  • Network for Bioethics in Teaching and Further Education

• Project Simulation – AI-based Communication

• Ethics consultation for FWF projects / European Research Council (ERC) on the topic: Generative AI for ICU data
  • The use of AI in clinical decision making raises a range of additional challenges – including bias, transparency, explainability and autonomy

Study Group Members: Sasa Rajsic, Robert Breitkopf, Benedikt Treml

Ethical Aspects of Organ Donation after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Unfavourable Neurological Outcome

In the event of death by neurological criteria, an ethical dilemma may emerge regarding the decision to continue organ perfusion aimed solely at its preservation. On one hand, pursuing eCPR may be seen as a futile medical intervention, as it does not prioritise the survival of the individual. However, it could provide adequate perfusion for potential organ donation. Our group focuses on the research of ethical aspects associated with organ donation in complex situations.

Ethical Aspects of Do-Not-Resuscitate Order

Participation Multicentre Studies

• RAPID-II Study – prospective, randomised controlled study; randomisation to desflurane, sevoflurane or propofol for general anaesthesia
• ACT in Stroke Delirium Study – prospective trial, randomised to anaesthesia during thrombectomy
• CRICKET: Critical Events during Intubation of Children 0-16a
• TRAPA: Transfusion-Associated Adverse Events in Children
• MOPED Study, https://esaic.org/study/moped-study/.
• ACCESS: Anaesthesia Practice for Caesarean Delivery Snapshot Survey
• MaCriCare: Maternal Critical Care Network
• PROFLOW-ROBOTic: PROtective ventilation with FLOW–controlled ventilation to improve postoperative pulmonary outcome after ROBOT–assisted laparoscopic surgery
• ProFluid trial
• ATN 108: “The efficacy and safety of human plasma derived antithrombin in heparin-resistant cardiac surgery patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study”
• Driving Pressure During General Anaesthesia for Open Abdominal Surgery (DESIGNATION) – a Randomised Controlled Trial
• Driving Pressure During General Anaesthesia for Minimally Invasive Abdominal Surgery (GENERATOR) – a Randomised Clinical Trial
• THoracic surgery with high versus low OXYgen Content during initial lung separation (THOXYC) – a randomised clinical trial

Anaesthesia and Neurocognition

Pustilnik V, Heil M, Lederer W, Martini J, Mauracher L, Schurr T, Gasteiger E, Edlinger M, Gasteiger L.

Neuromonitoring-guided anesthesia depth versus four-minute anesthesia-to-stimulation time interval in electroconvulsive therapy for depressive disorders – A single-blinded, prospective, randomized and controlled study.

J Affect Disord. 2025 Apr 15;375:231-238. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.01.113. Epub 2025 Jan 23. PMID: 39862986.

Taschner A, Fleischmann E, Kabon B, Sinner B, Eckhardt C, Horvath K, Adamowitsch N, Hantakova N, Hochreiter B, Zotti O, Fraunschiel M, Graf A, Reiterer C; RAPID II Trial investigators.

Effect of desflurane, sevoflurane or propofol on the incidence of postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing moderate- to high-risk major non-cardiac surgery: study protocol for a prospective, randomised, observer-blinded, clinical trial (RAPID-II trial).

BMJ Open. 2024 Nov 27;14(11):e092611. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092611. PMID: 39609026; PMCID: PMC11603681.

Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Fantin R, Wallner B, Lichtenberger P, Putzer G, Neubauer V, Griesmaier E.

Advances in neonatal resuscitation for the obstetric anesthesiologist.

Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2025 Feb 13. doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000001462. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39937042.

Fantin R, Hütter C, Lichtenberger P, Guo N, Ortner C, Sultan P.

Development and validation of a German version of Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR10-German).

Int J Obstet Anesth. 2024 Nov 14;61:104292. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2024.104292. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39615378.

Krawczyk P, Dabrowska D, Guasch E, Jörnvall H, Lucas N, Mercier FJ, den Berg AS, Weiniger CF, Balcerzak Ł, Cantellow S

MaCriCare study group. Obstetric units’ preparedness to manage critically ill women. The second report from the MaCriCare study.

Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. 2024 Aug;43(4):101394. doi: 10.1016/j.accpm.2024.101394. Epub 2024 May 23. PMID: 38795829.

Krawczyk P, Dabrowska D, Guasch E, Jörnvall H, Lucas N, Mercier FJ, Schyns-van den Berg A, Weiniger CF, Balcerzak Ł, Cantellow S

MaCriCare study group. Preparedness for severe maternal morbidity in European hospitals: The MaCriCare study.

Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. 2024 Jun;43(3):101355. doi: 10.1016/j.accpm.2024.101355. Epub 2024 Feb 13. PMID: 38360406.

Pathophysiology of Oxygen Transport

Treml B, Kleinsasser A, Knotzer J, Breitkopf R, Velik-Salchner C, Rajsic S.

Hemorrhagic Shock: Blood Marker Sequencing and Pulmonary Gas Exchange.

Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Feb 9;13(4):639. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13040639. PMID: 36832127; PMCID: PMC9955920.

Berek K, Lindner A, Pauli FD, Bsteh G, Treml B, Ponleitner M, Engler C, Kleinsasser A, Berger T, Wille M, Burtscher M, Deisenhammer F, Hegen H.

Neurofilament Light Chain Is Associated With Acute Mountain Sickness.

Brain Behav. 2024 Nov;14(11):e70165. doi: 10.1002/brb3.70165. PMID: 39552103; PMCID: PMC11570677.

Frisch C, Woyke S, Mair N, Haller T, Ronzani M, Marcher K, Schantl D, Rugg C, Schlager A.

The impact of cannabinoids on methemoglobin formation and hemoglobin oxygen affinity: An ex-vivo study.

Toxicology. 2024 Jun;505:153832. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153832. Epub 2024 May 15. PMID: 38759720.

Woyke S, Ronzani M, Mair N, Frisch C, Marcher K, Haller T, Ströhle M, Rugg C.

Sex dependent effects of cardiovascular agents on hemoglobin oxygen affinity – An ex-vivo experiment.

J Crit Care. 2025 Feb;85:154916. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.154916. Epub 2024 Sep 18. PMID: 39299023.

Gatterer H, Dünnwald T, Woyke S, Faulhaber M, Schumacher YO, Schobersberger W.

Low-dose carbon monoxide inhalation to increase total hemoglobin mass and endurance performance: scientific evidence and implications.

Front Physiol. 2024 Oct 15;15:1490205. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1490205. PMID: 39473608; PMCID: PMC11519625.

Regional Anaesthesia and Outcomes Research

Gasteiger L, Fiala A, Naegele F, Gasteiger E, Seisl A, Bonaros N, Mair P, Velik-Salchner C, Holfeld J, Höfer D, Stundner O.

The Impact of Preoperative Combined Pectoserratus and/or Interpectoral Plane (Pectoralis Type II) Blocks on Opioid Consumption, Pain, and Overall Benefit of Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery:A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Triple-blinded Trial.

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2024 Dec;38(12):2973-2981. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2024.06.036. Epub 2024 Jun 28. PMID: 39304477.

Hoerner E, Stundner O, Seisl A, Fiegl H, Gasteiger L.

Crystallization of mixtures of local anesthetics with and without select adjuvants: a semiquantitative light microscopy analysis.

Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2025 Jan 7;50(1):59-64. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2023-105229. PMID: 38443138.

Hoerner E, Stundner O, Fiegl H, Gasteiger L.

Crystallization of short-acting and intermediate-acting local anesthetics when mixed with adjuvants: a semiquantitative light microscopy analysis.

Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2023 Oct;48(10):508-512. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104398. Epub 2023 Mar 16. PMID: 36928300.

Stundner O, Hoerner E, Zhong H, Poeran J, Liu J, Illescas A, Memtsoudis SG.

Trends of liposomal bupivacaine utilization in major lower extremity total joint arthroplasty in the USA: a population-based study.

Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2024 Feb 5;49(2):139-143. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104784. PMID: 37567594.

Stundner O, Adams MCB, Fronczek J, Kaura V, Li L, Allen ML, Vail EA.

Academic anaesthesiology: a global perspective on training, support, and future development of early career researchers.

Br J Anaesth. 2023 Nov;131(5):871-881. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.07.030. Epub 2023 Sep 7. PMID: 37684165; PMCID: PMC10636519.

Coagulation and Inflammation

Innerhofer N, Rajsic S, Ronzani M, Breitkopf R, Gollmann Tepeköylü C, Velik-Salchner C, Schlosser L, Fries D, Streif W, Schirmer M, Martini J.

Loss or Dilution-A New Diagnostic Method to Assess the Impact of Dilution on Standard Laboratory Parameters.

Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Aug 4;13(15):2596. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13152596. PMID: 37568959; PMCID: PMC10417005.

Schwaiger D, Schausberger L, Treml B, Jadzic D, Innerhofer N, Oberleitner C, Bukumiric Z, Rajsic S.

Association of Activated Clotting Time-Guided Anticoagulation with Complications during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2024 Dec;38(12):3034-3042. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2024.09.003. Epub 2024 Sep 7. PMID: 39353822.

Rajsic S, Schwaiger D, Schausberger L, Breitkopf R, Treml B, Jadzic D, Oberleitner C, Bukumiric Z.

Anticoagulation Monitoring Using Activated Clotting Time in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis of Correlation Coefficients.

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2024 Nov;38(11):2651-2660. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2024.07.048. Epub 2024 Aug 5. PMID: 39214798.

Rajsic S, Breitkopf R, Treml B, Jadzic D, Innerhofer N, Eckhardt C, Oberleitner C, Bukumiric Z.

Association of anti-factor Xa-guided anticoagulation with hemorrhage during ECMO support: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clin Cardiol. 2024 May;47(5):e24273. doi: 10.1002/clc.24273. PMID: 38693831; PMCID: PMC11063723.

Respiratory Pathophysiology and Invasive Ventilation

Abram J, Spraider P, Martini J, Velik-Salchner C, Dejaco H, Augustin F, Putzer G, Hell T, Barnes T, Enk D.

Flow-controlled versus pressure-controlled ventilation in thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation – A randomized controlled trial.

J Clin Anesth. 2025 Feb 27;103:111785. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2025.111785. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40020438.

Abram J, Spraider P, Wagner J, Putzer G, Ranalter M, Rinner S, Lindner AK, Glodny B, Hell T, Barnes T, Enk D, Martini J.

Individualised flow-controlled ventilation reduces applied mechanical power and improves ventilation efficiency in a porcine intra-abdominal hypertension model.

Intensive Care Med Exp. 2024 Mar 7;12(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s40635-024-00608-9. PMID: 38451347; PMCID: PMC10920549.

Spraider P, Abram J, Martini J, Putzer G, Glodny B, Hell T, Barnes T, Enk D.

Flow-controlled versus pressure-controlled ventilation in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass – A single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

J Clin Anesth. 2023 Dec;91:111279. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2023.111279. Epub 2023 Oct 3. PMID: 37797394.

Abram J, Martini J, Spraider P, Putzer G, Ranalter M, Wagner J, Glodny B, Hell T, Barnes T, Enk D.

Individualised flow-controlled versus pressure-controlled ventilation in a porcine oleic acid-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome model.

Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2023 Jul 1;40(7):511-520. doi: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000001807. Epub 2023 Feb 7. PMID: 36749046; PMCID: PMC10256303.

Abram J, Spraider P, Mathis S, Wagner J, Ranalter M, Putzer G, Glodny B, Hell T, Barnes T, Enk D, Martini J.

Improved ventilation efficiency due to continuous gas flow compared to decelerating gas flow in mechanical ventilation: results of a porcine trial.

Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2023 Jun 1;324(6):L879-L885. doi: 10.1152/ajplung.00235.2022. Epub 2023 May 16. PMID: 37192173.

Transplantation Research

Rajsic S, Treml B, Rugg C, Innerhofer N, Eckhardt C, Breitkopf R.

Organ Utilization From Donors Following Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Systematic Review of Graft and Recipient Outcome.

Transplantation. 2025 Feb 1;109(2):e109-e118. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000005133. Epub 2024 Jul 18. PMID: 39020459.

Breitkopf R, Treml B, Senoner T, Bukumirić Z, Rajsic S.

Invasive Fungal Breakthrough Infections under Targeted Echinocandin Prophylaxis in High-Risk Liver Transplant Recipients.

J Fungi (Basel). 2023 Feb 18;9(2):272. doi: 10.3390/jof9020272. PMID: 36836384; PMCID: PMC9961099.

Rajsic S, Treml B, Innerhofer N, Eckhardt C, Radovanovic Spurnic A, Breitkopf R.

Organ Donation from Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review.

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2024 Jul;38(7):1531-1538. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2024.03.020. Epub 2024 Mar 20. PMID: 38643059.

Mathis S, Weissenbacher A, Putzer G, Gasteiger L, Cardini B, Hell T, Schlosser L, Oberhuber R, Schneeberger S, Martini J.

Interleukin-6 Levels During Normothermic Machine Perfusion Impact Postreperfusion Hemodynamics of Liver Graft Recipients:A Prospective Single-center Observational Study.

Transplantation. 2024 May 1;108(5):1166-1171. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000004852. Epub 2024 Apr 24. PMID: 37967459.

Mathis S, Putzer G, Gasteiger L, Eschertzhuber S, Schneeberger S, Cardini B, Hell T, Martini J.

Normothermic Machine Perfusion Reduces Transfusion Requirements Even After Static Cold Storage: A 1 y Retrospective Single-center Analysis.

Transplant Direct. 2024 May 15;10(6):e1628. doi: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001628. PMID: 38757047; PMCID: PMC11098234.

Berg T, Aehling NF, Bruns T, Welker MW, Weismüller T, Trebicka J, Tacke F, Strnad P, Sterneck M, Settmacher U, Seehofer D, Schott E, Schnitzbauer AA, Schmidt HH, Schlitt HJ, Pratschke J, Pascher A, Neumann U, Manekeller S, Lammert F, Klein I, Kirchner G, Guba M, Glanemann M, Engelmann C, Canbay AE, Braun F, Berg CP, Bechstein WO, Becker T, Trautwein C; Collaborators:.

S2k-Leitlinie Lebertransplantation der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie (DGAV).

Z Gastroenterol. 2024 Sep;62(9):1397-1573. German. doi: 10.1055/a-2255-7246. Epub 2024 Sep 9. PMID: 39250961.

Translational Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research

Cicatiello C, Gowers SAN, Smith GK, Pinggera D, Orlob S, Wallner B, Schiefecker A, Moser N, Georgiou P, Helbok R, Martini J, Putzer G, Boutelle MG.

The Neurochemical Signature of Cardiac Arrest: A Multianalyte Online Microdialysis Study.

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2025 Mar 18. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00777. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40100970.

Martini J, Putzer G, Gasteiger L.

The importance of reliable blood pressure monitoring in LVAD patients undergoing non cardiac surgery.

J Clin Anesth. 2025 Jan;100:111594. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2024.111594. Epub 2024 Sep 4. PMID: 39232858.

Wagner J, Mathis S, Spraider P, Abram J, Baldauf S, Pinggera D, Bauer M, Hell T, Tscholl P, Glodny B, Helbok R, Mair P, Martini J, Putzer G.

The effects of bolus compared to continuous administration of adrenaline on cerebral oxygenation during experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Resusc Plus. 2024 Aug 5;19:100738. doi: 10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100738. PMID: 39185284; PMCID: PMC11343046.

Rajsic S, Tauber H, Breitkopf R, Velik Salchner C, Mayer F, Oezpeker UC, Treml B.

Mortality Predictors and Neurological Outcomes Following Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (eCPR): A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

J Cardiovasc Dev Dis. 2024 Sep 2;11(9):272. doi: 10.3390/jcdd11090272. PMID: 39330330; PMCID: PMC11432051.

Treml B, Eckhardt C, Oberleitner C, Ploner T, Rugg C, Radovanovic Spurnic A, Rajsic S.

Lebensqualität nach innerklinischem Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand : 11-Jahres-Ergebnisse einer Universitätsklinik [Quality of life after in-hospital cardiac arrest : An 11-year experience from an university center].

Anaesthesiologie. 2024 Jul;73(7):454-461. German. doi: 10.1007/s00101-024-01423-3. Epub 2024 May 31. PMID: 38819460; PMCID: PMC11222208.

Rajsic S, Breitkopf R, Kojic D, Bukumiric Z, Treml B.

Extracorporeal Life Support for Patients With Newly Diagnosed HIV and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Individual Patient Data.

ASAIO J. 2023 Dec 1;69(12):e513-e519. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000002047. Epub 2023 Sep 22. PMID: 37738393.

Ethics

Lenhart A, Weixler D, Schaden E, Fruhwald S, Friesenecker B.

Assistierter Suizid ist noch keine „area of interest“ für Ärzt:innen.

Anästhesie Nachr 6 (Suppl 1), 1–14 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44179-024-00203-z

Friesenecker B, Roden C, Valentin A, Fruhwald S, Dier H, Weixler D, Birklbauer A.

Amendment zum Abschnitt „Totenbeschau nach AS“.

Anästhesie Nachr (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44179-024-00267-x

Schaden E, Dier H, Weixler D, Hasibeder W, Lenhart-Orator A, Roden C, Fruhwald S, Friesenecker B.

ARGE Ethik in Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin der ÖGARI. Comfort Terminal Care auf der Intensivstation: Empfehlungen für die Praxis [Comfort Terminal Care in the intensive care unit: recommendations for practice].

Anaesthesiologie. 2024 Mar;73(3):177-185. German. doi: 10.1007/s00101-024-01382-9. Epub 2024 Feb 5. PMID: 38315182; PMCID: PMC10920446.

Medicus E, Valentin A, Birklbauer A, Fruhwald S, Trimmel H, Friesenecker B.

Sind Sanitäter:innen zur kardiopulmonalen Reanimation gegen den Willen von Patient:innen verpflichtet?.

Anästhesie Nachr 6, 158–160 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44179-024-00208-8

Friesenecker B, Gasser G, Fruhwald S, Hasibeder W, Dier H, Valentin A.

Reflexion zur Gerechtigkeit bei Therapieentscheidungen.

Anästhesie Nachr (2024). Angenommen:16.10.2024 https://doi.org/10.1007/s44179-024-00265-z 

Patents:

Pathophysiology of Oxygen Transport

EP 4237825 A1

US 20230408474 A1

Anaesthesia and Neurocognition

• ÖGARI Forschungsförderung (2024): 1500 Euro
• TUBA Forschungsförderung (2024): 4600 Euro

Pathophysiology of Oxygen Transport

• Medizinischer Forschungsfonds Tirol
• ÖGARI Forschungsförderung für 2 der angeführten Projekte

Regional Anaesthesia and Outcomes Research

• Stundner/Gasteiger/Gasteiger: Dr. Gottfried und Dr. Vera-Weiss-Preis 2024 (FWF-Einzelprojekt), EUR 32.264,32; Austrian Science Fund, Vienna, Austria

Anaesthesia and Neurocognition

• Christian Reiterer, Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Andreas Ranft, Gerhard Schneider and Matthias Kreutzer, Anaesthesia and Critical Care, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
• Gabriel Bsteh, Neurology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Gynaecology and Obstetrics

• Stanford University, Stanford, United States of America
• University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
• University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Pathophysiology of Oxygen Transport

• Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
• Department of Anaesthesiology, Klinikum Wels – Grieskirchen, Wels, Austria
• Department of Sports Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
• Wolfgang Schobersberger und Tobias Dünnwald, UMIT TIROL, Hall in Tirol, Austria
• Hannes Gatterer und Giacomo Strapazzon, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy

Regional Anaesthesia

• Matthias Rainer, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Innsbruck Austria
• Peter Marhofer, Anaesthesiology, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Philipp Lirk, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
• Markus Hollmann, Department of Anesthesiology, Academic Medical Centres, Division Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Stavros Memtsoudis, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States of America

Coagulation and Inflammation

• Central Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
• Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
• Institute for cardiovascular diseases Dedinje, Belgrade, Serbia

Respiratory Pathophysiology and Invasive Ventilation

• Dietmar Enk, P, MD, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
• Tom Barnes, MSc, PhD, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
• Markus Hollmann, Department of Anaesthesiology, Academic Medical Centres, Division Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Marcus Schultz, Department of Intensive Care and Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
• Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
• Department of Anaesthesia, General Intensive Care and Pain Management, Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Transplantation Research

• Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
• Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
• PD Dr. Christoph Dorn, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Translational Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research

• Sally Gowers and Martyn Boutelle, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
• Raimund Helbok, Department of Neurology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria.
• Simon Orlob, Institute for Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
• Roman Schniepp, Department of Neurology, LMU Hospital, Munich, Germany
• Roman Schniepp, Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement (INM), LMU Hosptial, Munich, Germany
• Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

Ethics

• Josef Quitterer, Institute for Christian Philosophy, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria