Persons involved in the project:

Neuroradiology/Interventionalists:

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elke R. Gizewski, Director

Assoz.-Prof. PD Dr. Astrid E. Grams, Senior consultant

Dr. Florian Dazinger, Senior consultant

Dr. Tanja Djurdjevic, Senior consultant

Dr. Karin Gindlhuber, Senior consultant

Assoz.-Prof. PD Dr. Bernhard Glodny, Senior consultant

Neurology:

Ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Kiechl, Senior consultant

Assoz.-Prof. PD Dr. Michael Knoflach, Senior consultant

Ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johann Willeit, Senior consultant

Description of the institution:

Acute stroke therapy and stroke prevention are dedicated clinical priorities at the Department of Neurology in Innsbruck, which serves as the coordination center in the Tyrol-wide integrative stroke network and academic referral center for the Tyrol and the neighboring provinces. Core structures are the supra-regional academic stroke unit, stroke ward, neurological critical care facilities, ultrasound laboratory, post-stroke outpatient service, neurological rehabilitation facilities for in- and outpatients, and the stroke emergency room with dedicated personnel. The Neurologists coordinate the position paper of the Austrian Stroke Society and contribute to national/international stroke guidelines (DGN/ÖGN guidelines, DGN S3 guidelines).

The Department of Neuroradiology was established in Innsbruck 2012. Since this time a 24/7 on call team of specialized interventionalists is available for all kind of neurointervention (e.g. stroke, aneurysm, avm). The department is equipped with modern CT/MR systems and biplane angio suite with radiographer and nurse also 24/7. The Department of Neuroradiology also carries out clinical studies addressing neurovascular disease. One focus of research is clinically related imaging and intervention studies (including multicenter studies, e.g. SITS open, ACTS II).

At the level of the Medical University Innsbruck, there are extensive collaborations with established clinical pathways involving the following disciplines: neuroradiology, neurosurgery, cardiology, internal medicine, vascular surgery, pediatrics, anesthesiology, and cardiac surgery. This group has established a broad palette of SOPs (exemplary topics: thrombolysis, intra-arterial recanalization, dysphagia screening, discharge management, nursing standards) part of which are endorsed for a nation-wide application by the Austrian stroke Society. The actual rates of fibrinolysis and number of stroke-specific interventions are as following: i.v. thrombolysis rate ~30% (> 150/a) for all ischemic stroke patients admitted to Innsbruck University Hospital; thrombectomy ~80/a (with increasing rate within the last year), carotid surgery or stent (including intracranial stents) ~170/a. The University Hospital is the only thrombectomy centre for Tyrol and Vorarlberg (inhabitants: 826.000 /389.000, Tourism: over night stays Tyrol: 46 Mio/y). About 60% are direct stroke admissions; others come as transfer by ambulance or helicopter.

The Medical University Innsbruck is national Coordinator for Austria in the TENSION Clinical Trial.