Research where it’s needed most

Each year, around 800,000 people in Austria are injured in accidents. Many of them are treated in AUVA hospitals – the very same places where LBI Trauma conducts its research. This close connection to day-to-day clinical practice means that research is not only carried out for hospitals, but also with them. Thanks to this integration of science and practical healthcare, treatment strategies are developed that respond directly to the real needs of trauma patients.

The “Austrian Way” of coagulopathy management

When severely injured patients are admitted to the hospital, every minute counts – especially when coagulopathy is involved, a common and often fatal complication. Herbert Schöchl established the research group for Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy at LBI Trauma to address this issue.

His team has developed a diagnostic method that is used directly in the shock room. Within minutes, it can determine whether and how well the blood is clotting. Key parameters are analyzed in real time, which allows the medical team to immediately adapt the treatment to each individual patient, for instance, in cases where blood thinners are involved. This approach has gained international recognition as the “Austrian Way”, and for good reason: it has been shown to reduce mortality by up to 10 percent.

A 100-year-old idea that’s more relevant than ever

The concept of individualized therapy is not new. More than a century ago, trauma surgery pioneer Lorenz Böhler called for treatments tailored to the needs of each individual. Today, that vision is alive and well at LBI Trauma. With modern diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and a clear focus on patient-centered care, the institute continues to build on Böhler’s legacy: helping people return to their lives faster and healthier.

Missed the broadcast? The full episode is available in the ORF-Mediathek.
Report: Kevin Ketzerau.