Breakthrough Cold Plasma Therapy Wins Young Investigator Award for Vienna Physician
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A novel treatment utilizing cold atmospheric plasma shows significant promise in combating infections associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), earning Dr. Hebe Al Asadi a prestigious award.
Vienna, Austria – Dr. hebe Al Asadi, an assistant physician at the University Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Aortic Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, has been honored with the Helmut Reul Young Investigator Award at the recent meeting of the International Society of Mechanical Circulatory Support (ISMCS) held on December 16, 2025. The award recognizes her groundbreaking research into a new approach for treating a common and hazardous complication faced by patients reliant on mechanical heart support.
Addressing a Critical Challenge in Mechanical Circulatory Support
Dr. Al Asadi received the award for her work, titled “Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment in LVAD-Associated Driveline infections: A New Frontier in Care,” and co-authored by C. Marko, M. socha,DV Cioffi,R. Moayedifar, J. Riebandt, D. Zimpfer, and T. Schlöglhofer. LVADs, mechanical pumps used to support failing hearts, are frequently enough life-saving, but patients are frequently plagued by infections at the point where the deviceS cable exits the body – known as the driveline. These infections can lead to prolonged hospitalizations and serious health risks.
“This research demonstrates that incorporating cold plasma therapy alongside standard treatment protocols for driveline infections results in a considerably improved wound healing rate and a notable decrease in hospital readmissions due to these infections,” according to findings presented at the ISMCS conference. The innovative approach offers a potential solution to a persistent problem in the field of mechanical circulatory support.
Honoring a Pioneer in Cardiac Support
The Helmut Reul Young Investigator Award is presented annually by the ISMCS to recognize outstanding contributions from young researchers. It is indeed named in memory of Helmut Reul, a visionary who died in 2004 and was a pioneer in the development of mechanical cardiac support systems and cardiovascular prostheses. The ISMCS conference itself is a leading international forum for experts in the field, fostering collaboration and the exchange of cutting-edge research.
A Rising Star in applied Medical Science
Dr. Al Asadi,who completed her medical studies at the Medical University of Vienna in July 2025,has quickly established herself as a promising researcher. While still a student, she actively participated in scientific work within the artificial heart team at the University Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Aortic Surgery. Currently, she balances her clinical duties with doctoral studies in Applied Medical Science at the same institution.
Her ongoing research focuses on identifying key factors that influence the outcomes and prognosis of patients receiving mechanical circulatory support. this dedication to understanding and improving the lives of these patients positions Dr. Al Asadi as a leader in the next generation of cardiac specialists.
The development of effective
Why: Patients with LVADs frequently develop infections at the driveline (where the device connects to the body). These infections lead to hospitalizations and health risks.
Who: Dr. Hebe Al Asadi, an assistant physician at the medical University of Vienna, received the Helmut Reul Young Investigator Award for her research. Her co-authors include C. Marko, M. Socha, DV Cioffi, R. Moayedifar, J.Riebandt, D. Zimpfer
