Progress of IntelliLung project showcased at Euroanaesthesia Congress 2025

During two sessions at the Euroanaesthesia Congress 2025 in Lisbon, one of the world’s leading congresses in anaesthesiology and intensive care, Dr. Jakob Wittenstein, Dr. Martin Scharffenberg and Raphael Theilen presented insights and progress of the EU Horizon funded project IntelliLung.

Smart decisions at the bedside

The session “Making smart decisions at the bedside: AI meets intensive care”, was organized by the ESAIC Research Committee to spotlight European research that bridges innovation and clinical practice, showcasing its potential to transform clinical practice and healthcare. Dr. Wittenstein’s IntelliLung presentation showed key findings from an international survey on users’ perspectives regarding AI-based decision support systems for anaesthesia and intensive care. He also presented first results of the retrospective multicenter study on the IntelliLung system, which is designed to guide invasive mechanical ventilation. Dr. Wittenstein also shared insights from developing this AI-based decision support system as a medical device.

Lung-protective mechanical ventilation

The session, chaired by Jakob Wittenstein and titled “Latest concepts and clinical relevance of lung-protective mechanical ventilation – From bench to bedside” brought together Lorenzo Ball, Julia Abram and Martin Scharffenberg to discuss clinically relevant aspects of protective mechanical ventilation. Based on the latest translational evidence from bench to bedside the speakers discussed findings from experimental research that will be investigated further in the peri-operative and intensive care settings. The session covered advanced modes of mechanical ventilation as well as risk factors and mechanisms associated with ventilator-associated lung injury.

Poster presentation about ESAIC international survey

Raphael Theilen presented a poster on an international survey that explored the perceptions of AI among anaesthesia and intensive care professionals. The survey revealed a high level of awareness and interest in AI tools, particularly among younger and less experienced practitioners. These professionals viewed AI as a valuable asset for improving decision-making, preventing complications, and reducing workload. However, despite the overall optimism, concerns about explainability, overreliance, and ethical or legal issues were expressed – particularly by experienced and female professionals. These concerns highlight the need for tailored education, rigorous validation, and clear regulatory frameworks to support the adoption of AI in clinical practice.

ESAIC: IntelliLung partner

The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) is one of the IntelliLung project partners. Through this annual conference, ESAIC provides a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration among anaesthesiologists, intensivists, researchers, and healthcare professionals worldwide. By involving key stakeholders, EU-funded projects and global experts, the ESAIC engages a wide audience and supports the dissemination of the latest research findings and innovations in anaesthesia and intensive care.