A three-year postdoctoral fellowship funded by the Health South-East Authority is now available at the Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital. Together with the Intervention Center (IVS) at Oslo University Hospital (OUH), we have established an interdisciplinary group investigating hemodynamic effects related to laparoscopic liver resection and radio-frequency ablation of colorectal liver metastases.
The Human integrative cardiovascular control group (CIRCON, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, IMB) has an extensive experience with the use of experimental methods for the study of cardiovascular and cerebral physiology. The CIRCON group will be collaborating with the Intervention Centre (IVS) at OUH, the Neurology Department (OUH) and the Geriatric Department (OUH) for this project.
The successful candidate will be involved in leading at least one project and collaborate is several other studies. This project aims to investigate changes in the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) intraoperatively in patients at risk for cerebral hypoperfusion and cognitive impairment after surgery and anesthesia. Neurocognitive impairment postoperatively is a recognized phenomenon that may persist several months postoperatively. Best Practices consensus papers suggest that baseline cognitive function should be routinely assessed in all older adults before surgery, because identifying the patients at increased risk may facilitate prevention, early diagnosis, and medical decision-making. In Norway, this is not implemented yet.
Cerebral autoregulation, the ability of cerebral vasculature to buffer changes in arterial blood pressure that protects cerebral perfusion from hemodynamic fluctuations, is challenged in disease, surgery and anesthesia. This renders the brain vulnerable to hypoperfusion and adverse cerebrovascular events. This project aims to study the CBF regulation in 1) healthy subjects during experimentally induced hypovolemia and 2) in frail and multimorbid patients undergoing surgery for colorectal liver metastasis under general anesthesia. We will determine the association with intraoperative incidents of cerebral hypoperfusion, lack of cerebral autoregulation and short and long term postoperative cognitive impairment. Brain neuroimaging and quality of life will also be used.
Our long-term goal is that assessment of cerebral autoregulation can be used to individualize hemodynamic treatment to optimize cerebral perfusion in patient populations at risk, such as patients with cerebrovascular disease, cardiorespiratory dysfunction, patients undergoing surgery and intensive care treatment. This can contribute to improved outcomes, reduced hospital stay and cost for the society.
We are looking for a dedicated person who can work both independently as well as in the context of a team.
Other qualifications
Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is essential to perform the tasks required of us. Therefore, we pursue diversity among our job applicants and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.