Dr. Štraus born on December 22, 1963 in Sarajevo. Graduated in 1989 at Medical Faculty University of Sarajevo, and passed the specialist exam in Anesthesiology with Resuscitation on July 15, 1999.
Completed the subspecialty exam in Intensive Care Medicine on May 21, 2013. Master's degree in March 2005, and PhD in 2021 from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sarajevo.
At the Department of Surgery of the Faculty of Medicine in Sarajevo, elected professor in 2023.
Participated in numerous education programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, neighboring countries, and abroad, participant in three international projects led by the European Society of Anesthesiologists.
Head of Clinic of Anesthesiology, resustitation and intensive care medicine, Clinical center University of Sarajevo.
EDUCATION
University of Sarajevo
Clinical Center University of Sarajevo
Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Critical Care, Research & Experimental Medicine
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Surgery, Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
Justification of Screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease in the Elderly Population Through Clinical and Financial Cost-benefit Analysis Muhamed Djedovic, Bedrudin Banjanovic, Amel Hadzimehmedagic, Ilirijana Karabdic, Tarik Selimovic, et al. Acta Informatica Medica, 2025 Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic condition of reduced blood flow through the arteries. Early detection and prevention of PAD, especially in at-risk populations, is crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the clinical feasibility of vascular ultrasound screening for early detection of PAD, as well as potential financial savings through preventive measures. Methods: The study was conducted as a prospectively designed cross-sectional study with retrospective sample analysis, in which the sample consisted of 826 patients over 60 years of age, of both sexes, divided into two groups, conducted from January 2023 to May 2024. Results: The study included 826 patients aged 60 and over, divided into two groups after ultrasound examination of the arteries (Group A with atherosclerosis /63.8%/; Group B - without atherosclerosis /36.2%/). The average age was 65.44±5.9 years, 60-65 years was 64.3%, and over 65 years was 35.7%. A statistically significant difference was recorded between the analyzed groups in terms of comorbidities and risk factors. We found that age, gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking and chronic obstructive disease have a significant relationship with the degree of atherosclerosis. Multivariate analysis showed that the age of the subjects, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and smoking are significant predictors of atherosclerosis. The prevalence for hemodynamically significant stenosis of ACI/ACC was 5.0%, for peripheral arteries 4.2%, the prevalence of aneurysm abdominal aorta (>3 cm) was 2.3%, and 0.5% for diameter >5 cm. Conclusion: The results show the high efficiency of ultrasound diagnostics in identifying asymptomatic patients with advanced atherosclerosis, emphasizing the need for better organization of preventive programs, which could lead to potential savings in healthcare costs through earlier detection and treatment.
Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MICS CABG) in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a single centre, single surgeon cohort experience Nermir Granov, Armin Šljivo, Ermina Mujičić, Damir Rebić, Alen Džubur, et al. Medicinski Glasnik, 2023 <p><strong>Aim <br /></strong>This is the first research in Bosnia and Herzegovina presenting minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery<br />(MICS CABG) experience, advantages, and outcomes as compared to conventional surgery (OPEN CABG).<br /><strong>Methods</strong> <br />This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2019 and November 2022 and included patients<br />with indication for surgical revascularization.<br /><strong>Results</strong> <br />Among 237 patients, males predominated, 182 (76.7%), with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.4±3.9, median The Society of Thoracic Surgery Risk (STS) score of 1.55 (0.8, 4.0), short term STS score of 11.2 (6.8, 23.7), mean age of 64.8±8.7 (ranging 41-83) years, 122 (51.4%) underwent OPEN CABG and 115 (48.6%) MICS CABG. MICS CABG took less time (p<0.001; OPEN 3.5±0.8h; MICS 2.8±0.8h) and needed less mechanical ventilation (p<0.001, OPEN 17.3±11.9h; MICS 13.0±12.5h) than OPEN CABG. Even though there was no difference in hospitalization length between groups (OPEN (7.5±3.2), MICS (7.1±4.0)), patients receiving MICS (2.9±1.5) spent less time in the ICU (p=0.0013) than OPEN CABG (3.6±2.8). OPEN CABG used also more blood derivatives, red blood cells (OPEN 292 vs MICS 55), plasma (OPEN 270 vs MICS 86) and platelets (OPEN 71 vs MICS 28).<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong> <br />Patients undergoing MICS CABG in Bosnia and Herzegovina had less mechanical ventilation hours and less ICU duration compared to OPEN CABG even though the hospitalization duration was very similar. MICS CABG takes less time to be conducted, has fewer CPRs postoperatively, uses less blood derivatives including red blood cells, plasma and platelets.</p>
Minimally invasive mini-thoracotomy access as a surgical method in state-of-the-art treatment of single-vessel coronary heart disease Edin Kabil, Nermir Granov, Ilirijana Haxibeqiri-Karabdić, Sanja Grabovica, Ermina Mujičić, et al. Medicinski Glasnik, 2023 <p><strong>Aim <br /></strong>To compare outcomes of two different surgical techniques of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for treating isolated left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery disease by full median sternotomy technique vs. minimally invasive approach via left anterior mini-thoracotomy.<br /><strong>Methods</strong> <br />This retrospective, observational study, which included 61 elective patients, was conducted at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery of the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo in the period from June 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided in two groups according to the operative technique used, the sternotomy CABG group of 30 patients where the access considered full median sternotomy, and the minimally invasive CABG group where left anterior mini-thoracotomy was performed. The groups were compared by previously defined primary and secondary clinical postoperative outcomes.<br /><strong>Results</strong> <br />Out of 61 patients, the majority was males, 50 (82%). The analysis of the outcomes of the minimally invasive CABG surgery showed significantly shorter operative times (p=0.001), less postoperative drainage (p=0.001) and transfusion requirements, shorter mechanical ventilation duration (p=0.0001), low major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events rates, as well as shorter Intensive Care Unit stay days with mean of 3.3±1.442 days (p=0.025), but no total hospital stay days with mean of 6.7±1.832 days (p=0.075) compared to sternotomy CABG group.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong> <br />Minimally invasive approach for CABG surgery in treating isolated single vessel LAD disease, together with the fasttrack protocol, offers a reasonable alternative to full median sternotomy, leading to faster patients’ overall recovery and improving the quality of life. </p>
How Important Impact of Low Level of Hematocrit Can Be on Outcome in Patients Undergoing Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? Slavenka Straus, Ilirijana Karabdic, Sanja Grabovica, Amel Hadzimehmedagic, Muhamed Djedovic, et al. Acta Informatica Medica, 2023 Background: Cardiosurgical patients can be often anemic, and preoperative anaemia is associated with increased postoperative complications, as well as morbidity and mortality. Objective: The present study was conducted aiming to determine the influence of lower preoperative hematocrit values on the early postoperative recovery of patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). Methods: Our retrospective study included 150 patients who underwent elective OPCABG surgery from September 2021 to December 2022 at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery University of Sarajevo. Patients were divided into two groups, anemic and non-anemic, with anemia defined as hemoglobin level <130g/l males and <120g/l females. Study observed comorbidities and early postoperative data. Results: Overall prevalence of anemia in OPCABG patients was 36,6%, more frequent among older patients. Comorbidities as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, ejection fraction was quite similar in both groups, but body mass index was significantly higher in the group of patients with anemia (29.9% vs 28.4%). In early recovery period, vasopressors were more used in patients with anemia (63.6% vs 42.1%) and their doses were higher. Total drainage was higher in patients with anemia (744.45±45.72 ml vs 681.58±349.06 ml). Number of transfusions was higher in the group of patients with anemia: red blood cells (0.89±1.29 vs 0.29±0.84; p<0,05), fresh frozen plasma (0.65±1.13 vs 0.41±1.15; p<0,05) and platelets (0.11±0.57 vs 0,07±0.42; p>0,05). Duration of mechanical ventilation was longer in patients with anemia compared to non-anemic patients (623-91±259.83 minutes vs 469±191.13 minutes). Atrial fibrillation occurred more often in patients with anemia (12.7 vs 7.4%). Length of stay in the intensive care unit was without significant difference. Conclusion: Based on our findings, patients who underwent elective OPCABG with lower than normal hematocrit, needed more blood and blood products, more vasopressor drugs in higher doses, longer mechanical ventilation, all which can prolong the patient’s recovery and increase the cost of treatment.
Off pump Versus On pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Short-term Outcomes Ilirijana Karabdic, Slavenka Strauss, Nermir Granov, Amel Hadzimehmedagic, Edin Kabil, et al. Acta Informatica Medica, 2023 Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major public health issue and a leading cause of death globally. It is one of the most common indications for surgical intervention. There are a lot of different techniques, including CABG, which consists of two approaches: sternotomy and mini-thoracotomy. Different techniques have been developed to improve surgical outcomes, including the use of machine for extracorporal circulation (on-pump) or without it (off-pump). Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether off-pump CABG offers superior short-term outcomes compared to traditional on-pump CABG in patients undergoing isolated CABG.. Methods: In period between 2022 – 2023, we performed CABG operation in 80 patients. CABG was performed either on- pump or off-pump. Results: The results have shown advantages and disadvantages of one or another type of CABG. We were comparing the duration of surgical procedure, time on mechanical ventilation, drainage volume, neurological incidents, time to discharge, indication for repeat revascularization and mortality between two groups. Conclusion: The choice of surgical technique should be based on individual patient factors, including comorbidities and surgical risks. It is important to say that OPCABG is more challenging than ONCABG, and it is very important that OPCABG is done by skilled, experienced and confident surgeon, which contributes to better outcome and survival.
Psychosocial influence of COVID-19 on healthcare workers Aleksandra Pašić, Slavenka Štraus, Emina Smajić, Ermin Begović, Ilirijana Haxhibeqiri-Karabdić, et al. Medicinski Glasnik, 2022 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;To assess a psychosocial impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on health care workers and to quantify the size of depression symptoms, anxiety and stress levels.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;This cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey questionnaire as a research instrument and it included 114&lt;br /&gt;health workers of all profiles from the Sarajevo Canton employed in private and public institutions. The research was voluntary, non-commercial and all participants provided an oral informed consent. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire was used for assessing emotional status of depression, anxiety and stress.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;The mean age of participants was 40.5&amp;plusmn;8.44 years with male:female ratio of 0.28. Prevalence of depression was 46.5%,&lt;br /&gt;anxiety61.4%, and 36.9% stress. Age and gender had no effect on emotional status, but it was revealed that women achieved higher depression, anxiety and stress scores than men (without statistical significance). The most notable effect on the emotional state was found for direct or indirect contact with COVID-19 patients. Medical workers in direct contact with COVID-19 patients achieved greater depression (p=0.005), anxiety (p=0.001), stress (p=0.030)&lt;br /&gt;and total DASS-21 (p=0.003) scores.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;High prevalence of health workers affected by various psychological ailments during the COVID-19 pandemic was found. This evidence underscores the need to address adverse effects of the pandemic on mental health of health care workers.&lt;/p&gt;
Deep Sternal Wound Infection After Open-heart Cardiac Surgery and Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy: a Single-center Study Bedrudin Banjanovic, Ilirijana Karabdic, Slavenka Straus, Behija Berberovic, Muhamed Djedovic, et al. Medical Archives, 2022 Background: Despite many advances in the prevention, of sternal wound infection, especially deep ones, cardiac surgery with median sternotomy, still presents a significant postoperative complication. Numerous operative and non-operative procedures should be used in treatment, there is a prolonged hospital stay and increased hospital costs treating this postoperative complication. Objective: The present study was conducted aiming to determine the incidences, and risk factors, identify microbiology findings, and antibiotic therapy among patients with DSWI who underwent cardiac surgery with median sternotomy at our Clinic and VAC treatment. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery at University Clinical Center Sarajevo from November 2015 to November 2020. The data were obtained from 15 patients with deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) following open-heart surgery. The inclusion criteria were DSWI after cardiac operation via median sternotomy, and complete results of microbiological findings obtained by sternal swab. The exclusion criteria were patients with incomplete clinical data. Results: We found that 9 (60%) patients were males and 6 (40%) were females. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation had 11 (73,3%) patients, CABG with aortic valve replacement 2 (13,3%), valve replacement surgery operations (13,3%). The average age was 66 years. All patients were elective surgery patients. STS score in the Non-VAC group was 22.6, in the VAC group 16.6, and the average was 14.9. The number of patients with DSWI represents 1% of all sternotomy patients in the observed period. Two risk factors for DSWI had 37% of patients, 25% of them were diabetic, and 3 (9%) were overweight. Enterococcus faecalis was isolated predominantly in 6 (27%) patients, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia 3 (13%), Proteus mirabilis 2 (9%), and Serratia Maecenas 2 (9%). The mortality rate was 33.3% (5 of 15). Conclusion: The results of our study present our experience with DSWI treatment after open-heart surgery. What comes from our experience so far, is that is very important to determine patients who are at risk of developing DSWI after cardiac surgeries to lower its incidence.
Application of EuroSCORE in "Heart center Sarajevo". Ermina Mujičić, Mario Ivanuša, Edin Omerbašić, Slavenka Štraus, Omer Perva, et al. Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences Udruzenje Basicnih Mediciniskih Znanosti Association of Basic Medical Sciences, 2007
Antegrade warm blood cardioplegia compared to crystalloid cardioplegia in myocardial protection Medicinski Arhiv, 2006
To what extent does Trasylol decrease the need for blood and blood derivatives in postoperative acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced hemorrhage in CABG surgery? Medicinski Arhiv, 2003
