Professor André van Zundert

about Professor André

A Distinguished Anaesthesiologist and Academic Leader

Professor André van Zundert is an internationally recognised Belgian-born anaesthesiologist and educator whose career spans more than four decades. His work has shaped modern obstetric anaesthesia, regional techniques, airway management, and the scientific understanding of general anaesthesia. Throughout his appointments in Europe and Australia, he contributed to advancing patient safety, clinical training, and perioperative research while leading major academic departments and international organisations.
He has authored hundreds of scientific publications, contributed to influential textbooks, and delivered invited lectures around the world. His research includes landmark studies in regional anaesthesia and innovations in airway management one of which was featured on the cover of the British Journal of Anaesthesia, reflecting its impact within the field.
Although now retired from clinical duties, Professor van Zundert continues to be recognised for the legacy of his teaching, mentorship, and contributions to anaesthesia practice worldwide.

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1978

Completed Medical Degree (MD, Surgery & Obstetrics)

Graduated cum laude from the University of Leuven, Belgium.

1985

Awarded PhD in Medicine

Completed doctoral research at the University of Leyden, The Netherlands.

1989–2000

Secretary-General, ESRA

Began long-term leadership role in the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy.

1995–2013

Director of Anaesthesia Training, Catharina Hospital (Eindhoven)

Oversaw anaesthesia education and clinical training for nearly two decades.

1997

Co-described Combined Spinal–Epidural Technique

This contribution later became a widely adopted method in regional anaesthesia.

2000–2003

President, ESRA

Continued international leadership in regional anaesthesia.

REPERTOIRE

PROFESSOR ANDRÉ VAN ZUNDERT HAS AUTHORED MORE THAN 520 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

Recognition for Contributions to Anaesthesia

Honoured with the Royal Order of the Crown (Belgium)

Presentation of Academic and Professional Distinctions

PUBLICATIONS

Professor André van Zundert’s writings

1997​

Combined Spinal–Epidural Technique

A foundational paper co-authored with Narinder Rawal describing the combined spinal–epidural (CSE) method, which later became a widely adopted regional anaesthesia technique.

2000​

Pain Relief and Anaesthesia in Obstetrics

A major contribution to obstetric anaesthesia, covering advances in labour analgesia and maternal safety.

2005​

Atlas of Functional Anatomy for Regional Anesthesia

A landmark educational resource that visually mapped nerve block anatomy; now downloaded more than 450,000 times worldwide.

2010​

Downfolding of the Epiglottis During Intubation

A key paper on airway safety, identifying mechanisms of epiglottic obstruction during laryngoscopy.

2016

Malpositioning of Supraglottic Airway Devices

A highly influential airway management article, featured on the cover of the British Journal of Anaesthesia for its clinical significance.