University of Freiburg

Heart Center

Two Departments of Cardiology and Angiology in Freiburg and Bad Krozingen provide the whole spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services of the heart and arterial vessel diseases. The clinic treats heart valve diseases, arrhythmias, aortic diseases and cardiac coagulation problems. Its physicians closely cooperate with specialists from other clinics of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

Doctors and nurses are proficient in the latest medical techniques and have the necessary experience and technical equipment at their disposal to offer each patient individual and comprehensive treatment. They look after and advise patients during the entire treatment process – from admission and diagnosis to therapy and aftercare. As a university institution, the Heart Clinic offers the expertise of our colleagues from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality treatment available.

Besides general invasive and noninvasive cardiological treatment, the main focus of the Heart Center is the treatment of patients suffering from acute heart attacks and chronic coronary heart diseases with catheter technology.

Its team of experts for treating structural and congenital cardiovascular diseases ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment.

Each year, the team of experienced surgeons perform approximately 4,500 surgical procedures on patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. The operative spectrum covers all types of treatment including congenital cardiac surgery (up to 150 operations per year), heart transplantation (15 – 20 transplants per year) and also the implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices (ventricular assist devices).

The clinic is committed to offering each and every patient individual treatment using the gentlest possible methods. For example, employing minimally invasive techniques for conducting cardiac valve operations and endovascular stent-graft implantations in patients with aortic aneurysms. The clinic treats patients on the basis of the latest scientific findings. In addition, they offer high-quality post-operative care at the surgical intensive care units which are staffed by a team of surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, internists, microbiologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and specialists from many other fields.

The team of attentive and helpful doctors and nurses ensure that individual medical care is provided to your child. They offer a comprehensive evaluation and treatment of young patients with a full range of congenital and acquired heart diseases. Broad spectrum of rendered state-of -the-art medical services including invasive and non-invasive procedures distinguish the Heart Clinic from others and allows to act as a reference for other pediatric medical establishments in Germany.

Presently conducted research:

• extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• mechanical circulatory support (ECLS/VAD) in neonatal and pediatric heart patients
• longterm follow-up after single ventricle palliation (Fontan/TCPC)
• cardio-MRI effect and safety of preventive treatment with ACE-inhibitor (Enalapril) and Beta-Blocker (Metoprolol-succinat) on the onset of left ventricular dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophie
• electrocardiography-triggered CT angiography in pediatric patients
• Willebrand-factor function in aortic stenosis
• material matters involving interventional cardiology in patients with congenital heart disease

• Number 1 in Germany
• Germany’s largest cardio center
• Among top five clinics in Germany regarding the number of cardiac valve surgeries performed
• Largest number of catheter procedures in Germany
• Most cases of heart attack treatments in Germany