Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's health resorts offer cardiovascular patients optimal conditions to support preventive as well as rehabilitative measures. The mild stimulating climate of the Baltic Sea with its natural healing factors, such as the high air purity, a low pollen load, seawater aerosols and cold stimuli, contributes to the relief of the cardiovascular system. In addition, Kneipp treatments, Thalasso or climate therapy provide mental balance and general well-being, which also have a positive effect on the healing process of cardiovascular diseases.
Heart center with an international reputation
The Klinikum Karlsburg is an internationally renowned heart and diabetes center and offers its patients innovative, cutting-edge medicine in the entire field of cardiovascular care (cardiology, angiology, cardiac and vascular surgery). Located not far from the Hanseatic city of Greifswald, the Karlsburg Clinic is one of the most experienced centers in Germany for the implantation of aortic valves using catheter procedures (TAVI). The clinic is also a pioneer in gentle catheter procedures for mitral valves. For this reason, the German Society of Cardiology - Cardiovascular Research certified the Karlsburg Clinic as a TAVI center in 2016.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Motz, Medical Director of Klinikum Karlsburg, works with a highly specialized team to provide each patient with the best possible treatment. We spoke to him.Karlsburg has been practicing the implantation of aortic valves using catheters since 2009. Around 1300 aortic valve stents have been placed since then. Why is the method so popular?
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Motz: The innovative and gentle procedure opens up a treatment option for very elderly and seriously ill patients in the first place. The minimally invasive procedure via the groin offers a great opportunity to significantly improve the quality of life and performance of elderly heart patients. In Karlsburg, we have the best conditions for this with our modern hybrid operating theatre and highly specialized heart team.
Leakage of the mitral valve - the second most common heart valve defect - is also treated in Karlsburg using a catheter procedure. How does this work?
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Motz: We have been treating mitral valve insufficiency with the so-called MitraClip system since 2011. Only patients for whom conventional surgery is too risky are currently eligible for this procedure. These are patients of advanced age and with significantly impaired pump function. In 97 percent of these patients, we have a significant reduction in leakage after the procedure. And: we can discharge patients home after just three to five days.
Catheter-assisted treatments are becoming more and more common. Heart operations involving opening the chest are becoming less common. How do you see the future?
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Motz: Minimally invasive procedures using catheters are already replacing many surgical interventions. In view of the increasing age of patients, technical progress is a blessing. But younger patients will also benefit more from catheter innovations in the future. I have been observing for a long time how the formerly separate specialties are merging. At the Karlsburg Clinic, surgeons and cardiologists, intensive care physicians and anaesthetists work closely together as the Heart Team.
