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The Fulda Clinic was the first facility in Hesse to implant a new type of defibrillator system that does not require direct heart contact. The system is intended to protect patients even better in the future.
Fulda – The cardiothoracic center at the Fulda Clinic has once again positioned itself as a pioneer in cardiac medicine. Under the direction of senior physician Dr. Oliver Rode was successfully implanted with a new type of defibrillator system for the third time in the Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. Last December, the clinic was the first facility in all of Hesse to use this modern procedure.
Fulda Hospital establishes a gentle procedure for heart patients
The special thing about the new technology: The probe is placed behind the breastbone; direct contact with the heart is no longer necessary. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, often abbreviated as ICD, is a protective system for people with life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The device immediately detects dangerous cardiac fibrillation and brings the heart back into the correct rhythm using a targeted electrical impulse.
With the ICD, the cables – called probes in technical jargon – are led through the veins directly into the heart. The new technique, however, uses so-called retrosternal placement. In this case, the cable is positioned behind the breastbone in a protected manner, but outside the heart and the large blood vessels. Long-term risks such as inflammation or vascular damage can be significantly reduced.
The new method fits the profile of Fulda cardiac surgery, which has played a pioneering role in minimally invasive surgery for years. The heart clinic is particularly known for the so-called TCRAT method, a highly specialized form of bypass surgery. The procedure is carried out through a very small incision between the ribs without having to open the breastbone.
New technology proves itself in everyday clinical practice
Prof. Dr. Hilmar Dörge, Director of the Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, sees the new method as another milestone: “Our aim is to make cutting-edge medicine as safe and gentle as possible. The successful establishment of retrosternal ICD implantation perfectly complements our many years of experience in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.”
The results so far confirm the reliability of the new procedure. After the first procedure in December, the subsequent operations also went without complications. The youngest patient was able to leave the clinic on the second day after the procedure. The patients also showed no problems during follow-up care. The doctors have made the decision to now include the innovative system in the treatment offering.
Just a few weeks ago The Fulda Clinic also extensively modernized and upgraded its cardiology department with an investment of 5.5 million euros.
