Innovative and gentle procedures in modern heart surgery
Modern cardiac surgery offers a wide range of innovative and minimally invasive techniques that maximize patient safety and recovery.
The range of services provided by Prof. Rieß includes highly specialized procedures performed with decades of experience, utmost precision, and the latest medical technologies at the Albertinen Heart and Vascular Center:
Fully arterial coronary surgery using both internal thoracic arteries
A particular focus is placed on fully arterial coronary surgery using both internal thoracic arteries. In over 99% of patients, this procedure ensures optimal blood flow to the heart. In addition, Prof. Rieß offers a minimally invasive surgical method without a heart-lung machine on the beating heart. This so-called “aortic non-touch technique” is used in 93% of patients and significantly reduces the risk of complications such as strokes or neurological impairments.
Treatment of aortic valve diseases
For diseases of the aortic valve, either a valve replacement or reconstructive surgery may be used. Procedures such as the David operation, which reconstructs the aortic valve while preserving the patient’s own valve, help improve long-term outcomes. A minimally invasive valve replacement via partial upper sternotomy can also be performed, leading to faster recovery and reduced postoperative pain.
Reconstruction and replacement of the mitral and tricuspid valves
For surgical treatment of mitral and tricuspid valve diseases, Prof. Rieß prefers reconstructive techniques to best preserve the natural function of the valves. If replacement is necessary, state-of-the-art prosthetic valves are used to ensure optimal functionality.
Surgical treatment of complex heart conditions
In addition to standard cardiac procedures, Prof. Rieß offers specialized treatments for rarer conditions:
- Cardiac tumors: Surgical removal of benign and malignant tumors.
- Congenital heart defects in adults: Correction of structural heart defects that can cause problems even in adulthood.
- Pulmonary embolism: Surgical removal of blood clots from the pulmonary artery to restore blood flow to the lungs.
- Heart surgery in patients with bleeding disorders: Use of individually tailored procedures to minimize the risk of bleeding.
Treatment of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation can be treated during other cardiac surgical procedures using radiofrequency or cryoablation. These methods help restore normal heart rhythm and reduce the risk of stroke.
Cardiac surgery without blood transfusions
For patients who prefer or require surgery without blood transfusions, modern blood-sparing techniques are used:
- Hemodilution to reduce blood loss.
- Modern monitoring of heparin anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass, followed by protamine titration.
- Use of a cell saver to collect, process, and return lost blood to the patient during surgery.
With these advanced methods, Prof. Rieß provides first-class, safe, and gentle cardiac surgical care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
For more information, please visit: www.professor-riess.de
