Vascular Disease treatment in Germany

The physicians at the Vascular Center operated by Paul Gerhardt Diakonie specialize in the treatment of vascular disease. Thanks to the intensive collaboration between experienced angiologists, vascular surgeons and radiologists, all of whom have come together from different vascular centers around the country, the center can offer comprehensive diagnostic facilities and successful therapy. The Vascular Center has been awarded the highest level of certification from Germany’s specialist medical associations and is well-known throughout the country. Each year, we welcome around 200 colleagues as visiting physicians and hold both national and international events geared towards professional development.

The treatment provided by the center covers the full range of vascular conditions such as acute circulatory disorders of the arteries and veins, thromboses and embolisms, circulatory disorders of the cerebral arteries (‘Carotis’), aortic aneurysm, chronic circulatory disorders such as arterial occlusive disease (‘intermittent claudication’), varicose veins, lymphodema and vascular malformation. Our aim is to avoid unnecessary amputation and strokes. Our diagnostic and therapeutic profile also covers microcirculatory disorders such as vasculitis, Raynaud’s disease and diabetes mellitus.
Wherever possible, diagnosis is conducted non-invasively and painlessly using ultrasound and specialized methods of examination (see below). We have been awarded the highest level of certification for the use of ultrasound.

The choice of therapy is always discussed and agreed on by a team made up of specialists from different areas. In all cases, the least invasive approach possible will be adopted, e.g. balloon dilatation or endoscopic aortic surgery. Interdisciplinary collaboration between angiologists, vascular surgeons and radiologists makes it possible to pursue a combination of interventional and vascular surgical methods. The range of treatments available includes combined interventions such as balloon dilatation (PTA) of constricted pelvic vessels by means of plastic surgery to dilate the obstructed femoral artery using the ‘profunda plastic’ technique. The center has considerable experience in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid artery obstruction and circulatory disorders of the legs.

In cases where a larger operation is unavoidable, the center has a modern intensive care unit with a team of anesthetists who are highly experienced in the area of vascular medicine. Our patients can also take advantage of our rehabilitation center, which specializes in vascular disease.

Angiology services

• Color-coded doppler/duplex sonography
• Venous occlusion plethysmography
• Thermoplate testing
• Capillary microscopy
• Transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure measurements
• Oscillography
• Treadmill ergometer
• Conservative treatment, e.g. with infusion treatments 
• Lysis treatment (removal of vascular occlusions)
• Modern wound care

Interventional radiology services

• MRI
• CT
• Angiography
• Percutaneous angioplasty (‘balloon dilation’) for arms, legs and kidney arteries
• Special vessel-opening catheter techniques (‘Rotarex’)
• Stent implantation
• Lysis procedures (removal of vascular occlusions)

Vascular surgery services

• Treatment of carotid artery constrictions by surgery or stent
• Vertebral artery surgery
• Vascular surgery to pelvic vessels
• Treatment of aortic aneurysms by surgery (endoscopic or ‘conventional’) or stent
• Combined (hybrid) interventions on the leg arteries – combination of intervention (stent) + conventional vascular surgery
• Bypass operations on the legs
• Vascular surgery on the arms
• Varicose vein surgery – conventional surgery or laser method / also sclerotherapy by injection or laser