Month: August 2025

Intensive training and qualification of young doctors

The Rheumatology Clinic at ,Heart and Brain’ has established itself as a national center for diagnosis and treatment. In just the first seven months of 2025, 843 patients have been treated. Throughout 2024, their number was 1,338, while from the clinic’s opening on September 2 until the end of 2023, 322 patients received care.

“We are increasingly admitting severe and complex cases of lupus, arthritis, and osteoporosis. This is the result of adhering to international standards in rheumatology – high-quality laboratory and diagnostic equipment, a professional treatment approach, and continuous patient follow-up by a highly qualified team,” emphasized Prof. Nikolay Nikolov, Head of the Clinic.

According to the clinic’s analysis, the largest share of cases are inflammatory joint diseases – rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, and myositis. The second largest group includes degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. “Heart and Brain” is equipped with the most advanced DEXA scanner for precise bone density measurement and osteoporosis diagnosis. In third place are connective tissue diseases, often related to autoimmune processes.

Alongside its daily clinical work, the team is actively preparing for the National Rheumatology Congress in October in Plovdiv and the Varna Rheumatology Days in September. Young specialists are working on presentations and posters to showcase innovative approaches and clinical cases.

“All our young doctors regularly participate in international congresses and trainings. Most recently, they attended the World Congress of Rheumatology in Barcelona. They are all certified to work with the capillaroscope and in ultrasound diagnostics of the joints. We also organize frequent microsymposia at the hospital, which enhances motivation and improves the quality of specialized care provided with attention and dedication to our patients,” added Prof. Nikolov.

A team of cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perfusionists underwent specialization at Heidelberg University Hospital, focusing on the surgical treatment of congenital heart defects in children, as well as the specific characteristics of adult patients with congenital defects

Under the guidance of Prof. Tsvetomir Lukanov and his team, Bulgarian surgeons had the opportunity to work side by side with German specialists and discuss the specifics of surgical interventions in children and adults, as well as the postoperative period in young patients, which is just as important as the intervention itself.

“The University Hospital in Heidelberg is a leading European center for pediatric cardiac surgery and anesthesiology, offering a full range of heart surgeries for the treatment of various congenital heart defects, minimally invasive and robot-assisted interventions. World-class cardiac surgery is supported by highly specialized cardiology, anesthesiology, and cardiopulmonary bypass expertise.

The multidisciplinary team develops personalized surgical treatment plans, uses advanced monitoring and modern methods of extracorporeal perfusion, as well as a personalized postoperative pain management plan, which improves safety and recovery. Close cooperation between specialists and ongoing scientific and educational activities ensure high results, short recovery times, and a comprehensive, patient-oriented approach.

Known for its innovative techniques and individual approach to patients, the hospital attracts people from all over Germany and abroad,” says Assoc. Prof. Vladimir Kornovski, head of the cardiac surgery clinic and medical director of Heart and Brain Burgas.

“The cardiac surgery department performs a full range of procedures, from aorto-coronary bypass and valve reconstruction to complex corrections of congenital defects and minimally invasive interventions. The surgeons work in modern operating rooms equipped with the latest imaging diagnostics and robot-assisted systems, ensuring precision and safety at every stage,” adds Dr. Lora Betova, anesthesiologist.

“The cardiac anesthesia team is equally important. Its specialists prepare individual anesthesia plans for each patient, ensuring stable heart function and optimal recovery. Advanced monitoring, transesophageal echocardiography, and targeted postoperative pain management are standard practice, reducing complications and increasing comfort,” says Dr. Betova.

“I met leading specialists in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery and cardiovascular perfusion. Everyone was very responsive in sharing their experience gained over the years. My quick introduction to the job was due to the fact that at Heart and Brain I have experience with the same equipment and European standards of work,” notes cardiac technician Georgi Parrales.

Dr. Sezgin Sule, a cardiac surgeon, sums it up: “The close cooperation between surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists, and nurses allows the Heidelberg hospital to achieve high survival rates and shorter recovery times. Patients receive not only technical excellence, but also a comprehensive approach that focuses on dignity, comfort, and quality of life. This is exactly how we work at Heart and Brain.”

With ongoing research and training programs, Heidelberg University Hospital continues to be a leader in shaping the future of cardiac surgery and anesthesiology—in the heart of Europe.

The full article is available here in Bulgarian.

A team of cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists performed a complex medical procedure to place a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The procedure involves creating a new artificial pathway in the liver that connects one of its main veins (the portal vein) to one of the hepatic veins and is used in patients with liver disease.

What does the procedure involve?

In healthy people, blood from the digestive system flows through the portal vein to the liver to be processed. When the liver is severely damaged, for example by cirrhosis, this blood flow can be impeded. This leads to high blood pressure in the portal vein, a condition known as “portal hypertension.” As a result, the blood seeks alternative routes, which can cause enlarged veins (varices) in the esophagus and stomach, which can easily rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding.

In this method, a small metal tube called a stent is placed through a vein in the neck that reaches the liver and creates a new path for blood flow. This new path bypasses the damaged liver tissue and reduces the pressure in the portal vein.

Why is it important?

TIPS is vital because it can stop or prevent life-threatening bleeding from varices. It also reduces the build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), which is often very painful and difficult to treat. For many patients who cannot undergo liver transplantation, TIPS is the only option for improving quality of life and prolonging life.

The procedure is extremely complex because it is performed under X-ray guidance and requires great precision. Doctors must maneuver through a maze of veins to reach the exact location in the liver without damaging other structures. It is a minimally invasive procedure, but it requires specialized skills and experience.

“Despite the risks involved, as with any complex medical intervention, TIPS is considered one of the most effective treatments for patients with portal hypertension. These highly specialized medical procedures are performed only at “Heart and Brain” and one of the capital’s hospitals,” the specialists said.

The full news article can be found here.