The dramatic fight for the life of a young patient suffering a massive heart attack ended successfully thanks to the swift response and 24-hour readiness of the cardiology team at “Heart and Brain.” The team saved the life of a 42-year-old man in extremely critical condition, proving once again that in acute cardiovascular emergencies, every second counts.

The man was admitted to the hospital’s emergency department due to sudden chest pain—a classic symptom of myocardial infarction. During the initial examination in the shock room, his condition rapidly deteriorated. The patient’s heart stopped beating rhythmically and entered a life-threatening arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia), leading to clinical death.

The on-duty team, consisting of Dr. Simonov, Dr. Adova, and Dr. Alexandrov, responded immediately and began resuscitation efforts. The doctors fought with all their strength for his life, administering more than 20 electric shocks (defibrillations) to maintain blood circulation and restore cardiac function.

The cause of this instability was a blocked coronary artery. The cardiologists immediately directed the patient to the invasive cardiology (angiography) suite, while resuscitation efforts continued. “It was a race against time. In such a critical condition, the patient’s only chance is to reopen the blocked artery,” the treating team shared.

Under emergency conditions, the invasive cardiologists performed coronary angiography. The specialists identified a complete blockage of a major artery supplying the heart. The team successfully crossed the blockage and performed a successful revascularization (stent placement). The effect was immediate. Even while the patient was still on the table, blood flow was restored, the heart muscle “calmed down,” and the rhythm disturbances disappeared completely.

This case is yet another proof of the crucial role of highly specialized centers in treating heart attacks. The cardiology experts at the clinic emphasize that acute myocardial infarction increasingly affects younger people, and timely, adequate care is the only chance for survival.

The cardiology clinic, led by Assoc. Prof. Hazarbassanov, and the invasive cardiology unit, led by Dr. Iliev, operate continuously (24/7). Perfect coordination between emergency physicians and cardiologists ensures a “green corridor” for patients with chest pain—a system that guarantees the fastest possible response from hospital entry to the procedure room. In the case of the 42-year-old patient, this coordination made the difference between life and death.

The patient has now been discharged in stable condition and is recovering at home.

Hereditary kidney diseases affect between 60 and 80 per 100,000 people in Europe, and their prevalence has increased significantly in recent years. They are among the leading causes of chronic kidney damage in childhood, with a genetic basis identified in 30–50% of cases. Nearly all children who reach end-stage renal disease and require dialysis or transplantation suffer from such inherited conditions, which often affect other organs and systems as well, necessitating a complex approach and substantial treatment resources.

At the Mother and Child Health Clinic “Mama and I”, the only one of its kind in Bulgaria, a multidisciplinary team of nephrologists and geneticists applies internationally established methods for the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary nephropathies.

Specialists from the Medical Genetics Laboratory, together with pediatric nephrologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Gaydarova, use modern diagnostic algorithms on a daily basis to identify congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract. Thanks to this approach, the team successfully identified the genetic cause of polycystic kidney disease in a child treated at Mama and I, detecting pathogenic variants in PKD1 and PKHD1. Another case revealed a family with a COL4A3 mutation associated with Alport syndrome, a multisystem hereditary disorder with characteristic renal involvement.

“Clinical geneticists face daily challenges in interpreting genetic findings, and an accurate diagnosis is crucial for clinical and reproductive management—both for the patient and the entire family,” emphasizes Dr. Petya Angelova from the Medical Genetics Laboratory. “The highest success rates are achieved through early detection and prevention of severe complications. We cannot allow patients to reach the most advanced stages, when treatment becomes significantly more difficult and less effective.”

Thanks to close collaboration between pediatric nephrologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, and clinical geneticists—often in partnership with leading fetal morphologists and pediatric urologists in the country—the youngest patients at Mama and I receive modern, accessible, and comprehensive care, including genetic diagnostics at a European level.

The team’s clinical cases and results were presented at the National Nephrology Conference, where they generated significant interest and high recognition. The academic committee honored Assoc. Prof. Maria Gaydarova, Dr. Todor Vasilev, Dr. Nataliya Todorov, and Dr. Petya Angelova for their joint scientific and practical work.

This latest success further establishes Mama and I as a leading center in pediatric healthcare in Bulgaria—a testament to the high professionalism and dedication of the Pediatric Clinic team, led by Dr. Velimir Simov.

Between 15% and 20% of babies in Bulgaria are born prematurely. On 17 November, World Prematurity Day is observed. Today, public buildings, cultural monuments, and landmarks across the country are expected to be illuminated in purple to mark the occasion.

“Prematurity is the modern scourge of pediatric healthcare. Globally, around 13 million premature babies are born each year. In Bulgaria, prematurity is still associated mainly with birth weight. Not every baby born under 2.5 kg is premature,” said Dr. Andrey Hristov, Head of the Neonatology Clinic at Mama i Az Hospital in Pleven, in an interview for BNR.

He recommended that, in cases of expected high-risk delivery, the mother and her family should inquire whether the hospital they have chosen offers 24-hour neonatology care, whether it has modern equipment, and whether a transfer chain is in place in case the baby needs to be transported to a higher-level neonatal unit, as the first minutes of life are crucial.

World Prematurity Day has been observed since 2009, an initiative of the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) with the support of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), as a show of solidarity with premature infants and their families. In Bulgaria, the day has been marked since 2012 at the initiative of the foundation “Our Premature Children”.

Movember is the month when the whole world turns its attention to men’s health. On this occasion, “Heart and Brain” Pleven and “Heart and Brain” Burgas are once again organizing free urological examinations aimed at preventing some of the most common male diseases — prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The examinations will take place from November 10th to 14th, conducted by specialist urologists at both hospitals under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Deyan Anakievski, according to a set schedule and with prior appointment.

Patients are required to bring blood test results for the tumor marker PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen – total and free), which can be done free of charge at the hospitals’ clinical laboratories between 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. on the day of the consultation.

The Clinical Laboratory at “Heart and Brain” Pleven is once again joining the Movember campaign.
Dr. Natalia Kitova, head of the laboratory, reminds that laboratory testing is the first and most important step in the early detection of this disease.
The main test for early diagnosis — PSA — measures the level of a specific protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels may indicate a malignant process (prostate cancer), benign prostatic hyperplasia, or inflammation (prostatitis)

The specialists at “Heart and Brain” advise:

Why should you get examined?

• Because prevention is the best treatment. A timely visit to a urologist can give you peace of mind for the year ahead.
• Movember reminds us: Being a man also means taking care of your health.

Prostate Cancer — a disease not to be underestimated

• The prostate is a small gland with a big role in men’s health.
• The problem is that in its early stages, prostate cancer usually has no symptoms — it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t cause discomfort, but it can develop “silently” for years.
• For men over 50, a PSA test and annual urological check-up are the most reliable ways to detect it early.
• When diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is highly effective.

Testicular Cancer — young men should be cautious too

• Unlike prostate cancer, testicular cancer primarily affects young men — between the ages of 20 and 40.
• The good news is that when detected early, treatment is successful in the vast majority of cases.
• Self-examination and preventive visits to a urologist are key to early diagnosis.

Examinations and consultations are available by appointment only.

The hospital’s 24/7 emergency center treats the most critical cases thanks to a multidisciplinary team and advanced medical technology.

At Heart and Brain – Burgas, emergency care never stops. The state-of-the-art medical complex operates a round-the-clock emergency department that admits patients in critical condition and provides treatment at an exceptionally high level. Thanks to rapid response, modern equipment, and excellent coordination among specialists from different fields, even the most complex cases are given a chance at lifе.

Rapid Response and Teamwork – A Life Saved After Aortic Rupture

On October 19, a man was admitted as an emergency case with severe chest and back pain and signs of shock. Within minutes, an echocardiogram and chest CT scan were performed, revealing a life-threatening rupture of the aorta and accumulation of blood around the heart.
Cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and cardiac surgeons immediately formed a Heart Team and began preparing for urgent surgery.

At 4 a.m. on October 20, the team led by Dr. Yakimov and Dr. Gurkovski, with anesthesiologist Dr. Adova, performed a complex operation – replacement (prosthesis) of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch.
Despite massive bleeding and severe complications, the doctors continued the battle for life with several repeat surgical interventions, multiple blood transfusions, and hemodiafiltration (“gentle dialysis”) to stabilize the organs.
After days of intensive care, the patient began breathing independently, his kidney function recovered, and just eight days later he was transferred to the cardiac surgery ward for rehabilitation.

Second Life Saved – Heart Rupture After Massive Heart Attack

Six days later, on October 25, another patient was admitted to the emergency center at Heart and Brain – Burgas, transferred from another hospital.
The doctors found that the aorta was intact, but there was a rupture of the heart wall caused by a massive myocardial infarction.

The patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and he went into shock. In the hybrid operating room, the Heart Team — Dr. Yakimov (cardiac surgeon), Dr. Alexandrov (cardiologist), and Dr. Chobanova (anesthesiologist) — performed an invasive assessment, discovering critical blockages in two coronary arteries. An emergency open-heart surgery followed, during which two aorto-coronary bypass grafts were placed and the rupture in the heart wall was sutured. Only three days later, the patient was conscious, breathing on his own, and beginning physiotherapy.

Heart and Brain – Burgas: Where Urgency Meets Expertise

These two cases clearly demonstrate that the emergency department at Heart and Brain – Burgas not only operates 24 hours a day but also has the teams and technology capable of handling the most complex and life-threatening situations. A multidisciplinary approach, advanced medical equipment, and the unwavering readiness of the doctors make the hospital one of the leading centers for emergency and highly specialized cardiovascular care in Bulgaria.

“Every life saved is the result of teamwork, quick decisions, and human dedication. We are proud that in Burgas there is a place where this is part of everyday life,” shared the hospital’s management.

Heart and Brain is among the few medical centers in Bulgaria performing sentinel lymph node biopsy – the “gold standard” in breast cancer treatment.

A campaign dedicated to breast cancer prevention and awareness has been launched by specialists from the Comprehensive Cancer Center – Vratsa and ,Heart and Brain’, in cooperation with the Municipality of Vratsa.
The initiative includes free preventive check-ups, educational talks with patients and students, and public awareness activities. On this occasion, we spoke with Dr. Tsvetomir Ivanov, PhD, surgeon at the high-tech Heart and Brain Hospital in Pleven and one of the organizers of the campaign.

– Dr. Ivanov, tell us more about this initiative.
– We have been organizing this campaign for the third consecutive year – both in Vratsa and Pleven. This year, we decided to extend the initiative in duration and scope, adding not only preventive check-ups but also educational and awareness activities to improve public knowledge about the disease — such as when to begin screening, what tests are appropriate, what symptoms to watch for, and what the most common treatment approaches are.
I would like to thank the Municipality of Vratsa, the Bulgarian Society for the Fight Against Breast Cancer, and the Women Motorcyclists Association of Bulgaria for their support in organizing this campaign. I am also very pleased that colleagues from other medical institutions in the city joined us, which allows us to provide examinations for many more women.

– Does society still need such campaigns?
– Absolutely. At present, there is still no effective national breast cancer screening program in Bulgaria. Preventive check-ups are therefore extremely important, as they allow the disease to be detected at an early stage. Breast cancer is one of the few oncological diseases for which screening has been proven to significantly improve patient outcomes. Taking these facts into account, I believe it is our duty as doctors involved in treating this condition to focus public attention on prevention. Early detection truly can save lives.

– What should preventive check-ups include, and how often should they be performed?
– Screening aims to cover patients at the highest risk of developing the disease. In the EU, screening programs generally target women aged 50 to 75, while in the USA, screening now begins as early as age 40.
In both cases, screening includes annual breast ultrasound and mammography every two years. Ultrasound is a very effective examination – it has strong diagnostic value and is completely safe, which makes it suitable even for younger women. It’s also worth noting that MRI is increasingly being used in specific cases as a screening tool, based on the individual characteristics of the patient. At Heart and Brain, we use state-of-the-art equipment for both diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. We are proud that patients from all over the country seek our expertise, as we remain among the few centers in Bulgaria performing sentinel lymph node biopsy – the gold standard in surgical breast cancer treatment.

– How frightening is a breast cancer diagnosis?
– Like any oncological disease, breast cancer is serious, but it is important to know that it is absolutely treatable. The success of treatment depends on timely diagnosis – often made during preventive examinations – and on a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Our surgical team has extensive experience, and we always work in a multidisciplinary environment, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, psychologists, cardiologists, geneticists, physiotherapists, and specialists in diagnostic imaging and radiology.
This collaboration significantly eases the patient’s journey, shortens the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation, and improves treatment outcomes. Time, as we know, is an especially precious resource.
We also maintain strong collaboration with general practitioners and outpatient specialists in Vratsa and other regions, ensuring continuity of care. As a surgeon, I can say that with the right comprehensive treatment, over 80% of patients can undergo breast-conserving surgery combined with sentinel biopsy, which is much less traumatic for the patient.

– Is breast cancer becoming more common among younger women?
– Unfortunately, yes – this trend is observed globally and in Bulgaria as well. This is one of the reasons why many countries are lowering the starting age for screening. My advice is for every woman over 30 to have an annual breast ultrasound until reaching the recommended screening age.

– Have you discovered complex cases during preventive campaigns?
– Yes – complex cases are part of our daily practice. During screening campaigns, we often identify cases that were previously asymptomatic. That’s the very goal of screening – to detect cancer before it becomes advanced.
Unfortunately, in Bulgaria, we still often see diagnoses made at later stages of the disease – not only for breast cancer but for other malignancies as well. Nevertheless, with the right treatment approach, excellent outcomes can still be achieved.

– Finally, what message would you like to share with our readers?
– I urge everyone to be responsible toward their health and that of their loved ones. Breast examinations are not painful, but they can solve many problems — and even save a life. Our team at Heart and Brain is here to provide the best possible care, and patients can fully trust us with their health.

For two days, dozens of doctors from various specialties from all over the country gathered at the tennis courts in Kaylaka National Park to compete and demonstrate how they successfully combine professionalism in their medical field with their love of tennis. The competition was extremely fierce, and the finals were exciting, worthy of world championships. The tournament attracted great interest from patients and residents of Pleven, who came to support their favorite doctors.

The court hosted individual tournaments, men’s doubles tournaments, and mixed doubles tournaments. The winners received trophies and certificates. The most attractive games were the mixed doubles, with Dr. Borislava Ninova, a doctor at the cardiology clinic at “Heart and Brain,” and her husband, Dr. Encho Ninov, reaching the final against Dr. Ivaylo Krachunov and Denitsa Slavcheva. Krachunov and Slavcheva won the cup. In the men’s doubles, the winners were Prof. Kaloyan Georgiev and Dr. Dragomir Dimitrov from Varna, and the finalists were Prof. Krasimir Minkov from Sofia and Dr. Ivaylo Tsonov from England. In the singles, Dr. Stefan Kostadinov, a neurosurgeon from Heart and Brain, and Dr. Ivaylo Krachunov, a dentist from Pleven, reached the finals. After a long, competitive, and tense match, Dr. Krachunov won the grand prize.

The event is dedicated to World Heart Day, which is celebrated on September 29. According to cardiologists, tennis is the sport that has the most beneficial effect on the heart and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and stress. The game is a comprehensive workout for the muscles of the whole body, the heart, and the mind.

The sporting event gave doctors and their patients the opportunity to discuss the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, regular prevention, and adherence to prescribed therapies in an informal setting.

For nearly two decades, the Bulgarian Cardiology Institute has regularly held open days, patient schools, and external examinations and consultations by medical specialists in small and hard-to-reach communities.

“This year, we decided to mark World Heart Day in a more unusual way, by setting a personal example of an active lifestyle. The idea is for the tournament to become a tradition,” said Prof. Viliyan Platikanov, head of the anaesthesiology and intensive care clinic at Heart and Brain, on whose initiative the event was held.

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.