Thoraxklinik -Heidelberg University Hospital Welcomes International Patients
The Thoraxklinik Heidelberg is one of the largest clinics in Europe specializing in the treatment of lung conditions and is a part of the Heidelberg University Hospital. Today, as an certified institution we are looking back on over 100 years of tradition and have the combined expertise of highly qualified specialist physicians at our disposal. We have been certified by the German Cancer Association as a Lung Cancer Center since 2009. Thanks to our close collaboration with the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), as a partner of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), and as a founding member of the Heidelberg National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), we are actively involved in scientific studies and research. Thus, our expressed goal as a certified Lung Cancer Center is also that scientific research results are able to be realized in clinical treatment. Consequently, the most up-to-date therapeutic concepts and diagnostic techniques benefiting the patient are employed under one roof at the Thoracic Clinic.
Patients from all over Germany and abroad come to Heidelberg where thoracic surgeons, pneumologists, medical oncologists and other specialists work together under one roof. Our doctors have unparalleled expertise in diagnosing and treating all types of cancer and other diseases of the chest, and they use the latest technology as well as the most innovative, advanced therapies to increase the chances of a cure.
Therapy decisions are always based on a interdisciplinary approach, including the expertise of radiologist, pathologist, and anaesthesiologist. Options for caner treatment are discussed in mulitdsiciplinary tumor conerenes. Our Tranlational Research Section has established Germany's largest tissue bank for lung carcinoma. The large team of thoracic surgeons peforms 2.000 operations per year. About 40 % of the procedures are nowadays carried out as minimally invasive vido-thorascoscpoy.
Our International Center can help you become a patient, assist with your visa invitation, travel and housing arrangements.
Heidelberg Thoracic Surgery awarded as "Center of Excellence"
The Department of Thoracic Surgery has been certified as a Center of Excellence by the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT). This makes it one of the eight hospitals in Germany that meet the high requirements for a seal of approval from the professional society for a "Thoracic Surgery Center of Excellence".
Certification
Outstanding cancer treatment: Two seals of approval for the Thorax Clinic Heidelberg
Thorax Clinic at Heidelberg University Hospital has been certified as a lung cancer centre for a second time / Additional award as Mesothelioma Unit is recognised for great expertise in the treatment of tumours of the pleura
Comprehensive expertise and quality of care in treatment of all types of lung tumours: The Thorax Clinic at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and National Centre for Tumour Diseases NCT Heidelberg has been certified as a "Lung Cancer Centre" by the German Cancer Society (DGK) for a second time. It has also received the seal of approval as a certified "Mesothelioma Unit". This specifically recognises expertise in the treatment of tumours of the pleura. More
Newsweek: World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2025
World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2025:
The Thoraxklinik was examined. It is one of the largest hospitals in Europe specializing in the treatment of lung diseases and was ranked 15th in Pulmonology and 92th in Oncology in the World`s Best Specialized Hospitals 2025.
The evaluation is based on assessments by healthcare experts, patient surveys, and key performance indicators of the hospitals, such as data on the quality of treatment and hygiene measures. Hospitals from 28 countries were compared in the ranking, including not only Germany but also the United States, Canada, England, Japan and Switzerland. A total of around 2,300 hospitals worldwide are included in the comparison.
The goal of the study is to provide a data-driven comparison of the reputation and performance of hospitals in different countries to guide patients and families seeking the best medical care.
Highest international standards
For the Thoracic-Clinik as part oft he Heidelberg University Hospital, this international recognition is a great achievement. The foundations of this success include among others:
- Highest international standards in all areas, which are guaranteed by renowned professors, distinguished physicians and committed nursing staff
- Active collaboration with national and international research facilities (e.g. the German Cancer Research Center)
- Ability and drive to continuous innovation for promising medical treatment of complex diseases
- Comprehensive interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapy through close cooperation of the relevant medical departments
Small cuts, big effect: Da Vinci X System
„Da Vinci X” System assists surgeons during lung and thoracic surgery / Robots provide three-dimensional views and great instrument mobility within the tightest spaces
We are one of the first lung specialty clinics in Europe where robot-assisted, minimally invasive procedures on the lungs, mediastinum and diaphragm can be performed daily. For these operations, the latest generation “Da Vinci X” surgical robot system is available to the Department of Surgery of the Thorax Clinic, led by Prof. Dr. Hauke Winter. “If surgery is needed, it should be precise and gentle,” says Prof. Winter.
The special advantages of the system: A three-dimensional overview and great mobility of instruments within the tight spaces enable precise and gentle surgery. The surgical robot transfers the surgeon’s movements in real time onto the instruments that are inserted within the chest through small tubes, sparing the patient a large incision. In operations supported by the “Da Vinci” system, decisions are always carried out by the man and not the machine. The robot does not perform independent movements, only the steps carried out by the hands of the surgeon.
