EN
History and Year of Foundation
The history of the institution dates back to 1980, when the specialized hospital was established in Bad Oeynhausen to treat complex cardiac conditions and metabolic disturbances. A major milestone in its development occurred in 1989 when the center was formally integrated into the University Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum. This integration established a strong connection between routine medical practice and university research, allowing rapid translation of scientific discoveries into daily clinical patient care. In that same year, the clinic launched its dedicated heart transplantation program, which rapidly grew to become the largest surgical transplant center in the nation. Research activities at the institute encompass tissue engineering of heart valves, advanced molecular imaging techniques, and mechanical circulatory support devices.
In September 2012, the hospital expanded its physical and technical capacities by opening a major new building designed to accommodate increasing patient numbers. This modern extension added an advanced surgical wing containing eight state-of-the-art operating rooms alongside two dedicated comfort ward units catering to patients seeking elevated accommodation standards. In 2023, the professorial faculty of the center became part of the Medical Faculty OWL at Bielefeld University, fostering new interdisciplinary research in cardiovascular genetics, endocrinology, and cellular biology. Today, the facility operates as a prominent academic medical hub where clinical care and scientific inquiry proceed together, offering reliable options for individuals looking for specialized hospitals in Germany for cardiac surgery.
Departments and Specialisations
- Heart Failure Center (Zentrum für Herzinsuffizienz)
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Klinik für Thorax- und Kardiovaskularchirurgie)
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology/Angiology (Klinik für Allgemeine und Interventionelle Kardiologie/Angiologie)
- Department of Electrophysiology and Rhythmology (Klinik für Elektrophysiologie/Rhythmologie)
- Center for Congenital Heart Defects and Pediatric Cardiology (Zentrum für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderherzzentrum)
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology (Klinik für Diabetologie und Endokrinologie)
Each specialized division within the center focuses on specific clinical tasks while maintaining continuous interdisciplinary collaboration with adjacent departments. In the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, surgeons perform complex open-heart procedures, coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repairs, and mechanical circulatory assist system implantations alongside heart transplants. The Heart Failure Center manages patients suffering from severe myocardial dysfunction, combining optimized medication protocols, mechanical device support, and evaluation for surgical procedures. For individuals requiring a precise diabetes diagnosis in Germany or specialized endocrinology treatment in Germany, the dedicated Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology provides metabolic stabilization, personalized insulin strategies, and preventive vascular care.
The Department of General and Interventional Cardiology and Angiology specializes in minimally invasive catheter procedures, including coronary stent placements and transcatheter aortic valve implantations. Patients suffering from complex cardiac arrhythmias are evaluated and treated in the Department of Electrophysiology and Rhythmology using radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and device implantations such as pacemakers and defibrillators. The Center for Congenital Heart Defects and Pediatric Cardiology addresses structural malformations across all age groups, from newborn infants with severe congenital anomalies to adult patients requiring ongoing management. The collaborative framework between cardiologists and endocrinologists is particularly crucial for patients with coexisting coronary artery disease and diabetes, where metabolic control directly influences surgical outcomes.
Where the Clinic is Located
The clinic is located in the spa town of Bad Oeynhausen, situated in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The region is well known for its therapeutic climate, mineral springs, and clean air, providing a serene environment for recovery following major cardiac surgery. Located away from busy industrial urban centers, the town offers a calm setting that helps reduce stress for hospitalized patients during their treatment stay. At the same time, the location features well-organized transportation infrastructure, connecting the town conveniently to major metropolitan areas across Germany. For international patients, this location offers an ideal balance between peaceful natural surroundings and fast access to top-tier university medical care.
Travel to Bad Oeynhausen is convenient via major German transportation routes, with international airports located in nearby cities such as Hanover, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt am Main. International patients arriving by air can reach the town comfortably via high-speed train services or pre-arranged private motor vehicle transfers. Precise details regarding the exact hospital building, local driving routes, and check-in procedures are provided in the official medical invitation issued prior to arrival. Patients traveling by private car can utilize parking facilities located on the hospital grounds, while local public transport stops close to the entrance. If structured post-hospitalization recovery is required, arrangements can be coordinated for formal cardiac rehabilitation in Germany.
Catering, Wards, and Leisure Facilities
Inpatient accommodation conditions at the center are designed to support patient comfort during extended hospital stays required for complex medical conditions. Following the expansion completed in 2012, the hospital features modern comfort ward units offering spacious single and double rooms equipped with functional furniture, private bathrooms, televisions, and wireless internet access. Standard patient rooms throughout all clinical departments are similarly furnished to guarantee safety, cleanliness, and physical ease during recovery. Nutritional care is organized as an essential component of clinical treatment, with clinical dietitians creating tailored menu plans designed to manage blood glucose levels, promote metabolic balance, and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.
The hospital grounds offer several facilities created to enhance patient well-being and provide convenient options for visiting family members. Patients and their relatives can utilize an on-site library, visit the central cafeteria, or spend time outdoors in the landscaped park surrounding the clinical buildings. Visiting hours are structured flexibly to allow family members to stay near their loved ones without disrupting medical evaluations or necessary rest periods. For international patients remaining in Germany for several weeks, these comfortable living arrangements, quiet outdoor areas, and supportive environment help minimize emotional stress and contribute positively to overall physical recovery.
How to Access Treatment
Arranging specialized medical treatment at a university hospital in Germany requires thorough preparation of medical documentation and administrative coordination. The admission process begins when the patient submits complete diagnostic files, including recent medical reports, echocardiograms, coronary angiograms, laboratory results, or imaging studies on digital media. Specialists at the center review these materials to confirm treatment feasibility, determine the appropriate clinical approach, and estimate the expected length of hospitalization. Based on this preliminary evaluation, the hospital issues an official medical cost estimate (Kostenvoranschlag). Patients can review general financial principles on our page dedicated to the cost of treatment in Germany, noting that all medical payments are settled directly with the clinic.
Once the cost estimate is accepted and initial deposit arrangements are completed, the clinic issues an official invitation required for medical visa application. The AlenMed team assists with all organizational details, including document translation, visa application guidance, and travel planning. Upon arrival in Germany, patients are met at the airport and accompanied directly to the hospital or booked accommodation. Professional services for medical interpreters in Germany ensure clear communication during doctor consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medical conferences. Through comprehensive support for arranging medical treatment in Germany, patients and their accompanying relatives receive full assistance throughout their stay.
Submit Medical Records
If you or a family member require expert consultation or surgical treatment at the specialized facility in Bad Oeynhausen, you can send your medical documents for review. The AlenMed team will translate your records into German and submit them directly to the medical specialists at the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW. To receive a preliminary assessment of your medical case and learn about admission requirements, please fill out the inquiry form to submit a treatment inquiry or contact our team directly.