Our Philosophy – TEAM with Heart
The surgical treatment of heart defects is a matter of trust. At our center, your child with a congenital heart defect, you as a parent, or you as an adult with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are our priority! We are committed to fostering a respectful, diverse, and inclusive work environment where varied perspectives, extensive experience, and effective interdisciplinary communication ensure optimal patient care.

The Heart Surgeons
Certified pediatric heart surgeons Prof. Dr. Dürr and Dr. Blumauer have gained extensive experience in renowned pediatric heart centers such as Bonn and Erlangen. They now bring their expertise to the interdisciplinary Mainz TEAM, which includes pediatric cardiologists, adult cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and other departments. Dr. Endres and Mr. Khokhlunov, who are currently advancing their training, strengthen the TEAM. Dr. Endres has substantial experience with ACHD, while Mr. Khokhlunov contributes his pediatric heart surgery expertise from a heart center in Samara.

Congenital Heart Defects: Pediatric Heart Surgery and ACHD
The surgical treatment of congenital heart defects is a highly specialized field in cardiac surgery. Thanks to technological advances and ongoing specialization, outcomes have significantly improved. The goal is early and complete correction of heart defects to prevent complications. For instance, "Tetralogy of Fallot" is now often directly corrected, whereas palliative shunt surgeries were previously required.
About 8 in 1,000 children are born with heart defects annually, and over 350,000 adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) live in Germany. Regional ACHD centres like Mainz provide specialized follow-up care and safe surgical treatment. Only experienced specialists can successfully perform these complex procedures.

Cardio Board – Quality Assurance
The interdisciplinary Cardio Board unites experts from various fields (cardiology, surgery, anesthesiology, radiology, obstetrics, cardiotechnology, and more) to develop tailored treatment plans for children with heart defects or adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, we ensure the best care and optimal treatment decisions. These TEAM discussions and resulting individualized care plans are shared with referring physicians. Documentation and quality assurance are a high priority.

Hospital Stay for Heart Surgery
Children are admitted through pediatric cardiology (Building 109) and prepared for surgery. Parents are often accommodated. Pre-operative consultations occur on the ward. Surgery takes place in the surgery department (Building 505). After receiving a sedative, children are brought to the operating room at around 7:30 a.m. Following the procedure, surgeons inform parents by phone. The child is transported back to the ICU (Building 109) under medical supervision. Parents can visit their child in the ICU. Depending on the severity of the defect, a longer treatment period may be necessary. Specialized physicians and daily rounds ensure optimal care. Once stable, children are transferred to a regular ward. Before discharge, parents receive aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment. Adults with ACHD are typically admitted to cardiac surgery (Building 505) or cardiology (Building 605), depending on their condition.

Surgical Consultation
Our care begins with the consultation, often the first personal interaction, and concludes with a personal farewell before discharge. A detailed pre-operative consultation with pediatric heart surgeons is essential. The anatomy of the heart defect, reasons for the surgery, procedure, success rates, and risks are thoroughly explained. Pediatric heart surgeries, though complex, are often life-saving. Risks and necessary legal information, including typical complications, are discussed. For patients under 18, signatures from both legal guardians are required unless documented otherwise. Our goal is to support informed decisions in the best interest of the patient.

Surgical Procedures and ECMO
All surgical procedures for congenital heart defects are available at Mainz University Medical Center. We treat patients ranging from preterm infants weighing approximately 500g to adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD). Whenever possible, minimally invasive techniques—such as partial sternotomy or minimal lateral thoracotomy—are used. Individualized treatment plans, including hybrid approaches, ensure optimal outcomes with minimal trauma. ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is available for complex heart defects or emergencies, ensuring 24/7 readiness for severe heart and circulatory conditions in children.

State-of-the-Art Imaging
Mainz is equipped with the NAEOTOM Alpha, one of the world’s most advanced photon-counting CT scanners. It delivers excellent image quality, reduced radiation exposure, and high efficiency. Particularly in pediatric cardiology, it enables precise diagnostics, often without anesthesia, complementing heart ultrasound, MRI, and catheterization. Only a few clinics in Germany offer this technology.
Click here for the radiology department's homepage.

Success Rates in Pediatric Heart Surgery
Thanks to modern technology, specialized surgeons, and improved follow-up care, success rates in pediatric heart surgery are remarkably high. Over 90% of congenital heart defects can be corrected with minimal risks, even complex conditions such as univentricular defects, transposition of the great arteries, and reoperations. Minimally invasive techniques, precise imaging, and interdisciplinary collaboration ensure sustainable outcomes and promote the best development for patients.

We Are Here for You and Your Child!
We hope to have answered some of your questions. We are happy to address any additional concerns and meet your needs and those of your child in a personal consultation. Before surgery, we dedicate time to getting to know you and planning the next steps together. A heart surgery is a significant challenge not only for your child but also for you as parents or adults with ACHD. Rest assured; we are here to support you every step of the way.

Your TEAM from the Mainz Pediatric and ACHD Heart Surgery