Patient care

Our specialties

The Maastricht Heart+Vascular Center offers a number of procedures that are possible thanks to the unique collaboration among healthcare professionals that provide excellent clinical results. The TAAA procedure (Aortic Surgery) and Hybrid Ablation are two examples of these.

What is TAAA (Thoraco Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm)?

‘Aneurysm’ is the name given to the widening of a blood vessel. As a rule of thumb, an aneurysm is diagnosed when the diameter of the aorta has reached 1.5 times the normal width. Aneurysms are caused by weakening of the vessel wall. The aorta – our largest blood vessel – can also widen and form an aneurysm. The aorta is the body’s largest artery. It can widen at any point. The most common aneurysm occurs in the abdominal aorta (AAA, i.e. in the belly). However; thoracic aneurysms are also possible (in the chest, TAA). The most extensive cases involve both the thoracic and the abdominal segments of the aorta (belly and chest, TAAA). Click here to read more about TAAA.

What is Hybrid Ablation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF, or A-fib) is a common form of cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) characterised by irregular, and usually faster, beating of the heart. Although AF is not life-threatening, it should be treated to prevent damage to the heart. The abnormality usually resolves itself; however, in some cases medication and/or cardioversion (electric shocks) are used to stop the arrhythmia. If your arrhythmia cannot successfully be controlled this way, you will be eligible for ablation. Ablation involves inserting a catheter into the heart via the pelvis, and creating a barrier of scar tissue to stop the abnormal electrical signals. Often one ablation is enough, although sometimes multiple treatments are necessary. If the arrhythmia has been present for some time or if it persists after multiple ablations, the next step is a Hybrid Ablation (operation). Click here to read more about hybrid ablation.