Unit of the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology UCC MUW is open

Entrance to a bright cardiac intensive care room. A black sign on the door reads “1 CARDIOLOGY INTENSIVE CARE ROOM.” Inside, white walls, a hospital bed, monitors and medical equipment. Large windows let in light.
The department includes two advanced hemodynamic rooms and 15 patient beds, including six cardiac intensive care units. It has been equipped with state-of-the-art angiographs, integrated imaging, monitoring and data archiving systems, making it possible to perform even the most complex percutaneous procedures – also with the use of circulatory support. This is a new chapter in the treatment and research of heart disease not only at our university, but also in the whole country!

The opening of the modernized Invasive Cardiology Department took place on June 27 this year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Prof. Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Katarzyna Kacperczyk, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Health, Prof. Rafał Krenke, Rector of MUW, Marzena Kowalczyk, Director of UCC MUW, Filip Nowak, President of the National Health Fund, Prof. Marcin Grabowski, Head of the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology UCC MUW, and Prof. Janusz Kochman, Head of the Department and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Prof. Grzegorz Opolski.

- This is a special moment for the entire department's team - doctors, nurses, technicians and all employees who over the years have been building the position of this center, which meets all the criteria for a Center of Excellence in Cardiology - says Prof. Marcin Grabowski, Head of the Department of Cardiology UCC MUW - Thanks to this investment, we can not only help patients even better, but also develop scientific research and educate new generations of specialists in conditions corresponding to the standards of the best European clinics.

- The new department will allow us to provide the highest quality medical care. Thanks to the use of the latest technology and expanded infrastructure, we can help our patients even more effectively, providing a high level of comfort and safety, when performing even the most complex procedures - says Professor Janusz Kochman, Head of the Hemodynamic Unit and Laboratory - This translates into numerous benefits for patients, including reduced hospitalization time, reduced risk of complications, and faster recovery and return to full function. In critical situations, we can also use modern methods of circulatory support, which increases the safety of therapy.

In addition to those mentioned, the opening ceremony was attended by, among others: Patrycja Gutowska, Deputy Director of the Department of Science at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education; Konrad Korbiński, Director of the Department of Coordinated Care at the Ministry of Health; Dr. Filip Nowak, President of the National Health Fund; Prof. Zdzisław Gajewski, Director of the Center for Translational Medicine at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences; Dr. Michał Hawranek, President of the Association of Cardiovascular Interventions of the Polish Cardiac Society; and from MUW: Prof. Marek Kuch, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Education, and Prof. Tadeusz Tołłoczko, Former Rector of MUW.

Project combining the idea of modern cardiovascular science with the provision of medical services

The science-related investment, “Expansion of the University Center for Research and Development of Interventional Heart Disease Treatment,” was made possible thanks to an earmarked grant from the Minister of Science and Higher Education, with the support of the MUW rectoral authorities and the hospital management.

- As a strong academic center, we make every effort to have the best possible modern clinical base to serve patients, scientific research and the education of students and doctors. This is one of the strategic tasks included in the MUW Development Strategy for 2025-2028 - stressed Prof. Rafal Krenke, Rector of MUW - The opening of the modernized Ward of Invasive Cardiology of the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology MUW is a practical example of the realization of such goals. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for granting a subsidy for this noble cause, as well as to all those who contributed to the smooth implementation of the investment. We feel great satisfaction and are collectively pleased that, our employees will be able to provide advanced, highly specialized services in such excellent conditions, and students will learn modern cardiology.

- It is a real pleasure to be here with you today. We are very pleased that we were able to subsidize this project - said Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education - I wish you that scientific work, the education of students, as well as the provision of services to society in these new interiors will be carried out at the highest level.

University Center for Research and Development of Interventional Heart Disease Treatment - one of the first such centers in Poland

The investment also created a state-of-the-art research and development space that enables innovative, non-commercial research in the field of interventional treatment of heart disease. The University Center for Research and Development of Interventional Heart Disease Treatment, one of the first specialized centers in Poland, will allow:

  • Conducting early phase clinical trials and translational research,
  • the use of 3D imaging technology,
  • fusion imaging and the use of AI-based tools,
  • implementing innovative treatment protocols for cardiac patients.

- In addition to the clinical aspects, the scientific value of this project is extremely important to us. With the new infrastructure, we can conduct high-quality research that we hope will contribute to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease - adds Prof. Grabowski.

Invasive cardiology in the 1st Department of Cardiology UCC MUW

The department is one of Poland's leading centers for invasive cardiology, especially innovative percutaneous interventions for valvular heart disease.

Annually, the Department performs:

  • approx. 1,000 percutaneous coronary artery angioplasty procedures (half in acute coronary syndromes),
  • 300 TAVI procedures - percutaneous aortic valve implantation,
  • 150 mitral and tricuspid valve repair procedures,
  • 100 procedures to close the left atrial appendage and other atrial defects (ASD, PFO).

The modernization of the Invasive Cardiology Department opens up new prospects for the development of cardiology at our university. This includes the introduction of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic methods, as well as an increase in the number of procedures and, consequently, improved availability of interventional cardiology procedures. A breakthrough is the full integration of new angiographs with computed tomography (CT) of the coronary arteries and heart, which allows us to perform procedures under CT guidance. Our capacity for scientific and teaching activities is also being expanded.

A man in a suit, Prof. Marcin Grabowski, is holding a piece of paper. Next to him, a second person is partially visible. In the background, a black signboard with white lettering reads: “Invasive Cardiology Department and Laboratories, Procedure Laboratories and Patient Rooms.” On the signboard, a red heart with an EKG line and an arrow pointing in the direction.
Four people stand side by side against a background of white screens. The first person in a light suit and dark jacket. The second in a dark suit, holding documents. The third in a blue jacket. The fourth in a dark suit, holds a folded document.
Eight people stand in a bright room with white walls and ceiling. In the background are two elevators and white medical screens. The people are dressed elegantly, mostly in suits and jackets. To the left is a table with bottles of mineral water and glasses.
A group of people in elegant clothes stand in a bright room with white walls. In the background are white medical screens. In the foreground, a man in a wheelchair holds crutches. Next to him stands another man, leaning on crutches.
Six people stand in a bright room. Three on the left are dressed formally, two are holding documents. In the middle, a man in a suit gestures. On the right three people, one with a briefcase. In the background is a table with drinks and snacks and an information board about the invasive cardiology department.
A group of elegantly dressed people stand in a bright corridor. Some are holding documents with a red heart on the cover. Faces are blurred. In the background, an evacuation door with a green exit sign. Some people are clapping.
A group of elegantly dressed people stand in a bright room. A woman in the center cuts a red-and-white ribbon with scissors. In the background is a black board with the words “Department and Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology,” a red graphic of a heart with an EKG and a directional arrow.
A group of people stands in front of the entrance to the Invasive Cardiology Unit. A woman in a gray jacket cuts a red ribbon held by two men. On the left is a black board with white lettering about the labs and patient rooms. On the right, a door with a similar sign.
A man - Prof. Rafal Krenke, rector of WUM - in a suit cuts the red ribbon. Formally dressed people stand next to him. In the background is a black board with the white inscription “Cardiology Laboratory” and a red heart with an EKG line. On the right side of the wall, the inscription “HEMODYNAMIC WORKSHOP” is visible. The room is bright.
A man - Filip Nowak, president of the National Health Fund - in a suit cuts the red-and-white ribbon at the opening of the branch. In the background, a black board with white lettering reads: “Department and Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Treatment Laboratories and Hybrid Rooms.” Next to the elegantly dressed participants, some holding documents.
A man - Prof. Pawel Wlodarski, dean of the Faculty of Medicine - in a suit cuts the red-and-white ribbon with scissors. In the background, people in formal attire. Behind them is a black banner with white lettering “Invasive Cardiology Laboratory” and a red heart with an EKG line.
Three men in suits - Prof. Grabowski, Prof. Kochman and Prof. Opolski - cut the red ribbon. In the background is a black plaque with white lettering “Department and Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Treatment Laboratories and Patient Rooms” and a red heart with an EKG line. On the right, the entrance with the inscription “Clinical Department of Cardiology, Hemodynamics Laboratories, Patient Rooms.”
Two formally dressed people stand in a modern medical office. One is holding documents. To the right is a large monitor, to the left medical equipment and cabinets. The dominant colors are white and gray.
Two formally dressed people stand in a modern medical office. One is holding documents. To the right is a large monitor, to the left medical equipment and cabinets. The dominant colors are white and gray.
Bright hospital room with two white beds, pillows and bedding. Above the beds, medical monitors. Between the beds a blue table on wheels. In the background, two large windows with white blinds and a curtain on the rail. On the right side of the wall medical equipment and a small cabinet.
A bright hospital corridor with white walls and gray stripes. At the end, a glass window. On the left, a door with a sign reading “HEMODYNAMICS PRACTICE I.” Rectangular lamps on the ceiling.