Modernized Department of Cardiology reopened

Published:
A group of several people stands in a room, cutting a red ribbon stretched between black stanchions. Each person in the front row holds scissors and cuts the ribbon. In the background, other people stand and watch the event. The interior is bright, with light-colored walls and ceiling lighting. The participants are dressed in formal attire, such as suits and business outfits.
On May 27, a ceremonial reopening of the modernized 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology of UCK WUM took place. This marks a new stage for WUM in the development of modern cardiology. The investment significantly increases the capacity for treating patients, supports further innovation in medical technologies, and strengthens the potential for scientific and teaching activities at the highest level.

“Thanks to the implementation of a coherent vision for the modernization of the department, this facility will primarily serve patients, but it will also provide excellent working conditions for staff and learning conditions for students,” emphasized Prof. Rafał Krenke, Rector of WUM, during the opening ceremony.

Modern clinical space

As part of the investment, a modern clinical space was created, adapted for the most advanced cardiac procedures and for the treatment of patients who require highly specialized care. The department has been equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including advanced medical imaging systems, modern hemodynamic laboratories, and systems enabling hybrid and minimally invasive procedures.

The new infrastructure enables the performance of highly specialized cardiological procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), treatment of structural heart diseases, advanced electrophysiological interventions, and ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The Cardiac Intensive Care Unit has been equipped with specialized devices enabling the treatment of patients in the most severe clinical conditions, using systems such as ECMO and IMPELLA.

Leader in innovation, teaching, and scientific research

For years, the Department of Cardiology at UCK WUM has been one of the leaders in modern interventional cardiology and electrophysiology in Poland. The center helps develop innovative methods for treating heart diseases and implementing modern medical technologies, including solutions based on artificial intelligence and advanced imaging. The department also plays a key educational and scientific role, training medical students, physicians undergoing specialty training, and highly qualified medical staff.

Each year, approximately 800 coronary stenting procedures, 500 structural heart disease procedures, and over 800 arrhythmia ablations are performed in the department. The center also implants more than 650 pacemakers and 150 defibrillators annually.

Financing of the investment

The total cost of the modernization exceeded 40 million PLN. The project was financed with support from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, with the participation of the Medical University of Warsaw and the University Clinical Center of WUM.

“Thanks to the completed modernization, we can develop cardiology based on modern technologies, innovative procedures, and the highest standards of patient care. Our goal is not only to implement the most advanced heart disease treatments, but also to actively help shape the future of Polish and European cardiology through scientific research, the development of new technologies, and the education of future specialists,” emphasized Prof. Marcin Grabowski, head of the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology of UCK WUM.

Ceremonial opening and conference

During the ceremony, a conference titled “New Faces of Cardiology” was held, along with a presentation of the results of the modernization, a symbolic opening of the department, and a tour of the new infrastructure.

The conference was hosted by Prof. Marcin Grabowski, head of the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology of UCK WUM. The event was attended by representatives of public administration, academia, and the medical community, including: Dr. Agnieszka Gorgoń-Komor, Senator of the Republic of Poland and Vice Chair of the Senate Health Committee; Konrad Korbiński, Director General of the Ministry of Health; Ilona Hibner, Director of the Investment Assessment Department of the Ministry of Health; Sylwia Kamińska, Deputy Director of the Investment Assessment Department of the Ministry of Health; Agnieszka Molenda-Wiśniewska, Director of the Coordinated Care Department of the Ministry of Health; Prof. Janina Stępińska, Director of the National Institute of Cardiology and Chair of the National Council for Cardiology; Prof. Agnieszka Tycińska, President-elect of the Polish Cardiac Society; and Prof. Piotr Dobrowolski, regional consultant in cardiology for the Masovian Voivodeship.

The university was represented by Prof. Rafał Krenke, Rector of WUM; Prof. Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, Vice Rector for Clinical Affairs and Investments; Marzena Kowalczyk, Director of UCK WUM; Prof. Grzegorz Opolski, long-time head of the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology at WUM; as well as staff of the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology and heads of departments within UCK WUM. 
 

Two people stand facing each other and converse in a bright room. The person on the right is holding a document or a folder with a red edge. The person on the left has their hands folded in front of them. In the background, other people are present, along with a stand holding informational materials. A banner on the wall reads “Medical University of Warsaw.”
A conference room with an audience seated in rows of chairs. In the foreground, a person stands with their hands clasped in front of them. In the background, there is a projection screen displaying a heart graphic and text, as well as a lectern where a person holds a microphone and a sheet of paper. Some members of the audience are holding materials or applauding. Bookshelves and a standing banner with an eagle are visible in the room.
Participants are seated in rows of chairs in a bright conference room. People in the front row hold notebooks and documents in their hands.
A close-up of participants seated on chairs and listening to a presentation. People in the front row are holding notebooks and sheets of paper.
A speaker stands by a screen and delivers a presentation, gesturing with their hands. The screen displays the text “Department of Cardiology, UCK WUM,” and the audience is seated, with some people holding materials and a bouquet of flowers.
A presenter stands by the screen and points to a slide. The audience sits in rows and looks at the screen.
A presenter stands next to a large screen with a medical presentation and holds a slide remote in their hand.
A female presenter stands in front of a group and gives a talk, holding a presentation remote in her hand. The audience is seated opposite her.
A presenter stands by the screen and holds a presentation remote. The slide shows the title “Scientific Activity” and photos of a team.
A presenter stands in front of a screen and holds a slide remote. The screen displays text about the WUM study program.
A presenter stands next to the screen and holds a presentation remote. The slide shows the title “Where AI Works Today – and Where It Will in the Future.”
Several people stand and talk in a room. One person is holding a document with a red edge.
The audience sits in rows of chairs and listens to the presentation. Some people hold notebooks or documents.
A group of people poses for a photo in a corridor, while one person holds a phone and takes the picture.
A group of people in hospital coats in a hospital corridor.
A group of people walks along a hospital corridor wearing green disposable protective gowns. One person is holding a document.
A hospital room with two beds, each equipped with medical equipment. The room is bright, with a window and a chair placed by the wall.
A group of people in green protective gowns stands in a medical ward and talks. In the background, curtains separating stations and medical equipment are visible.