Vascular Medicine Berlin-Schöneberg: Prof. Dr Ernst Weigang

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Prof. Dr Ernst Weigang is a specialist in vascular and cardiac surgery and the head physician of the clinic for vascular medicine at the Vivantes Auguste-Viktoria-Klinikum in Berlin-Schöneberg. This experienced vascular specialist has many years of clinical, scientific, and medical leadership expertise. Before joining Vivantes, he acted, among others, as head physician, head of an interdisciplinary vascular center, and medical director.

In his treatment approach, Prof Weigang places particular emphasis on individual tailored and minimal invasive therapeutic procedures. Together with his specialized team, he combines many years of surgical experience with modern catheter-based methods and close interdisciplinary collaboration.

Vascular Medicine Specialist in Berlin-Schöneberg

The clinic for vascular medicine at the Auguste-Viktoria-Klinikum treats diseases of the arterial and venous vascular systems in accordance with up-to-date medical standards. When selecting a treatment, Prof. Weigang considers not only the type and severity of the vascular disease but also any existing comorbidities and the patient’s surgical risk. Based on this evaluation, a decision is made as to whether open surgery, a catheter-based procedure, or a combination of both approaches is most appropriate.

A state-of-the-art hybrid operating room is available for complex vascular surgeries. The catheter system used there enables CT-like images and a three-dimensional visualization of the blood vessels. This allows open surgeries and minimally invasive catheter procedures to be combined in a single treatment, if necessary. Older adults and high-risk patients, in particular, benefit from the precise planning and the ability to perform various treatment steps in a single procedure.

Long-Standing Experience with Aortic Aneurysms and Carotid Stenosis

Prof. Weigang places special emphasis on the treatment of aortic aneurysms, which are pathological bulges in the aorta where the risk of rupture increases, particularly as the aneurysm grows larger. The individual risk depends, among others, on the location, size, and morphology of the aneurysm. Depending on the location, size, and characteristics of the aneurysm, treatment is carried out either through open surgery or by inserting a stent graft prosthesis into the affected vessel via a catheter.

The range of treatments includes aneurysms of the aorta in the chest and abdomen, as well as aneurysms of the iliac and femoral arteries. Open aneurysm surgery can be carried out at the hospital without using a cardiopulmonary bypass machine). Special vascular prostheses, known as stent grafts, are available for minimally invasive treatment.

Beyond that, Prof. Weigang specializes in the treatment of narrowing of the carotid artery, known as carotid stenosis. Such narrowings can impair blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of a stroke. In open surgery, the narrowing is removed and the carotid artery is reconstructed using the patient’s tissue. For selected patients, catheter-based stenting procedures may be an alternative. The most appropriate procedure is carefully determined by the team of experts based on the individual patient’s findings.

Modern Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease Using Bypass Surgery and Catheter Procedures

In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as intermittent claudication, narrowed or blocked arteries lead to reduced blood flow to the legs. Typical symptoms include exertion-induced pain, which causes those affected to stop walking regularly. In advanced stages of the disease, pain at rest, slow-healing wounds, or tissue damage may occur.

Prof. Weigang and his team carry out all types of bypass procedures and open vascular reconstructions for arterial occlusions. The range of surgical procedures extends from the vessels in the neck and abdomen, through the pelvic arteries, to the vessels in the thigh, lower leg, and foot. A bypass crosses over the occluded section of the vessel, thereby restoring blood flow to the affected area of the body.

Many cases of vascular narrowing can also be treated using minimally invasive catheter-based procedures. These include balloon angioplasty, drug-eluting balloons, stent implantation, and specialized procedures to reopen blocked vessels. Depending on their location and the findings, blood clots in arteries or veins can be removed using catheter-based procedures or, in certain situations, dissolved with medication.

Vascular Diseases, Chronic Wounds, and Dialysis Access Sites

Besides arterial vascular diseases, the clinic also treats varicose veins and venous thrombosis. Depending on the type and severity of the condition, a decision is made as to whether surgical, catheter-based, or vascular occlusion treatment is appropriate.

Another key focus is the management of chronic wounds, such as those associated with diabetic foot syndrome or leg ulcers (commonly known as “open legs”). In addition to improving blood circulation, modern wound treatment methods are available. The goal is to enhance wound healing, control infections, and preserve endangered limbs whenever possible.

Prof. Weigang offers the full range of dialysis access surgery for dialysis patients. This includes the initial placement of a dialysis shunt, surgical correction of existing shunts, and treatment of shunt occlusions. If necessary, dialysis catheters, port systems, and permanently tunneled Demers catheters can also be implanted.

Please visit the website of the Vivantes Auguste-Viktoria-Klinkum for more information