The University Heart Center Freiburg
The University Heart Center in Bad Krozingen is part of the University of Freiburg and is one of Germany's leading centers for cardiac and vascular surgery. The clinic is headed by Prof. Dr. Martin Czerny, an internationally renowned heart surgeon. Surgical procedures are performed at the University Heart Center in Bad Krozingen. There, patients receive care according to the latest standards – with close links to research, teaching, and interdisciplinary expertise.
Since January 2026, Prof. Dr. med. Sacha P. Salzberg has been working there as a visiting professor and teaching surgeon in the field of surgical atrial fibrillation ablation. Personal care and clear communication are at the heart of the treatment concept.
What is surgical ablation?
Surgical ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. It involves targeting the specific regions of the heart that are causing the arrhythmia. Hybrid ablation combines two procedures: catheter ablation (performed internally by an electrophysiologist) and surgical ablation and atrial appendage closure (performed externally using minimally invasive techniques).
This treatment is firmly established in the latest guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology from 2024. Prof. Salzberg was instrumental in the preparation of these guidelines. The aim is to achieve greater effectiveness in complex cases and long-term rhythm stabilization.
Who is surgical ablation suitable for?
This technique is particularly suitable for patients:
- with symptomatic or complex atrial fibrillation
- after unsuccessful catheter ablation
- if catheter ablation is not feasible or difficult, e.g., after PFO or ASD closure
- with long-lasting/persistent atrial fibrillation
- who want a second opinion
- When referred for surgical ablation or hybrid ablation (catheter + surgical)
- If anticoagulation needs or wants to be stopped. LAA Closure (as part of the procedure) is an alternative to blood thinners.
How do you contact us? (Step by step)
- Send documents:
It is helpful if we can access your medical records (ECG/Holter, echo, reports, medication), ideally by email. - Consultation in Munich or online.
In a detailed discussion, we will then clarify: Diagnosis and causes, previous therapy, suitable treatment options (catheter, surgical, hybrid), prospects of success and risks, aftercare - Individual treatment plan:
You will receive clear recommendations, including possible additional investigations (e.g., CT/MRI, long-term ECG). - Procedure in Zurich or at the University Heart Center Freiburg/Bad Krozingen:
If surgery is advisable, we will coordinate the procedure and appointments. - Follow-up care:
Follow-up care is provided in close consultation with your cardiologist/family doctor – and, if you wish, through our consultation hours.
Surgery: Freiburg location
Surgery is performed at the University Heart Center in Bad Krozingen (which belongs to the University of Freiburg). There, patients receive care according to the latest standards – with close links to research, teaching, and interdisciplinary expertise.
Prof. Dr. med. Sacha P. Salzberg works there as a visiting professor and experienced surgeon in the field of surgical atrial fibrillation ablation. Personal care and clear communication are at the heart of the treatment concept.
Address: Südring 15, DE-79189 Bad Krozingen
Phone: +49 (7633) 402 2601
Consultation hours:
Online:
An online consultation allows you to have a confidential initial consultation with a doctor. Please send us your medical records in advance, which we will carefully review. If the proposed therapy is suitable for you, we will contact you and arrange an appointment for the online consultation. This takes place via a secure, data-protected portal and offers you the opportunity to get to know your surgeon in advance and clarify any questions you may have.
Practice: Munich location
At our partner practice in Munich, we offer:
Special consultation hours for atrial fibrillation, second opinions, cardiological diagnostics as needed, structured surgery preparation and coordination
Address: Sports Cardiology Practice. Consultation hours with Prof. Salzberg, Törringstr. 6, DE-81675 Munich
Phone: +49 (89) 800 322 96
Contact / Appointments:
Mon - Fri from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: +49 (89) 800 322 96
Email: info@swiss-ablation.com
To ensure a quick appointment scheduling, please send us your documents in advance by email.
Note on insurance/costs
All patients are welcome (private and statutory). If costs cannot be covered, the consultation can also be paid for privately.