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A New Radiological Intervention Center in Freiburg

[29.07.2024]

On July 8, 2024, the Medical Center - University of Freiburg inaugurated the Radiological Intervention Center (RIZ), a unique facility in Baden-Württemberg.

This state-of-the-art, 460-square-meter facility was completed in just 17 months. The center features three advanced procedure suites equipped with the latest imaging technology, specializing in highly complex radiological interventions using a combination of computed tomography and angiography. It is one of the few centers of its kind in Germany and the only one in Baden-Württemberg.

"The RIZ is a modern facility dedicated to minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for a wide range of diseases," says Prof. Dr. Wibke Uller, Director of the RIZ and Head of the Interventional Radiology Section at the Department of Radiology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "We are proud to be one of Germany's pioneers in gentle and targeted interventional radiology care with the highest level of safety."

Internal bleeding, vascular occlusions and innovative cancer therapies

At the RIZ, doctors treat adults and children in emergencies, such as internal bleeding or vascular occlusions. This involves combining 3D image data from computed tomography with 2D data from angiography, which enables more precise therapies. "We are able to treat everyone here, from infants to the very elderly. The range of diseases that can be addressed through radiological intervention is expanding rapidly," says Prof. Dr. Fabian Bamberg, Medical Director of the Department of Radiology.

These procedures are becoming increasingly important in cancer therapy. At the RIZ, doctors can precisely and accurately perform tissue biopsies from targeted areas using advanced imaging guidance. In other procedures, the tumor can be minimally invasively isolated from their blood supply, heated or cooled down, depending on the specific treatment requirements.

"The Radiological Intervention Center will serve as a central point of contact, benefiting patients throughout the entire clinic. This development will significantly enhance patient care both within the region and beyond," says Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frederik Wenz, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "This accomplishment was largely made possible through our innovation partnership with Siemens Healthineers," Prof. Wenz adds.

Outpatient care with maximum safety for patients

The Radiological Intervention Center is situated on the main campus of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. It represents a significant advancement in transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care, allowing many patients to return home the same day after minimally invasive procedures. "This approach offers the quality of inpatient care without requiring an overnight stay," explains Prof. Dr. Uller.