Cardiac Center OLV Aalst set trend with integration and holding model

Cardiac surgeons and cardiologists join forces at the OLV Clinic in Aalst, setting a new trend in collaborative cardiac care.

"We should not confront the patient with the world of cardiologists and cardio surgeons: most people do not even know the difference between the two disciplines", say cardio surgeon Frank Van Praet and cardiologist Eric Wyffels. "That is why we are now tackling all cardiac pathology together. Without energy loss in competition."

This innovative approach to cardiac care, featured in De Specialist (the magazine for specialist doctors in Belgium), highlights how the Heart Center Aalst has pioneered an integration model where different cardiac disciplines work seamlessly together for the benefit of patients.

The holding model adopted by the center ensures that all cardiac specialists — surgeons and cardiologists alike — collaborate in a unified "Heart Team" approach, discussing the best strategy for each patient and combining transcatheter technologies with traditional cardiac surgery when needed.