PD Dr. med. Axel Unbehaun

PD Dr. med. Axel Unbehaun is a highly specialized cardiac surgeon and a global pioneer in the field of interventional cardiac surgery. As the Medical Director of the Structural Heart Intervention Programme (SHIP) at the German Heart Center Charité (DHZC), he manages one of the world's most active and advanced programs for minimally invasive heart valve therapies. Dr. Unbehaun is particularly renowned for his role in establishing the Berlin TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) program, which has successfully performed over 10,000 procedures under his guidance. His clinical philosophy centers on imaging-based strategy planning, in which high-resolution 3D diagnostics are used to customize hybrid surgical procedures for each patient. His scientific work is fundamentally translational, focusing on overcoming the physical limitations of current medical devices. He is an international authority on "Valve-in-Valve" (ViV) therapy, a technique used to replace failing biological heart valves without re-opening the chest—a critical solution for elderly or high-risk patients. His recent 2025–2026 research highlights include the management of redo procedures and the prevention of coronary artery obstruction during complex valve implants. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Unbehaun is a sought-after educator and proctor, traveling internationally to train other surgeons in the latest transcatheter and hybrid techniques, ensuring that the next generation of cardiac care is both less invasive and more precise.