Prof. Dr. med. Carsten Skurk

Prof. Dr. med. Carsten Skurk is a highly regarded interventional cardiologist and intensive care specialist serving as the Deputy Director of the Department of Cardiology at the Benjamin Franklin Campus of the Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC). His clinical work is centered on the management of high-risk cardiac patients, with a specific focus on complex coronary interventions, cardiogenic shock, and the use of mechanical circulatory support systems such as the Impella and ECMO. As the head of the Cardiac Arrest Center and the Intensive Care Unit at the Benjamin Franklin campus, he has played a pivotal role in advancing treatment protocols for patients following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, emphasizing the integration of rapid interventional diagnostics with advanced life support. His scientific profile is marked by a bridge between basic molecular research and large-scale clinical trials. Prof. Skurk has made significant contributions to understanding vascular biology, particularly the roles of signaling pathways and transcription factors such as FOXO3 in cardiac remodeling and inflammation. He is frequently involved in international multicenter trials, including the TOMAHAWK and CULPRIT-SHOCK studies, which have shaped modern guidelines for treating myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. His collaborative approach is further evidenced by his involvement in interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the neurocardiology "Brain-Heart" boards, which seek to optimize secondary stroke prevention through specialized cardiac interventions.