Pediatric heart surgeon during open heart surgery., Wolfram Scheible für Nationales Register

Physicians

Research Strengthens Practice.

Every two hours, physicians safe the life of a child with congenital heart disease. Our research efforts are aimed at assuring these children's wellbeing. From the first heart beat to old age.

Join the Research Network

Prof. Dr. Tanja Rädle-Hurst, ACHD cardiologist, Wolfram Scheible für Nationales Register — Prof. Dr. Tanja Rädle-Hurst, ACHD cardiologist

Prof. Dr. med. Tanja Rädle-Hurst, ACHD cardiologist

“We do our utmost to make sure that our patients reach old age; and that they do so well.”

Interview with the ACHD professor

Der Kinderkardiologe Dr. med. Arnulf Boysen aus Karlsruhe, Nationales Register | Karolina Sobel — Der Kinderkardiologe Dr. med. Arnulf Boysen aus Karlsruhe

Dr. med. Arnulf Boysen, pediatric cardiologist in private practice

“The idea of setting up such a register was overdue and I take my hat off to the Competence Network for succeeding in doing so.”

Interview with the pediatric cardiologist

Raúl, educator, 31 years old., Nationales Register | privat — Raúl, educator, 31 years old.

Raúl, pedagogue, 31 years

“Who today knows firsthand what it is like to get old with congenital heart disease?” That is yet to be found out.”

Read Raúl's story

Dates

About our Research Activities

Compensate educational disadvantages, identify, and treat cognitive and psychological impairments at an early stage: Children with congenital heart defects and trisomy 21 need early individualized support.

Research Results | Education, Training and Career

Educational Barriers in Children with Congenital Heart Defects and Trisomy 21

Congenital heart disease is not a barrier to learning. However, in many cases, targeted multidisciplinary support is required. Children's mental health needs to become a greater focus of medical care. This is the conclusion of a recent German study.

To the research result

Swimming helps to prevent drowning and promotes heart health. This also applies to children with congenital heart defects.

Research Results | Exercise Capacity and Sports

Learn to Swim!

Like a fish in water? Learning to swim is good for everyone – it brings people together and is a life-saver. A recent study shows that too many children with congenital heart defects are not taught to swim. This is risky.

To the research result

Physician talking confidentially with a patient. The possibilities of palliative care and the patient's own wishes and fears should be discussed with the appropriately specialized doctors at an early stage.

Research Projects | Medicine and Healthcare

Optimal Care at the End of Life?

Good palliative care is important for all of us when needed - even in the case of incurable cardiovascular disease. But too few people take advantage of it. We are now conducting a study to find out why.

To the research project

News From the Competence Network and the Register

Constanze Pfitzer works and researches at the German Heart Center Charité (DHZC) on the neurological development of children with congenital heart defects.

Pressemitteilungen | Personalie, Medicine and Research, Education, Training and Career, Awards

Constanze Pfitzer receives the DGPK Science Award 2024

Constanze Pfitzer broke new ground with her registry study on the relationship between microcephaly and school development in children and adolescents with congenital heart defects. The DGPK is honoring her research work with the Science Award 2024.

To the press release

Living to a ripe old age with a congenital heart defect? This depends on specialized care and patient-focused research

Press Release | Medicine and Healthcare | Healthcare Research

Better Medical Care into Old Age

OptAHF paves the way for the treatment and further research of congenital heart defects. The Innovation Committee of the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has funded the long-term project. The results will now be used for the further development of guidelines.

To the press release

Julia Remmele works and conducts research at the German Heart Center Munich.

Press Release | Personalie | Awards

Julia Remmele awarded research prize

With support from the National Registry, Julia Remmele has conducted research on sequelae in young adults with congenital heart defects. In June, the DGPR and the German Heart Foundation awarded her the Science Prize of the Kurt and Erika Palm Foundation 2022.

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Taking Part in the Competence Network’s Research Activities

Join Our Research

Improving Patient Safety

All pediatric heart centers in Germany have joined the National Quality Assurance to enable a swift transfer of treatment and operation standards.

Joint Effort for Quality Assurance

A teenage jogger holds her chest, her face contorted in pain.

Join Our Research

Mykke Research

Too small alone? A single mosquito can achieve big things. Particularly so when joining forces with others. The multicenter register MYKKE serves to answer open questions related to epidemiology, diagnostics and treatment of the disease.

Would You Like to Join Us?

View into a research laboratory through an emergency fire door.

Join Our Research

Who is Involved in Our Research Activities?

At the National Register, research takes place at an international level. Let us take a look at a world map of research in congenital heart disease and go talk to those involved in doctor’s rooms and laboratories.

Learn more

Young patient having an ultrasound examination.,

Our Research is Needed.

It pays to take part.

At the Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects we conduct research together. For a swift transfer from research into practice. Benefit from a strong research network for the benefit of your patients.

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Become a member now.