New approaches to treating cardiac arrhythmias: research and treatment in Germany

Automatically translated from German. · Read original

Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly following a heart attack, are the leading cause of death in Germany, but new research and improved treatment approaches offer hope for those affected. Scientists in Bonn have succeeded in drastically reducing cardiac arrhythmias in animal trials, and cardiac surgery is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Key points at a glance

• Researchers in Bonn reduced cardiac arrhythmias in animal trials by implanting specialised muscle cells.
• Cardiac arrhythmias are the most common cause of death following a heart attack.
• Atrial fibrillation affects over 1.6 million people in Germany and leads to more than 500,000 hospital admissions per year.
• Interdisciplinary hybrid procedures combining cardiac surgery and cardiology are recommended for complex cases of atrial fibrillation.
• The number of people with atrial fibrillation could double by 2050.

How new cell therapies could reduce cardiac arrhythmias

New research findings from Bonn and the USA reveal promising approaches to reducing cardiac arrhythmias. In animal experiments, scientists succeeded in drastically reducing these by implanting special muscle cells. Cardiac arrhythmias are the most common cause of death following a heart attack, as they lead to ventricular fibrillation with over 300 beats per minute, which means the brain is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen, as reported by DIE WELT on 6 July 2015.

The research team led by Bernd Fleischmann at the University of Bonn implanted embryonic heart cells into mice following a heart attack. Following this treatment, despite electrical stimulation of the heart, ventricular fibrillation occurred in only one in three animals – a rate comparable to that seen in healthy rodents. Without this treatment, every mouse was affected. The scientists later achieved similar results with genetically modified skeletal muscle cells. These cells were modified to produce the protein connexin 43, which is essential for electrical communication between heart muscle cells and a regular heartbeat. “Just a few thousand cells seem to be enough to prevent arrhythmias,” explained Fleischmann. He emphasised, however, that these results currently apply only to the mouse heart and that further research is needed to assess their applicability to humans.

Why atrial fibrillation is a growing challenge in Germany

Atrial fibrillation is a widespread condition affecting more than 1.6 million people in Germany and resulting in over 500,000 hospital admissions each year. The German Heart Report – Update 2026, presented on 16 September 2026, highlights cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, as the number of cases rises and associated risks increase, as reported by idw-online.de on 16 September 2026.

This development is particularly relevant for cardiac surgery, as around 12 to 13 per cent of cardiac surgery patients are also affected by atrial fibrillation. Prof. Dr Nicolas Doll, Head of Cardiac Surgery at the Schüchtermann Clinic in Bad Rothenfelde, emphasises that heart surgery often offers the opportunity to treat atrial fibrillation at the same time. In a procedure known as ablation, small scars are deliberately created in the heart tissue to interrupt the electrical signals that trigger or sustain atrial fibrillation. Although the scientific evidence supports concomitant ablation and European guidelines explicitly recommend it for mitral valve surgery, Doll says it is still performed too rarely. One reason for this is funding: the additional costs incurred by hospitals – including those for specialised medical equipment – are not reimbursed separately for certain heart operations.

What are hybrid procedures for cardiac arrhythmias?

Hybrid procedures are an innovative treatment option for complex atrial fibrillation, in which cardiac surgery and cardiology work closely together. In these procedures, specific areas of the atrium are first treated externally via cardiac surgery, after which the treatment is supplemented internally by a cardiological catheter procedure. Although guidelines now recommend such procedures for certain patients, they are still rarely used in Germany. Prof. Dr Nicolas Doll emphasises that, particularly in cases of complex, long-standing atrial fibrillation, the combination of both procedures may be more promising than catheter treatment alone. Fortunately, collaboration between cardiologists and cardiac surgeons is becoming increasingly established, as demonstrated by the Hy⁵ concept – a network of specialist centres that treats patients with difficult-to-treat atrial fibrillation according to a standardised approach.

The population is ageing, and the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age. Nicolas Doll estimates that the number of people with atrial fibrillation could even double by 2050. Atrial fibrillation significantly impairs quality of life, increases the risk of stroke and can lead to heart failure. Despite these challenges, there is cause for optimism, as treatment options have advanced significantly in recent years and new studies are showing who can particularly benefit from cardiac surgery and hybrid procedures. These findings are increasingly being incorporated into medical guidelines.

Psychological support for heart surgery

Alongside the physical aspects, mental health also plays an important role in heart surgery. Anxiety and symptoms of depression can place an additional burden on older people in the run-up to and following major surgery. Targeted psychological support before and after the procedure, as well as a review of medication, could aid recovery, as a clinical study by Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis found. The study, summarised by aponet.de on 11 September 2026, involved 306 people aged 60 and over who were due to undergo heart, cancer or orthopaedic surgery and who exhibited mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression.

One group received information materials on mindfulness, sleep and brain health, as well as eight to twelve telephone consultations with trained professionals focusing on mental wellbeing and coping with stress. In addition, pharmacists or doctors reviewed the participants’ medication to adjust or discontinue any potentially harmful drugs. Three months after the operation, anxiety and depressive symptoms had decreased more significantly in this intervention group than in the control group. The difference was particularly marked among cancer patients.

Prof. Joanna Abraham, one of the study’s authors, notes: “The period surrounding an operation is both a time of risk and an opportunity.” Stress can exacerbate existing symptoms of anxiety and depression, but preparing for an operation also offers the chance to identify such symptoms at an early stage and provide support. Prof. Eric J. Lenze, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine, emphasises: “Preparing the mind and the brain is just as important” as physical preparation.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the main causes of cardiac arrhythmia?

Heart rhythm disorders can have many causes, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalances and stress. They are the most common cause of death following a heart attack.

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Atrial fibrillation is treated depending on its severity and individual factors. Treatment methods include medication to control rhythm and heart rate, catheter ablation and, in certain cases, cardiac surgical ablation, often in combination with other heart operations.

What role do sex hormones play in cardiac arrhythmias?

Some studies suggest that sex hormones may be a potential risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias. However, research in this area is not yet complete and requires further investigation to confirm clear correlations.

Sources: DIE WELT · idw-online.de · aponet.de. Last updated: 21 October 2026.