Many patients believe that having a heart condition automatically means surgery. It’s a thought that can cause anxiety, but in reality, this is not always the case. The decision for surgery is never made hastily. It is recommended only when there is a clear medical indication and when the procedure is expected to provide meaningful benefit to the patient’s health and quality of life. Our goal is always to recommend the option that is most appropriate and safest for each patie

Recently, we welcomed a patient back for her post-operative follow-up after undergoing triple heart valve surgery. Despite the complexity and severity of the procedure, her recovery has been smooth and stable. Her cooperation with the multidisciplinary team, along with her positive attitude and trust, played an important role in her recovery. This case highlights the importance of specialised cardiac surgical care and structured follow-up, even in advanced age.

Oral health plays an important role before and after cardiac surgery, especially in patients undergoing heart valve procedures. Oral infections and gum disease may increase the risk of serious complications such as infective endocarditis. Regular dental care and proper oral hygiene are essential parts of long-term cardiovascular health and post-surgical care.

Learn the difference between a cardiologist, interventional cardiologist, and cardiac surgeon. These specialties work together to provide complete heart care, from diagnosis and medical treatment to interventional procedures and surgical management. At the Cardiac Innovation Center, we specialise in cardiac surgery and advanced surgical treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Hypertension is common and often silent. Proper blood pressure control is important for everyone, and even more after cardiac surgery, as it supports smooth recovery and maintains the surgical outcome. It is an essential part of postoperative follow-up and daily patient care.

At the Cardiac Innovation Center, each patient is assessed individually, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We consider the diagnosis, symptoms, age, overall health, and test results (echo, CT, angiography) to determine the most appropriate treatment, ranging from monitoring and medical therapy to cardiac surgery when needed.

A sternotomy (opening of the breastbone) is not always necessary for cardiac surgery. At Cardiac Innovation Center, advanced minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures, are used to provide safe solutions with less trauma and faster recovery.

What to expect during your first visit with our team at the Cardiac Innovation Center — a consultation focused on understanding your condition, reviewing your results, and guiding you through the next steps.

This year, the Cardiac Innovation Center took part in ACC.26 in New Orleans, the annual congress of the American College of Cardiology, where we presented a study based on our center’s clinical experience.

After a cardiac surgery, patients often keep a small pillow — which we at the hospital call a “baby” — on their chest. And it’s not just for comfort! This little pillow supports, protects, and brings relief during the first days of recovery.

Kardouli isn’t just a teddy bear — he has his own story and a special little scar on his heart, just like the children he accompanies.

At the Cardiac Innovation Center we know that heart surgery can be stressful — and even more overwhelming for parents. We guide families through all stages: diagnosis, preparation, heart surgery or catheter-based procedures, post-operative intensive care, and follow-up recovery. Our experience shows that clear guidance and support reduce anxiety and ensure the safety, well-being, and recovery of every child.

Congenital heart defects are structural heart abnormalities present from birth and require specialized diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. The Cardiac Innovation Center is the only specialized pediatric cardiac surgery center in Cyprus, providing comprehensive care for newborns, children, adolescents, and adults using advanced interventional and surgical techniques, allowing patients to receive high-level treatment locally without traveling abroad.

February: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month at Cardiac Innovation Center

Dr. Giorgos Shiakos, Head of the Cardiosurgical ICU, talks about the Heart ICU at the Cardiac Innovation Center in Apollonio Hospital — a specialized cardiac unit that follows international standards and provides focused, safe, and personalized care.

Within a single week, our team treated two patients with dextrocardia — a rare congenital condition in which the heart is located on the right side of the chest. In both cases, this was accompanied by situs ambiguous, an even rarer anatomical variation. These are the kinds of cases a cardiac surgeon may never encounter in an entire career — yet they presented twice within one week at our center.

Living with a mechanical valve requires attention to your diet — mainly due to anticoagulant therapy (e.g., warfarin) that patients take. With small but consistent choices, you can protect your heart and live a normal life 💙 🔹 Watch your vitamin K intake: Vitamin K, found mainly in dark green vegetables like spinach, cabbage, broccoli, parsley, and Brussels sprouts, can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications. This means that if consumed in excessive amounts,

💙 An evening dedicated to the education and care of children, adolescents, and adults with congenital heart disease, featuring two leading experts who shared invaluable knowledge: 🔹 Professor Michael Gatzoulis — Royal Brompton Hospital, London 🔹 Prof. Dr. Ioannis Tzanavaros — Cardiac Innovation Center, Apollonio Hospital 🙏 We warmly thank everyone who attended and participated in the lecture, as well as the Parents and Friends of Children with Heart Disease Association fo

🎅 Santa Claus worked his magic again this year and brought amazing gifts to all our little patients, filling our hospital with joy and smiles! 🙏 A huge thank you to Santa’s helpers, Latchi Water Sports Centre , for their incredible generosity in bringing wonderful gifts to the children who underwent cardiac surgery last week. 💙 #cardiacinnovationcenter #cyprus #cyprushealth #cardiacsurgery #hearthealth #chd

The Cardiac Innovation Center and the Cardiology Clinic of Apollonion Private Hospital at the forefront of innovation — First use of ECMO for heart and lung support in a patient with fulminant myocarditis in Cyprus A historic milestone for cardiac support innovation in Cyprus was achieved, as our team at the Cardiac Innovation Center of Apollonion Private Hospital successfully applied for the first time in Cyprus the method of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenatio