University Hospital Heidelberg – Germany
About Prof. Dittmar Bockler
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler, MHBA, is the Medical Director (W3 Full Professor) of the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at University Hospital Heidelberg with over 32 years of experience. Treating nearly 6,000 inpatients and outpatients annually, he is internationally recognised among the best Vascular Surgery doctors in Germany.
- 32+ years of clinical experience in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
- Medical Director (since 2010), W3 Full Professor (since 2012), UKHD Heidelberg
- 353+ peer-reviewed scientific publications
- First in Europe to implant a TBE (Thoracic Branch Endoprothesis) custom stent graft (January 2024)
- ~6,000 inpatients and outpatients treated annually under his department's care
- Editorial board member — "The Surgeon," "Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery," and "Journal of Endovascular Therapy"
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- Medical Studies (MD / Graduation) — Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
- Doctoral Thesis (Dr. med., DM) — Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, 1994 (Thesis: Conservative treatment after splenic trauma in adults; Advisor: Prof. Dr. J. Scheele)
- Habilitation in Surgery — University of Heidelberg, Germany
- MHBA (Master of Health Business Administration) — Healthcare Management
Fellowships & Special Training
- Specialist Training in Surgery — University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany, 1994–1998 (with one year in critical care medicine)
- Specialist Training in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery — Klinikum Nürnberg-Süd, Germany, 1998–2001
- License for Medical Practice — Germany, USA, and South Africa (1993)
- Additional Specialisation in Phlebology, 2002
Certifications & Accreditations
- German Medical Council Registration
- German Board of Surgery — 1998
- German Board of Vascular Surgery — 2001
- Phlebology Certification — 2002
- Member & Board Member — German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG)
- Member — Professional Association of German Surgeons (BDC)
- Member — European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS)
- Member — International Society of Endovascular Specialists (ISES)
- Member — Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)
Areas of Expertise
Major Conditions Treated
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
- Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Arch Pathology
- Aortic Dissection
- Carotid Artery Stenosis (Stroke Prevention)
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) of Leg and Foot
- Diabetic Foot Disease
- Visceral & Renal Artery Aneurysms
- Penetrating Aortic Ulcer
- Vascular Trauma
- Varicose Veins & Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Rare Forms of Arterial and Venous Disease
Sub-specialties
- Endovascular Aortic Surgery: Specialist in EVAR, TEVAR, and complex aortic arch endografts; first in Europe to implant the TBE custom stent graft (January 2024) — a leading Vascular Surgery specialist in Heidelberg, Germany.
- Carotid & Stroke Prevention Surgery: Internationally recognised authority on carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting — recognised among the best Vascular Surgery doctors in Germany.
- Peripheral Vascular Surgery: Specialist in arteriosclerotic limb obstruction, diabetic foot, and peripheral revascularisation.
Advanced Procedures & Treatments
- EVAR (Endovascular Aortic Repair)
- TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair)
- Custom-made Aortic Arch Endografts (TBE — Thoracic Branch Endoprothesis)
- Open Thoracoabdominal Aortic Surgery
- Hybrid Aortic Procedures (Hybrid OR with intraoperative imaging)
- Carotid Endarterectomy
- Carotid Stenting
- Peripheral Arterial Bypass & Angioplasty
- Diabetic Foot Salvage
- 3D Computer-Assisted Aortic Surgery Planning
- Color-Coded Duplex Sonography & Intraoperative Quality Control
- Endovenous Therapy for Varicose Veins
Professional Experience
Current Affiliation
- University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD), Heidelberg, Germany — Medical Director, Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, since 2010 (Present)
- Heidelberg University, Germany — W3 Full Professor of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, since 2012 (Present)
- Kreiskrankenhaus Heppenheim, Germany — Medical Director, Department of Vascular Surgery, since 2013 (Present)
Past Affiliations
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany — Acting Director, Department of Vascular Surgery, 2007–2009
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany — Senior Registrar and Deputy Director, Department of Vascular Surgery, 2006–2013
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany — Senior Registrar, Department of Vascular Surgery, 2002–2005
- Klinikum Nürnberg-Süd, Germany — Resident, Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 1998–2001
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany — Resident, Department of General, Visceral and Trauma Surgery (with critical care training), 1994–1998
- University of Düsseldorf, Germany — Offered Professorship in Vascular Surgery, 2011 (declined)
Academic & Research Roles
- W3 Full Professor of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery — Heidelberg University (since 2012)
- Extraordinary Professor of Surgery — University of Heidelberg, since 2009
- Editorial board member — "The Surgeon," "Central Journal for Surgery," "Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery," "Journal of Endovascular Therapy," "Gefässchirurgie"
- Board Member — German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG)
- Author of 353+ peer-reviewed scientific publications
Key Achievements
- 32+ years of dedicated experience in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
- Medical Director of one of the oldest and largest vascular centres in Germany
- ~6,000 patients treated annually under his department
- First in Europe to implant TBE custom stent graft (January 2024)
- 353+ scientific publications
- 2 hybrid operating theatres for high-precision intraoperative imaging
- Cooperation with Baptist Cardiovascular Center, Miami, USA
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Multiple recognitions from German Society for Vascular Surgery (DGG)
- International recognition for first-in-Europe TBE custom stent graft implantation (2024)
- Member — German Society for Vascular Surgery Board (Vorstand)
Professional Memberships
- German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG) — Board Member
- Professional Association of German Surgeons (BDC)
- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS)
- International Society of Endovascular Specialists (ISES)
- Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)
Research & Publications
Published Papers (Selected)
- Böckler D, et al. 353+ peer-reviewed publications focusing on endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms, complex aortic surgery, and carotid artery disease. Full citation list available via PubMed and University Hospital Heidelberg.
- Böckler D. Doctoral thesis: "Conservative treatment after splenic trauma in adults." Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 1994.
Ongoing Research & Clinical Interests
- Endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms (EVAR / TEVAR)
- Custom-made aortic arch endografts (TBE registry coordination)
- Carotid surgery and stroke prevention
- Aortic dissection management
- Quality registries in vascular surgery
Estimated Treatment Costs
| Procedure / Consultation | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Vascular Surgery Consultation | €300 – €600 | $325 – $650 |
| EVAR (AAA Repair) | €18,000 – €35,000 | $19,500 – $38,000 |
| TEVAR (Thoracic Aortic Repair) | €25,000 – €45,000 | $27,000 – $48,500 |
| Custom-Made Arch Endograft (TBE) | €55,000 – €90,000 | $59,500 – $97,200 |
| Open Thoracoabdominal Aortic Surgery | €35,000 – €65,000 | $38,000 – $70,000 |
| Carotid Endarterectomy | €10,000 – €18,000 | $10,800 – $19,500 |
| Peripheral Arterial Bypass | €12,000 – €22,000 | $13,000 – $23,800 |
*Indicative estimates only. Actual costs subject to hospital pricing, case complexity, and insurance. Contact Cancer Rounds for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What advanced technologies does Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler use in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery treatment?
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler employs the latest evidence-based tools and minimally invasive techniques relevant to Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. Virtual consultations and remote second opinions are also available to international patients. Contact Cancer Rounds for a detailed technology overview specific to your case.
2. What conditions does Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler specialize in treating?
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler is a specialist in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, treating a broad spectrum of conditions in this field — including both common presentations and complex, rare cases. International patients seek treatment for conditions requiring expert Vascular and Endovascular Surgery care in Heidelberg, Germany.
3. How do I book an appointment with Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler?
Appointments with Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler can be booked directly through the Cancer Rounds website or by contacting their international patient department for priority scheduling.
4. Can international patients receive treatment from Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler?
Yes. Cancer Rounds provides full assistance for international patients seeking treatment from Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler, including medical visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and local accommodation coordination.
5. What support is available for international patients?
International patients benefit from a dedicated concierge service provided by Cancer Rounds, including language interpretation, financial counselling, and pre-travel virtual consultations to review medical records before arrival.
6. Does Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dittmar Böckler offer second opinions for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery cases?
Yes. Second opinion consultations can be arranged via Cancer Rounds for patients who wish to review their diagnosis or treatment plan with an expert Vascular and Endovascular Surgery specialist in Heidelberg, Germany.
