In 2025, the Hannover Medical School (MHH), partner institution of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) at the BREATH site, once again ranks as the leading center for lung transplantation in Germany and across the entire Eurotransplant region.
With a total of 110 transplants performed, including 109 isolated lung transplants and one combined heart-lung transplant, Hannover was able to treat even more critically ill patients than in the previous year. This makes MHH the only center to perform over 100 lung transplants in 2025, accounting for roughly one-third of all procedures in Germany.
MHH also demonstrated exceptional strength in the pediatric field. Across all Eurotransplant countries, only twelve children received lung transplants in 2025—and all of these procedures were performed at MHH. The high demand for expertise in pediatric lung medicine highlights Hannover’s unique role in this highly specialized area.
For the DZL BREATH site, this development sends an important signal: clinical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational research converge here and directly benefit patients.
“Especially in times of increasing staff shortages, it is far from a given not only to maintain such high standards but even to further improve them,” emphasizes Fabio Ius, head of the surgical lung transplantation team at MHH and DZL scientist at BREATH. “I am very proud of the entire team’s achievements and delighted that we can give so many people a new chance at life.”
Source: BREATH
