Prof. Clemens Steinwender

Prof. Clemens Steinwender is Head of the Department of Cardiology at Kepler University Hospital (formerly AKH Linz) in Linz, Austria, one of Austria's largest tertiary referral centres. With 25 years of specialist cardiology experience, his clinical and research focus is in cardiac electrophysiology — the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. He has built the electrophysiology programme at Kepler University Hospital into a high-volume centre performing several hundred catheter ablation procedures annually. Prof. Steinwender is a recognised academic physician, holding a university appointment and supervising cardiology registrars. He is known for his evidence-based approach and commitment to adopting minimally invasive techniques that improve patient outcomes and shorten recovery times.

Prof. Steinwender completed his medical degree (MD) at an Austrian medical university, followed by specialist cardiology training at leading Austrian and international centres. He obtained his subspecialty training in clinical electrophysiology and cardiac device therapy. He holds Fellowship of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC) and Fellowship of the European Heart Rhythm Association (FEHRA), reflecting international recognition of his expertise. He has completed advanced training programmes in catheter ablation including atrial fibrillation ablation techniques (pulmonary vein isolation, cryoablation) and complex ventricular arrhythmia management.

Prof. Steinwender's core expertise is in interventional electrophysiology. He performs high volumes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation using both radiofrequency energy and cryoablation, as well as ablation for atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia. He implants and manages pacemakers, ICDs, and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices for patients with heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias. His practice also includes comprehensive electrophysiology studies, tilt table testing, and the investigation of unexplained syncope. He actively contributes to multicentre European registry studies on ablation outcomes.

Kepler University Hospital Linz is accessible to international patients from neighbouring European countries, particularly Germany, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe. Prof. Steinwender consults in German and English. International patients seeking evaluation for complex arrhythmias or second-opinion assessment for ablation suitability are welcome. Linz is well connected via Vienna International Airport (approximately 2 hours by train or road). The hospital's international patient office can assist with appointment coordination and medical record review prior to consultation. Treatment costs for EU and non-EU patients are available upon request.

Prof. Steinwender has published extensively in peer-reviewed cardiology journals including the European Heart Journal, Heart Rhythm, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. He has been a co-investigator and national coordinator in several multicentre European clinical trials in cardiac electrophysiology. He serves on committees of the European Heart Rhythm Association and has delivered lectures at major cardiology congresses including ESC Congress, EHRA Europace, and HRS. He has received awards from the Austrian Society of Cardiology for contributions to Austrian cardiology research.