Investing in medical innovation

For a university hospital, innovation is indispensable. By continuously investing in research, new treatments and state-of-the-art technology, UZ Leuven has secured a top position in a lot of disciplines either in Belgium or internationally.

Centre for endometriosis

Thanks to its innovative and multidisciplinary approach, the Leuven centre for endometriosis gained a place in the world ranking for endometriosis surgery. Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder which affects an estimate of one in ten women and that can lead to pain and infertility.

Centre for human genetics

The centre for human genetics (CME) at UZ Leuven organises the genetic consultations of the hospital. Patients with a hereditary disorder are provided with advice, a diagnosis and treatment. In addition to the medical part, there is a lot of attention for the social, ethical and psychological aspects.

Foetal surgery

More and more international patients come to UZ Leuven when they need foetal surgery, a operation or procedure on the unborn child. The centre for foetal surgery in Leuven is one of the biggest in Europe.

Leuvens cancer institute

In the Leuven cancer institute, doctors, nurses, basic scientists and clinical researchers pool their knowledge and experience in the fight against cancer. Research, therapy and care find another in a reinforced interaction.

Medical applications of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI), which includes machine learning, has more and more applications in the medical world. UZ Leuven also contributes to 'smarter' healthcare for the future.

Pellenberg rehabilitation centre

The UZ Leuven rehabilitation centre, in the middle of the woods and fields of Pellenberg near Leuven, is a leading rehab centre for in- and outpatients. All post-acute rehabilitation patients, with the exception of paediatric rehabilitation, can be treated at the Pellenberg campus.

Rare diseases

UZ Leuven has always championed the research into and care of patients with a rare disorder. The search for a treatment of rare diseases is not only a challenge in terms of medical innovation, but is also part of the social task of a third-line hospital.

Reference centre for oesophageal and pancreatic surgery

On 1 July 2019 UZ Leuven became an official Belgian reference centre for both oesophageal and pancreatic surgery. As a result of the high number of patients and the extensive multidisciplinary framework UZ Leuven can guarantee the best possible care for patients undergoing pancreatic or oesophageal surgery.

Transplant centre

The Leuven transplant centre is known as a ground-breaker for heart, liver, lung and kidney transplants. The Leuven transplant surgeons were at the leading edge of the current transplant policy in Belgium and is always looking for innovative techniques.

Traumatology

UZ Leuven is the first recognised level 1 trauma centre in Belgium. As a university trauma centre the department wants to guarantee the best care for all victims of an accident, for which quick intervention is often crucial. This is possible thanks to a modified hightech infrastructure of a specialised trauma team.

News

Irradiation on the heart for life-threatening arrhythmias is Belgian first

UZ Leuven is the first to radiate a patient's heart to help prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.

New gene therapy for congenital blindness

13 January 2023

The first gene therapy for hereditary retinal disease, voretigene neparvovec or Luxturna, has recently been approved for use. UZ Leuven doctors have treated a first patient with this new type of gene therapy. If diagnosed in time, Luxturna can prevent further progression of the disorder.

First patient with oesophageal cancer treated with proton therapy

14 December 2022

At the end of November, it was the first time a patient with oesophageal cancer was treated in Belgium. This was done in the Leuven proton therapy centre PARTICLE, as part of the first European phase 3 study on the potential benefits of proton irradiation in that type of cancer.

First Flemish patient with vocal chord disorder operated using a new technique

3 December 2019

At UZ Leuven the first Flemish patient was recently operated on using a new technique to repair non-working vocal cords. The technique is used when one of the two vocal cords stops working due to a damaged laryngeal nerve.

Last edit: 2 June 2023