The Gottsegen György National Cardiovascular Center (GOKVI), located in Budapest, Hungary, is a premier institution dedicated to the comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases across all age groups. Established in 1957 through the efforts of Dr. György Gottsegen, the center has grown into one of Hungary's largest tertiary cardiovascular institutions, providing care for over 1.7 million individuals.

Historical Background

Dr. György Gottsegen, after whom the institute is named, was a pioneering Hungarian physician born on June 18, 1906. He pursued medical studies in Paris and Vienna, graduating in 1929. Throughout his career, Dr. Gottsegen held various significant positions, including director roles at the Jewish Hospital in Budapest and the National Health Insurance Institute. His vision led to the establishment of the National Cardiological Institute in 1957, which was later named in his honor in 1997.

Comprehensive Services

GOKVI offers a wide range of services encompassing the entire cardiovascular spectrum. These include interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, heart transplantation, and vascular surgery. The center is uniquely positioned as the only facility in Hungary that provides specialized cardiovascular care from infancy through adulthood.

Annually, the institute manages approximately 9,000 inpatient cases and 90,500 outpatient visits. With 275 beds and 28 specialized outpatient clinics, GOKVI employs modern medical methods to ensure effective curative and preventive care, aiming to restore and improve patients' quality of life.

Research and Education

Beyond clinical services, GOKVI is a hub for scientific research and education. The center oversees several national registries, including those for myocardial infarction, heart failure, vascular interventions, heart surgery, coronary interventions, pacemakers/ICDs, and congenital heart diseases. These registries provide unique opportunities for studying cardiovascular diseases and advancing medical knowledge.

The institute actively participates in both graduate and postgraduate medical training, as well as professional health education and continuous learning programs. This commitment ensures the development of skilled healthcare professionals equipped to address the evolving challenges in cardiovascular medicine. ​

Mission and Vision

GOKVI's mission is to deliver high-quality medical services, educate the community and patients, and lead innovative research for future healthcare advancements. The center's vision is to be a national leader in health, aiming to improve the well-being of Hungarians and beyond. Core values include patient-centered care, teamwork, community commitment, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.