Dr. Assen Keltchev, MD, PhD – Cardiac Surgeon

Dr Assen Keltchev, MD, PhD, is a distinguished specialist in cardiac and vascular surgery and Head of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Acibadem City Clinic Vitosha Hospital.

He graduated with honours from the Medical University of Sofia in 2004. He holds specialist qualifications in Cardiac Surgery and Vascular Surgery, as well as a Master’s degree in Healthcare Management. He obtained his PhD with a dissertation focused on the surgical treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism.

His professional interests include minimally invasive cardiac surgery, the surgical treatment of heart valve and aortic diseases, coronary surgery, and complex reconstructive procedures. The team led by Dr.Keltchev was the first in Bulgaria to introduce aortic valve implantation through a small incision between the ribs, without opening the breastbone. This less invasive approach reduces surgical trauma and supports a faster recovery.

Dr.Assen Keltchev has extensive experience in both elective and emergency cardiac surgery. He also works in multidisciplinary teams on complex procedures requiring close collaboration between cardiac, vascular and thoracic surgeons.

He is fluent in English and French.