Helios Krefeld: New dual leadership of the Department of Pulmonology
Dr. Benoit Krämer-Relius and Mathias Lehmann jointly lead the Department of Pulmonology, Sleep and Respiratory Medicine at Helios Hospital Krefeld within a collegial chief physician model. Both specialists in internal medicine and pulmonology have shared a strong commitment to respiratory medicine for more than 10 years and are closely connected to the hospital.
“Krefeld and the hospital have long become more than just a workplace for us. Dr. Streuter always supported us with his enthusiasm and gave us the freedom to develop professionally and personally,” says Mathias Lehmann, describing their shared journey — from excellent, broad training in internal medicine, pulmonology, and intensive care to being fully equipped to lead the lung center into the future at the highest level.
They jointly oversee the wards and cover the entire spectrum of pulmonology as a team.
Complementary strengths
Their specializations complement each other perfectly:
- Dr. Krämer-Relius focuses on complex thoracic oncology, leads specialized outpatient care for bronchial carcinoma, and chairs interdisciplinary tumor boards;
- Mathias Lehmann specializes in intensive care, respiratory support, and ventilator weaning, overseeing dedicated units and intensive care services.
“Our goal is to bring patients back to life. To achieve this, we use state-of-the-art technology, combining human care and strong motivation with perseverance in reducing dependency on ventilation machines and improving quality of life.”
Breakthrough in lung cancer diagnostics
A key focus lies on diagnosing and treating lung cancer. Cutting-edge technology is transforming examinations in suspected malignancies — a breakthrough in the early detection of one of the deadliest cancers.
Since early April, the innovative robotic bronchoscopy system Ion Endoluminal System has been used at the hospital, benefiting patients from Helios lung centers in Duisburg and Krefeld. It enables highly precise diagnostics. Modern navigation bronchoscopy allows safe detection of small and hard-to-reach lung nodules, reducing the need for further invasive procedures.
Before the procedure, a CT scan creates a detailed 3D image of the lungs. The system software generates a “digital twin” of the airways and calculates the safest route to the suspicious area — similar to a car navigation system.
During the procedure, a thin flexible catheter with a camera is guided into the bronchi under anesthesia and navigated to the lesion. A Cone Beam CT scan confirms positioning, allowing millimeter-precise tissue sampling even in deep lung areas.
The method is highly accurate and involves fewer complications. Multiple lesions can be examined in a single session.
If lung cancer is confirmed, an interdisciplinary tumor board quickly determines an individualized treatment plan.
“The strong team at the Krefeld Lung Center has set nationwide benchmarks for optimal patient care through its successful model project. Dr. Krämer-Relius and Mr. Lehmann have played a major role in this. Their joint application for the chief physician position is a recognition of what has been achieved and shows that quality is an investment — and good medicine is the result of consistent collaboration and shared vision,”
emphasized Birger Messthaler, Managing Director of the hospital.
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