For the Very First Time: Repair of Heart Valve Leak Using Catheterization

The Cardiology Department at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center recently performed its first mitral valve regurgitation (leak) repair through specialized catheterization. By implanting a clip, doctors were able to bring together the two valve leaflets that were not closing properly, preventing further leakage. Up until now, complex patients with valve leaks were referred to distant hospitals with cardiothoracic surgery departments as backup in case they needed heart surgery to repair the leak. Recently, the Ministry of Health approved performance of this procedure at medical centers without cardiothoracic surgery departments.

Innovative heart valve surgery performed for the first time at Hillel Yaffe

"This is a procedure that eliminates the need for complex, major surgery in patients with severe mitral valve leakage who are at high risk for morbidity and mortality during open-heart surgery. This approach reduces the likelihood of repeat hospitalizations, shortness of breath and pulmonary edema, and significantly improves patients' quality of life and daily functioning. After in-depth specialized training for our team, we've successfully implemented the skills and knowledge to perform this important procedure," said Dr. Rami Abu Fana, Director of the Catheterization Unit at Hillel Yaffe, who performed the procedure together with Dr. Ofer Kobo, a senior physician in the Cardiology Department, in collaboration with the Echo Lab and Anesthesiology Department.

Professor Ariel Roguin, Director of the Cardiology Department, stated, "This is a unique technique that was previously only permitted in hospitals with cardiothoracic surgery departments. Recently, the Ministry of Health has worked to make this procedure available to all Israeli populations, even in hospitals without cardiothoracic surgery departments, and by doing so improving the level of health care in Israel. From now on, the regional population can undergo this procedure here at Hillel Yaffe. Our Cardiology Department continues to innovate all the time and provides solutions for a wide range of heart diseases using the most innovative and advanced technologies with results that match international standards of excellence."