First in Israel

Hillel Yaffe’s Cardiology Division has used the highly innovative AlphaVac technique for removing blood clots from the lungs, marking a first in Israel. Dr. Ofer Kobo, senior physician in the Cardiology Division and one of the physicians who performed the procedure, said, “This is an exceptional new life-saving technique."

The Cardiology Division at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center is the first in Israel to use AlphaVac technology to remove blood clots from lungs. The procedure was performed on a 55-year-old patient who was brought to the Emergency Medicine Department at Hillel Yaffe with complaints of shortness of breath after returning following a long flight from Thailand about a week earlier. The patient underwent imaging tests that revealed he had a major bilateral pulmonary embolism. After discussion among multidisciplinary professional teams, it was decided to transfer him to the catheterization lab to remove the blood clot from his lungs.

A physician from Hillel Yaffe Medical Center’s Cardiology Division performing the AlphaVac procedure

The procedure was performed successfully by a team of experts from the Cardiology Division, Dr. Rami Abu Fanne, Dr. Ofer Kobo and Dr. Guy Schoenmann, who stated, "This is a new technique that had never been used in Israel before. We are pleased that the procedure was successful and proud to implement the most advanced technology and medical innovation for the benefit of our patients."

Prof. Ariel Roguin, Cardiology Division Director, said that in cases of shortness of breath after very long flights or after long bus rides, quick and early investigation is extremely important. These are situations where, due to lack of movement, blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, and they can migrate to the pulmonary arteries. This procedure adds to the arsenal of cutting-edge medical procedures performed at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center.